Deep tech WUR spin-off Scope Biosciences focuses on CRISPR-based diagnostics

Niek studied Biotechnology at Wageningen University & Research (WUR). During his studies, he was already working on diagnostic technologies. He built a valuable network within the Wageningen ecosystem, which laid the groundwork for his current company. Scope Biosciences has since secured several major investments, including a major investment from impact investor SHIFT Invest through the Thematic Technology Transfer (TTT) programme, an EIC Transition Grant, and a follow-on investment from SHIFT Invest and Oost NL.

“We are proud to have received substantial public and private support as we bring our technology closer to market,” says Niek Savelkoul. “We’re scaling up, expanding our platform, and getting ready to tackle real-world diagnostic challenges. At this stage, we’re still primarily a biotech company developing reagents. These investments will enable us to turn that into a complete, user-friendly solution for our customers — and to prepare for European quality standards.”

According to Niek, the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Wageningen has developed impressively over the past few years. “Wageningen has grown into a breeding ground for innovative start-ups and spin-offs. There are now various programmes and initiatives that support and guide young companies, making the entrepreneurial climate increasingly professional and streamlined. We’ve also established a great research facility at the heart of the campus. Our collaboration with Wageningen University & Wageningen Research, which is crucial for us, has been excellent. Over the past years, I’ve seen WUR evolve into a much more pro- active organisation when it comes to entrepreneurship. It’s an institution that recognises and nurtures talent and helps to create real impact in society.”

Niek concludes with some advice for young entrepreneurs: “Securing a European grant can be quite challenging, the success rate is generally low, and the application process can be complex. My advice is to reach out to the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). They played a key role in helping us prepare for the EIC interview, and their guidance was incredibly valuable.”

The Wageningen spin-off Scope Biosciences is a pioneer in CRISPR-Cas-based diagnostics, a technology that has become a cornerstone of molecular biology and genetics. CRISPR enables the precise editing of genetic codes, a breakthrough that earned the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. But its potential extends far beyond gene editing. Scope Biosciences applies the precision and simplicity of CRISPR-Cas to transform molecular diagnostics, making rapid and highly accurate testing possible outside traditional laboratory settings. The spin-off is now commercialising its technology across both healthcare and agrifood sectors.

In healthcare, Scope Biosciences collaborates with GenDx in Utrecht to develop diagnostic tests for use in organ and stem cell transplantation. In agrifood, the company operates closer to the market, developing on-site plant disease detection tests that enable fast and accurate treatment. This diagnostic platform contributes to more sustainable and efficient agriculture, the earlier a disease is detected, the smaller its impact on crops. Scope Biosciences’ technology is based on the pioneering research of WUR scientists John van der Oost and Raymond Staals.

• Scope Biosciences