The Model Mismatch: Why Traditional Cancer Research Falls Short
Why 2D and animal models fail and how microgravity bridges translation.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SPARK Microgravity Secures $500k Pre-Seed to Advance In-Orbit Experimentation
MUNICH, Germany – Oct 17, 2025 – SPARK Microgravity, a startup developing hardware and platforms for in-orbit microgravity experimentation, announced today that it has raised $500,000 in pre-seed funding. The round was backed by mBold Ventures and a prominent aerospace industry angel investor, with additional support from the European Space Agency’s Business Incubation Centre (ESA BIC) Bavaria and the Bavarian Ministry of Economics.
SPARK Microgravity is developing the Europe's first orbital cancer lab, dedicated hardware designed specifically for advanced pharmaceutical research in space. By leveraging microgravity, the company’s platform will enable groundbreaking cancer studies that are not possible on Earth, accelerating new drug discoveries and treatment innovations. SPARK believes that conducting research in space will bring us closer to curing cancer therapies and making personalized oncology a reality. This new capital will drive research and development as SPARK Microgravity prepares to launch its orbital cancer lab in 2026, making cutting-edge space-based cancer research accessible to scientists and pharmaceutical partners worldwide.
“We are honored to partner with investors who share our vision for transforming healthcare from orbit,” said Allison Bajet, founder and CEO of SPARK Microgravity. “This pre-seed funding is a powerful validation of our mission to launch the world’s first orbital cancer lab—enabling pharmaceutical research that can redefine how we understand and treat cancer. By advancing microgravity experimentation, we’re building the foundation needed to not only cure cancer therapies in space, but also enable groundbreaking strides in personalized oncology. We believe the answers to some of medicine’s toughest challenges can be found in the unique environment of low Earth orbit.”
The funding marks a significant milestone for the Munich-based startup, validating its approach to democratizing access to space. By reducing the complexity and cost traditionally associated with space-based research, SPARK Microgravity aims to unlock new opportunities for innovation across various industries, from pharmaceuticals to materials science.
SPARK Microgravity is a Munich-based startup dedicated to advancing pharmaceutical research by developing the world’s first orbital cancer lab in space. Specializing in modular hardware and platforms designed for in-orbit microgravity experimentation, SPARK Microgravity enables pharmaceutical companies to conduct cancer research and drug development in the unique environment of low Earth orbit. By bringing state-of-the-art laboratory capabilities to space, the company is opening new frontiers for discovery and accelerating innovation in cancer therapeutics.
Contact:
SPARK Microgravity GmbH
memberships@sparkmicrogravity
Why 2D and animal models fail and how microgravity bridges translation.
How microgravity reveals truer tumor behavior than traditional models.
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SPARK is excited to collaborate and fuel the next wave of cancer research breakthroughs, from Earth’s orbit to clinics worldwide. Let’s launch the future of oncology, together.
