Two teams take off

The Gewerbehof and the Seestadt Technology Center: these are two new hotspots of Vienna’s start-up scene, both built and operated by the Vienna Business Agency, both located in aspern Seestadt. Seven companies, mainly from the production sector, have already moved into the still-young Gewerbehof, where they find ideal conditions with especially flexible usage options.

A few hundred meters further up Sonnenallee is the Seestadt Technology Center, offering 13,000 square meters of rental space in two buildings. These are already 90 percent occupied, and a third building is under construction. Companies, research and development hubs (such as the pilot factory for Industry 4.0 or the manufacturing focus of the European Institute of Technology) have settled here – as well as ten technology-driven and research-oriented start-ups, including the company nagene. Their declared goal: nothing less than to revolutionize the field of gene synthesis.

A start-up and an idea that is attracting huge interest from investors and international biotech giants: the team around founders Natascha Vujicic, Florian Höfig, and Alexander Makula launched the production of modified genes at the Technology Center in early June after long and intensive preparation. “Especially in relation to cancer, there are clinical studies in which the injection of modified endogenous genes stimulates the immune system to fight cancer. Initial clinical trials by pharmaceutical companies are already underway here,” explains Alexander Makula. The special feature is an optimized process developed by nagene that massively shortens the production time for modified genes and sets unique quality standards. The start-up aims to become the first gene synthesis company to receive a GMP certificate (Good Manufacturing Practice). “Gene synthesis is only one step in the production of drugs based on modified endogenous genes. It is essential that all components are produced at GMP level,” emphasizes Makula.

“We wanted to work holistically and offer something that is high-quality and versatile,” explains Scuderi about the decision to produce recycled panels. “They are extremely solid, have a food-safe, clean surface, are easy to clean, and contain no additives.” The resulting panels, available in various designs and thicknesses, are suitable for use in wet rooms or as worktops and tabletops.
“Currently, the five founders do everything themselves and operate the hot and cold presses, which were custom-made for us,” says Scuderi. Additional services include custom cutting and, for larger quantities, custom designs. For now, production is limited to about 100 panels per month. However, they are already featured in the material portfolios of some architects and design studios – and perhaps soon in apartments, restaurants, or offices.