Our story

Starfish Innovations was born from basic and translational stem cell research performed within the LUMC. A team of committed scientists from different disciplines joined forces in their shared desire to bring their regenerative medicine technologies to the patient. This ambition was strongly supported by LUMC and Leiden University, who both prioritized regenerative medicine in medical research.   

While early clinical trials were initiated with various cell types, such as beta-, mesenchymal stromal- and dendritic cells, it soon became clear that clinical application at a larger scale required additional competencies and expertise. This observation led to the foundation of Starfish Innovations in 2016 to further support these translational activities. By attracting key personnel with the required competencies and while being at a, although short, distance from the academy, Starfish Innovations finds itself well positioned to leverage on the full range of cell research along all stages of development.