Axio BioPharma joins Plug and Play Lifetech Accelerator cohort

Axio BioPharma has been selected for Batch 3 of the Plug and Play Lifetech Accelerator, giving the Madison startup access to mentors, workshops and industry connections this fall. The program will help Axio advance collaboration around its biologics data software and lab capabilities as it works with biopharma companies and manufacturing partners.

Why it matters: - Axio BioPharma is trying to reduce data loss and coordination problems that can slow biologics development and manufacturing. - The accelerator could help Axio build commercial relationships faster with biopharmaceutical companies, contract manufacturing partners and other industry stakeholders. - The program also gives Axio a public platform to sharpen its software and lab offerings around real industry workflows.

What happened: - Axio BioPharma said it was selected to join Batch 3 of the Plug and Play Lifetech Accelerator. - Axio is one of 12 startups in the cohort. - The cohort spans biotechnology, therapeutics, diagnostics and medical devices. - The program includes industry mentors, workshops, tailored resources and access to Plug and Play’s corporate and innovation network. - Axio’s participation will run through the fall and include Lifetech Focus Days in Indianapolis and the Lifetech Expo in December.

The details: - Axio is a Madison, Wisconsin company building software to help biopharmaceutical companies and their manufacturing partners work from the same information. - The company will use the program to explore collaboration and commercialization opportunities around two linked businesses: Axio Lattice and Axio Forge. - Axio Lattice connects and translates information across systems used in biomanufacturing. - Lattice works across laboratory information management systems, manufacturing execution systems, electronic laboratory notebooks, historians, enterprise resource planning platforms and quality management systems. - The platform does not require companies to copy data into a centralized repository. - Axio Forge is Axio’s high-throughput biologics laboratory in Madison. - Forge is a non-GMP lab that produces research-grade monoclonal antibodies. - Axio says Forge gives the team direct experience with the operational and data challenges that can slow biologics development. - That lab experience also informs the development of Lattice. - Axio says Axio Forge can produce research-grade monoclonal antibodies on a 3–5 week turnaround. - The Plug and Play Lifetech Accelerator connects emerging life sciences companies with industry leaders, mentors and resources intended to help move new technologies toward the market. - The program runs in partnership with Indiana University, IU Health and BioCrossroads. - Axio’s founder and CEO Justin Byers said biologics development creates valuable information that is often lost when work moves between systems, sites and organizations. - Byers said the accelerator will let Axio work directly with companies facing those problems and build relationships with industry partners.

Between the lines: - Axio is pairing software and lab operations, which can help the company validate product needs against hands-on research work. - The accelerator selection suggests Axio is leaning into industry validation and commercial introductions as it develops Lattice. - The combination of software infrastructure and in-house lab execution could make Axio more relevant to sponsors and manufacturers looking to connect data across organizations without changing ownership.

What's next: - Axio will take part in accelerator programming and industry engagement throughout the fall. - The company will use those meetings and events to pursue collaboration and commercialization discussions. - The company is expected to continue developing Lattice alongside work flowing through Axio Forge. - More information is available at Axio BioPharma and Plug and Play.