Three new biotech startups—In-Depth Focus, Herellex, and GeneGebra—have joined the LAB+ company builder, becoming part of its second cohort of companies since the program launched. Each startup will receive US$750,000 to advance its research and transform scientific breakthroughs into solutions with real-world impact.
The startups were selected through an international call for applications that attracted 32 submissions, followed by a rigorous due diligence process, technical and scientific evaluation by the LAB+ team, and the development of a tailored strategic plan for each company.
Meet the three startups joining the LAB+ company builder:
In-Depth Focus
In-Depth Focus is developing a platform built around the DIVER microscope, a technology that enables oncologists and pathologists to analyze biological tissue in real time during surgery, helping them detect tumor cells immediately.
The startup was created through a partnership between the Advanced Bioimaging Unit (UBA) at the Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, the Hospital de Clínicas, and FOCUS. The project is led by Leonel Malacrida (PhD in Biology, with postdoctoral training in Biophysics and head of the UBA), Javier Schandy (electrical engineer, PhD in Wireless Communications, and CEO of FOCUS) and Luis Inchausti (head electrician at the IP Montevideo).
Herellex
Herellex is harnessing bacteriophages—viruses that infect and replicate inside bacteria—to improve the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of tuberculosis, a disease that affects more than 10 million people worldwide each year.
The company was founded by Agustín Seijo (CEO, physician, University of Buenos Aires), Florencia Payaslian (CSO, biologist and PhD in Biological Chemistry, University of Buenos Aires), and Mariana Piuri (scientific advisor, biologist and PhD in Biological Chemistry, with postdoctoral training at the University of Pittsburgh).
GeneGebra
GeneGebra applies the principles of genomic algebra to optimize the storage and analysis of genomic data, transforming complex biological sequences into information that is more efficient, accessible, and useful for research. Genome analysis is a critical tool for disease diagnosis, precision medicine, and infectious disease surveillance.
The startup’s patented technology, combined with artificial intelligence agents, aims to democratize access to computational biology by streamlining complex workflows and significantly reducing the human, financial, and energy costs associated with genomic analysis.
GeneGebra was founded by Xavier Berthet, a biotechnology engineer and PhD in Microbiology who previously served as Scientific Director of the Institut Pasteur of Dakar.
Learn more about the startups here.
