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UPM Biomedicals

MaterialsHelsinki, FinlandFounded 1996· One of 932 Materials companies tracked by AMPulse

Develops wood-based nanofibrillar cellulose hydrogels and bioinks for 3D bioprinting and cell culture, enabling sustainable, animal-free biomedical applications like tissue engineering and drug development.

CEO / Founder
Johana Kuncová-Kallio
Team Size
11-50
Stage
Active

Technology & Products

Key Products

GrowDex hydrogels; GrowInk bioinks; FibDex wound dressings; FibGel injectable hydrogel

Technological Advantage

Proprietary nanocellulose process protected by over 300 patents, enabling tunable stiffness and reproducibility in hydrogels, with ISO 13485 manufacturing for clinical use.

Differentiation

Value Proposition

Provides biocompatible, non-animal-derived hydrogels that mimic the extracellular matrix, reducing reliance on animal components and supporting consistent cell growth for research and clinical applications like wound care and bioprinting.

How They Differentiate

Offers wood-based, non-animal-derived nanocellulose hydrogels with over 300 patents, providing sustainable alternatives to competitors using animal-derived materials like collagen, with proven biocompatibility in clinical applications like FibDex wound care.

Market & Competition

Target Customers

Pharmaceutical companies, academic researchers, medical device manufacturers, distributors

Industry Verticals

Life Sciences; Medical Devices; Pharmaceuticals; Research

Competitors

BICO; CollPlant Biotechnologies; Organovo

Growth & Milestones

Growth Metrics

More than 300 patents protect products; 7,784+ LinkedIn followers; Products used in 3D bioprinting, tissue engineering, and advanced wound care applications

Major Milestones

Launched FibDex wound dressing in 2020 (class IIb medical device); Launched FibGel injectable hydrogel in 2024; Collaboration with CELLINK in 2021 for bioprinting developments; Distribution agreement with Brinter in 2023 for GrowInk bioinks

Notable Customers

Brinter; Cellbox; Aalto University