We, Lifetaq and Johannes Geisler Design, are honored to announce that LifeTaq-Analytics GmbH has been awarded the ACR Start-up Prize 2025, recognizing our innovation in automated 3D tissue model production developed in close collaboration with the Austrian Research Institute for Chemistry and Technology (OFI).
In a closely coordinated project, LifeTaq developed a fully automated, robot-based machine designed by Johannes Geisler Design for the cultivation of 3D tissue models. OFI then performed the critical external validation of these tissues, using them as in vitro lung models for toxicological testing. This is another great step towards animal-free testing in preclinical studies. The project lays the foundation for more efficient, economical, and ethical drug development.
We’re truly honored to receive the prestigious ACR Start-up Award and deeply grateful for the positive response from early adopters, the media, and policymakers. This recognition motivates us to keep pushing forward with our innovative approach and to create lasting impact for science and industry
– Manfred Taschner, CEO & Founder of LifeTaq-Analytics GmbH
Why this matters
Around 90% of drug candidates fail in clinical trials because animal models often cannot accurately predict human responses, a gap that costs the pharmaceutical industry billions and slows down access to life-saving therapies.
LifeTaq’s technology addresses this problem at its core. By enabling pharmaceutical companies and research partners to test compounds directly on standardized human tissue models, our system delivers more predictive, reproducible, and human-relevant data earlier in the development process. This means better decision-making, faster timelines, and a measurable reduction in animal testing, ultimately improving both research efficiency and ethical standards across the industry
Johannes Geisler and CEO Manfred Taschner on the machine “Tissura”
What`s next
Building on this milestone, LifeTaq is now preparing for pilot testing with strategic partners and the upcoming launch of its automated platform, Tissura. These next steps mark the beginning of a new chapter: enabling scalable, standardized testing solutions that can accelerate the development of safer and more effective therapies.
