AuctuCel, a biotechnology spinoff from A*STAR’s Bioprocessing Technology Institute (BTI), has officially launched with the debut of its proprietary Fluxperior platform, an artificial intelligence-driven system that promises to transform the way cell-based medicines are manufactured. By replacing the conventional trial-and-error method of formulating nutrient “recipes” for growing therapeutic cells, Fluxperior leverages computer modelling and AI to predict precisely what nutrients cells need to thrive. This breakthrough dramatically cuts both cost and development time — slashing expenses by up to 80%, accelerating timelines by 83%, and improving cell productivity by more than 20%.
Developed from years of research at A*STAR BTI, Fluxperior offers AI-powered culture media optimisation, simulating nutrient consumption to identify optimal formulas without months of manual lab testing. Its versatility spans across CAR-T and CAR-NK therapies, stem cell treatments, cancer immunotherapies, vaccines, and antibody medicines, making it a powerful tool for biotech companies racing to bring advanced therapies to market. What once took more than half a year to achieve in the lab can now be completed in as little as one month.
The company was founded by Dr Chee Wai Fhu and Dr Zach Pang, both of whom drew inspiration from their own frustrations in academic research. Dr Chee, now AuctuCel’s Co-Founder and CEO, recalled struggling for months at the Cancer Science Institute of Singapore to keep fragile cancer cells alive with inconsistent nutrient mixes. Dr Pang, who serves as Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Advisor, envisioned a computational solution during his PhD in London after facing similar challenges with cell growth optimisation. Their combined expertise, supported by A*STAR BTI’s deep knowledge in bioprocess analytics, computational modelling, and culture media development, became the foundation of Fluxperior.
The company’s innovation has already attracted international interest and early investment. AuctuCel secured a six-figure pre-seed investment from a culture media manufacturer, along with S$50,000 in funding from Enterprise Singapore’s Startup SG scheme. With this strong backing, the startup projects profitability by the end of 2025. Industry response has also been swift, with biotech firms already adopting Fluxperior to accelerate cell therapy development, reduce costs, and scale up production. The technology has been featured in Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News, cited in peer-reviewed journals, and has facilitated joint research publications with global culture media manufacturers.
“We’re setting a new standard for precision in cell nutrition. This saves time in the lab and speeds up biotech innovation,” said Dr Chee Wai Fhu. Echoing the sentiment, Dr Zach Pang added, “This started as my personal frustration in the lab. Today, we’re solving it for the entire biotech industry.”
AuctuCel’s official launch event will take place on Monday, 9 September 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Singapore Polytechnic Graduate Guild. The event will showcase live demonstrations of Fluxperior, announce new industry partnerships, and feature product showcases, with attendees including regional biotech professionals, A*STAR collaborators, and global industry leaders.
With its AI-powered platform, visionary founders, and growing industry partnerships, AuctuCel is positioning itself at the forefront of Singapore’s expanding role as a global biotech innovation hub — driving forward the future of cost-effective, scalable, and precise cell therapy manufacturing.