AuctuCel Celebrates First Anniversary with Official Launch and Strategic Milestones
Image Caption: left to right: Lingesh Kumar, Scientific and Operations Manager of AuctuCel, Dr Fhu Chee Wai, Co-founder & CEO of AuctuCel, Prof Andy Hor, Deputy Chief Executive (Research), A*STAR, and A/Prof Andre Choo, Deputy Executive Director, Bioprocessing Technology Institute, A*STAR, Dr Zach Pang, Co-founder & Chief Scientific Officer of AuctuCel
AuctuCel, a pioneering biotech spin-off from Singapore’s A*STAR Bioprocessing Technology Institute, marked its first anniversary with a launch event on 9 September 2025, bringing together industry leaders, scientists, investors, and partners from across the region.
In just one year since incorporation, AuctuCel has achieved significant milestones that underscore its vision of transforming biomanufacturing with precision and innovation.
The event was graced by Prof Andy Hor, Deputy Chief Executive (Research), ASTAR, and A/Prof Andre Choo, Deputy Executive Director, Bioprocessing Technology Institute, ASTAR, who shared their presence and speeches.
Milestones and Achievements
- Incorporation (Sep 2024) – Founded to address long-standing challenges in cell culture media.
- Strategic Partnership & Investor Secured (Apr 2025) – Strengthening AuctuCel’s foundation for growth.
- Warehouse & HQ in Singapore (Jun 2025) – Establishing a physical base to serve regional clients.
- MoUs & Collaborations (Jul–Aug 2025) – Partnered with Cellaax, NIBM, UKM, UPM, Welala, TCELS, and Shimadzu.
- Financial Performance – Generated SGD110,000 in revenue within the first three months, with profit to date. Distributed over 200 bottles of culture media and reagents, serving 50+ customer accounts across Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Clientele includes leading institutions such as NUS, Duke-NUS, A*STAR, University of Malaya, UKM, UPM, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand Military Medical University, and several cell therapy companies.
Looking Ahead
Building on its early momentum, AuctuCel is projecting SGD350,000 in product sales from four cell therapy companies and over SGD100,000 in service fees from universities and therapy partners by the end of 2025.
The company is also supporting the establishment of three patient-derived organoid (PDO) biobanks in Malaysia, a testament to its commitment to advancing innovative bioprocessing solutions.
In addition, AuctuCel announced the upcoming launch of Minré, an advanced skincare range powered by exosome science, as its first consumer-facing spin-off.
Leadership Reflections
Dr Fhu Chee Wai, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of AuctuCel, shared:
“AuctuCel began as a small spin-off from BTI, A*STAR, and in just one year we’ve gone from zero to one — from an idea to a company with partners across the region, early revenues, and products already making impact. This anniversary isn’t just about us; it’s about the trust, belief, and support from our collaborators who made the journey possible.”
Dr Zach Pang, Chief Scientific Advisor and Co-founder, added:
It’s very exciting to see how our innovation in the lab can have commercial impact. Our journey is a testament of how science can create real industry and societal value when it is paired with vision and determination.
About AuctuCel
AuctuCel is a Singapore-based biotech company spun out of A*STAR’s Bioprocessing Technology Institute. The company aims to transform bioprocessing through advanced modelling, redefining culture media optimisation to unlock greater efficiency, lower costs, and intelligent, data-driven innovation.
Founded in 2024, AuctuCel partners with leading academic and industrial organisations across Asia to advance cell therapy, protein production, and bioprocess innovation.
Media Contact
hello@auctucel.com
Image caption: CEO Chee Wai giving speech
Image caption: Group picture
Image caption: Zach giving speech
Image caption: Product feature
Image caption: Product table
Image caption: Product table
Image Caption: left to right: Dr Zach Pang, Co-founder & Chief Scientific Officer of AuctuCel, Prof Yin Shigang, CEO of Sperikon, Dr Fhu Chee Wai, Co-founder & CEO of AuctuCel
Link to the event pictures (credit: AuctuCel)
