Funke
Tissue Engineering

Many patients are dependent on donor tissue or organ donations. However, the high demand for donor tissue and organs cannot be met by far. Therefore, patients suffer from long waiting lists and countless medical challenges or die before a donation is available. Artificially produced tissue, on the other hand, promises a lasting improvement in the quality of life for these people.

In recent decades, scientists, engineers and doctors have developed tools to construct biological substitutes that mimic natural tissue. However, the ultimate goal of overcoming the limitations of traditional organ transplantation remains unachieved.

On November 1, 2023, the SPRIND Funke Tissue Engineering launched with four ambitious teams embarking a ten-month journey to explore and demonstrate the key characteristics of the artificial tissue. SPRIND provided up to EUR 500,000 in funding to support this groundbreaking work.

Stage 2, which would have included additional funding and support for planning first-in-human trials, did not take place. The milestones necessary to proceed to this stage were not fully met by a sufficient number of teams.

Innovation often involves discovering what works — and what doesn’t — before moving forward. Even when projects don’t continue along their envisioned trajectory, each phase offers learning opportunities that drive progress in the long term. SPRIND remains dedicated to fostering bold ideas and will continue to support innovators who push the boundaries of science and technology.