- Charles River and BioTech Social are exploring a partnership to provide cell and gene therapy startups with access to a life sciences crowdfunding platform.
- If finalised, the collaboration could enable CIP and CAP program participants to raise up to $5 million annually through the BioTech Funding Portal.
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. and BioTech Social Inc. have announced the exploration of a potential strategic collaboration aimed at supporting early-stage life sciences companies through investment crowdfunding. If formalised, the partnership would grant participants of the Charles River Incubator (CIP) and Accelerator (CAP) Programs access to the BioTech Funding Portal.
The proposed collaboration seeks to address a critical funding challenge in early drug development. Startups in the cell and gene therapy (CGT) space participating in the CIP and CAP programmes could raise up to $5 million annually via the platform. The BioTech Funding Portal, operated by BioTech Social, exclusively lists life science companies and enables them to attract funding from non-accredited investors.
Kerstin Dolph, Corporate Senior Vice President of Global Manufacturing at Charles River, stated: “We’re thrilled to explore this collaboration that will open up an exciting new funding pathway to bridge innovation with the right audiences and investors.”
Established in 2024, the CIP and CAP programmes provide early-stage companies with access to laboratory infrastructure, regulatory expertise, and guidance to support commercial development. Following the launch of the first CIP cohort in April 2025, applications are open for the next group, with potential shortlisting to occur alongside the European Cell and Gene Therapy Summit in September.