With each of our innovator stories, we get a chance to meet the people behind EU-funded ideas, which have the potential to change our future for the better.
For this edition, we had a short conversation with Märt-Erik Martens, CEO and co-founder of Gelatex. The Estonian startup pioneers scalable nanofiber production, cutting costs by up to 90% with patented HaloSpin™ technology. Focused on biotech, it enables scar-reducing wound care and more efficient drug discovery.
Gelatex won the Innovation Radar Prize 2024 in the Health Tech category.
“In our facilities lies the world’s most capable nanofiber production machine that works with our halospinning patented technology.“
Could you introduce yourself and tell us more about your innovation?
My name is Märt-Erik, I am co-founder and CEO of Gelatex. At Gelatex, we essentially commoditise nanofibers. What it means is that nanofibers are not new materials, they have been around for more than 100 years. But you probably have not heard too many applications where nanofibers are used.
Exactly because of that, as nanofibers are expensive and inaccessible, many innovations do not get commercialised. That is something that Gelatex is changing.
We have patented the technology to reduce the cost of nanofibers more than 90%. In our facilities lies the world’s most capable nanofiber production machine that works with this halospinning patented technology and our target markets are medical, biotech and food tech.
How important was it for you to win the Innovation Radar Prize?
Winning these types of awards is always a great recognition by the community that the innovation we are making truly matters for this audience.
What is the biggest impact EU funding has had on your journey so far?
We have been supported by European and Estonian grants throughout our development, among VC capital, and this plays an important role funding our R&D activities to bring the nanofiber innovation to the market.
Article published by EurA AG.
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