Cavigen

CAVIGEN is a spin-off from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) that makes oxygen visible in 3D cell culture. With the CaviSphere® platform, researchers can generate reproducible spheroids, organoids and other 3D cell models and monitor pericellular oxygen in real time, label-free and in three dimensions. This reveals oxygen gradients and non-physiological conditions that often remain hidden in conventional in vitro systems and supports the development of more physiologically relevant 3D models that better mirror human biology and can help reduce animal testing. CaviSphere is based on microthermoformed microcavity arrays and integrated optical sensor technology. Our microstructured films and cell culture inserts are available in three complementary variants: MicroSphere – imaging-optimised microcavities for high-content 3D cell culture PoroSphere – porous structures for dynamic culture, co-culture and Organ-on-Chip integration SensoSphere – sensor-integrated arrays for real-time 3D oxygen measurement and 3D mito stress assays All CaviSphere formats are designed to integrate into standard lab equipment and workflows – for example 12-well plates, microscopy and established assay protocols. This makes it straightforward to adopt oxygen-aware 3D models without investing in additional large instruments. CAVIGEN builds on years of research and patented innovations in 3D cell culture and microthermoforming at KIT. The company has been supported by programmes such as GO-Bio initial and Helmholtz Enterprise and has received recognition in innovation competitions including the CyberOne Hightech Award, Road to START Summit and VivaTech Tech4Change. Our first products are already in use with academic and clinical partners in Europe. We are now scaling from pilot projects to broader adoption and are keen to collaborate with labs, pharma and Organ-on-Chip developers who want to make their 3D models more reproducible and oxygen-aware.