The Society of Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS) has introduced the 12 early-stage companies selected for its prestigious Innovation AveNEW program, set to be featured at the upcoming SLAS Europe 2026 Conference and Exhibition in May.

The SLAS Europe 2026 Innovation AveNEW startup cohort offers selected emerging life science and technology ventures sponsored exhibition space, mentorship, and a chance to compete for the SLAS Ignite Award. This program accelerates the growth of companies developing disruptive technologies, from laboratory robotics to novel therapeutic platforms, by connecting them with industry leaders, investors, and research partners.

What We Know So Far

  • The Society of Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS) has selected 12 companies for its Innovation AveNEW program, according to a report from bioengineer.org.
  • The selected companies will be showcased at the SLAS Europe 2026 Conference and Exhibition, which is scheduled to take place from May 19 to 21 in Vienna, Austria.
  • The 2026 cohort includes international startups such as 8-BOT Robotics (Germany), Chemetrian (USA), Culturon® Pty Ltd (Australia), and DaltonTX (UK), among eight others.
  • Participants in the Innovation AveNEW program receive financial sponsorship for exhibition fees, travel, and lodging, in addition to business consulting and mentorship opportunities.
  • According to news-medical.net, every company in the cohort is eligible to compete for the SLAS Ignite Award, which includes a €5,000 prize.
  • The program aims to support emerging companies in the life sciences discovery and technology sectors by connecting them with the international scientific community.

Who are the SLAS Europe 2026 Innovation AveNEW Companies?

The 12 companies in the SLAS Europe 2026 Innovation AveNEW startup cohort hail from Germany, the USA, Australia, the UK, France, Spain, Switzerland, Finland, and the Netherlands, showcasing diverse technological advancements. This international composition highlights key innovation hubs and the global nature of life sciences R&D.

Among the highlighted companies is 8-BOT Robotics from Germany, which specializes in developing automated liquid handling systems. Their technology aims to increase throughput and precision in laboratory settings, addressing a critical need for efficiency and reproducibility in high-throughput screening (HTS) and drug discovery workflows. By automating repetitive pipetting tasks, they seek to free up valuable researcher time for more complex analytical work.