A Cell Biologist Turned Co-Founder: Gregory Segala’s Journey with FluoSphera is Set to Revolutionize Drug Discovery

Gregory Segala, CSO and co-founder of FluoSphera, earned his Ph.D. from the University of Toulouse and continued as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Geneva, where his passion for cell research laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial journey.

Dr. Segala began his journey in academia, where he initiated and supervised his University’s first iGEM Team, during his time at the University of Geneva as a Postdoc. In 2019, he became the instructor for the iGEM UniGE-Geneva Team, leading students in the competition.

“We created the first iGEM team in the University of Geneva in 2019. During my PhD, I saw the iGEM Competition and I was fascinated by it. Once in my life, I wanted to create an iGEM team, because it’s a very exciting and enriching experience... We founded a team with students from the University of Geneva to participate in this competition, to use the network of iGEMers, and follow the philosophy of iGEM to make something meaningful to improve the world” 

- Gregory Segala, CSO and Co-founder of FluoSphera

Closing the Gap in Drug Discovery: Fluosphera’s Origin Story 

Following his Ph.D., Dr. Segala worked professionally as a cell biologist, where he encountered a significant challenge in research: Cell systems fail to adequately mimic the complexity of the human body. This gap in the field inspired Dr. Segala and the iGEM Geneva team to invent FluoSphera’s technology. After the iGEM competition, Greg and his co-founders, Clelia Bourgoint and Aurélien Roux, decided to launch FluoSphera, a startup based in Switzerland. It was a spin-off of the University of Geneva, dedicated to creating multicellular systems that replicate human biology in order to discover new drugs for the pharmaceutical industry.

FluoSphera’s groundbreaking innovation lies in its multi-tissue systems, which hold the potential to revolutionize drug development. By integrating multiple tissues able to communicate with each other, like the human body, they aim to provide a more accurate representation of complex human biology. This approach is critical for identifying more effective therapies, as it allows researchers to assess the interplay between different tissues and better predict therapeutic outcomes. Their ambition is clear: To revolutionize drug development by providing more relevant and predictive models.

Currently, their focus is on addressing a critical issue in cancer treatment—the systemic toxicity of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) in clinical trials. FluoSphera aims to enhance treatment predictions, ensuring these therapies hold their promise to be safer and more effective for patients than any other chemotherapy.

Recognized as one of the TOP 100 Swiss Startups in 2024 (ranked 39th), FluoSphera has established itself as a leader in innovation within the biotech sector. Read more about FluoSphera here.

The Role of AI in FluoSphera’s Future

Looking ahead, FluoSphera plans to harness AI to optimize its platform. By integrating large datasets that mimic the human body, the company seeks to advance its predictive capabilities. Collaboration is also key to FluoSphera’s vision. Dr. Segala envisions partnerships with other companies to favor the emergence of a bioconvergence ecosystem, streamlining the entire drug discovery process.

Bioconvergence refers to the integration of diverse experts, processes and technologies spanning biotech, software and engineering disciplines. This collaborative approach accelerates innovation and enhances the effectiveness of drug discovery. (Read more about Bioconvergence here.)

The Biggest Challenge as a Startup Founder

“The first challenge when we started was finding the product-market fit because we have developed a disruptive technology,” Dr. Segala shares. “A scientific idea can be really promising, but it needs to translate into a market-relevant product. You have to reach customers and create something meaningful, solving a pressing need, that can also thrive in the market.”

Dr Segala’s ongoing journey in building FluoSphera highlights how groundbreaking scientific ideas can transform into viable market solutions.If you're working on an innovative synthetic biology project, whether it's an iGEM project, an initial idea, or a research endeavor, then the iGEM Startups Venture Foundry may be right for you! 

Become Part of the Next Generation of Biofounders

Use the iGEM network to learn basic entrepreneurship, get paired with relevant mentors, connect with investors and access pre-accelerators. Join the iGEM Startups Venture Foundry Program, a flagship program that runs throughout the year, in three time zones (APAC, EMEA, Americas). We can connect you with a vibrant community of mentors, founders, accelerators and venture capitalists from your region. 👉 Apply to be a Biofounder: bit.ly/Biofounder25