Nov 04, 2025 In this episode, Dr. Karolina Valente and I discuss advancements in bioprinting technology, with a particular focus on VoxCell’s high-resolution bioprinting technologies and its unique business approaches. She explains how these innovations enable the creation of better types of 3D human tissue structures with intricate blood vessel networks. The conversation also explores the potential applications of these 3D tissues in the drug discovery process for biopharmaceutical companies, as well as lessons and insights from leading a cutting-edge biotech startup as a scientific founder. I have learned a lot from Karolina, and I hope you can too.
⚠️ Disclaimer:
This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed do not constitute engineering, medical, or financial advice. The technologies and procedures discussed may not be commercially available or suitable for every case. Always consult with a qualified professional.
About Our Guest:
Dr. Karolina Valente
Dr. Karolina Valente is the Founder and CEO of VoxCell BioInnovation, a biotechnology company advancing 3D bioprinting to develop human-like cancer tissue models and accelerate drug discovery. With over 12 years of experience in tissue engineering, she holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on bioprinting and drug delivery systems. Under her leadership, VoxCell has grown from 5 to 20 employees and raised over $10M CAD.
Her contributions to biotechnology and cancer research have earned her and VoxCell multiple accolades. In 2023, Douglas Magazine recognized VoxCell as one of its 10 to Watch winners, acknowledging the company’s significant contributions to biotechnology and cancer research. In 2024, Life Sciences BC named VoxCell to its Companies to Watch – Recognition Honour Roll, highlighting its potential and achievements in the life sciences sector. Most recently, The Globe and Mail’s Report on Business 2025 Changemakers Award recognized Karolina as one of 20 emerging leaders reinventing how business is done in Canada.
Passionate about scientific innovation, gender equity, and the future of biotechnology, she continues to drive transformative change in oncology research and 3D bioprinting.
Key Takeaways:
We shared Carolina Valente’s journey from chemical engineering to CEO at VoxCell, and how VoxCell builds human vascularized tissues to improve preclinical decisions. This conversation delves into bioprinting technology, why vasculature matters, and how more validations are needed to connect lab models to clinical reality.
Some of the key takeaways include:
- Pivoting from selling printers to high-end services and products (tissue!)
- VoxCell’s three-part platform of high-resolution printer, bioinks, and vessel-design software
- The Roles of Microfluidic Chips
- How VoxCell assays for efficacy, vascular toxicity, distribution, and permeability
- Comparison with animal models and push for earlier human-relevant data
- VoxCell’s skin and oncology use cases, multicellular and immune integrations
- Regulatory momentum for New Approach Methodologies and reduced animal use
- Partnership strategy with pharma, CROs, and cell suppliers
- Commercialization plans, global reach, and culture building
- Founder advice on patience, pivoting, and resilience
- Book picks: The Power of Habit, Crucial Conversations, The Challenger Sale
Questions Answered:
- How did Karolina first get involved with entrepreneurship and founding VoxCell BioInnovation?
- What was it like to start a career across multiple continents? (From Brazil to Canada)
- How to switch the hat from a scientist to a company founder?
- What were some of the early milestones in the VoxCell journey that were impactful to the company today?
- What is the core technology of the 3D bioprinting platform at VoxCell?
- How does VoxCell’s technology address the Vascular Challenge in cancer research?
- What kind of data do you provide in preclinical studies, and how does it compare to animal models?
- How does Karolina navigate and build company culture at VoxCell?
- What advice does Karolina have for young entrepreneurs and students in school?
Relevant Links:
Websites and Online Resources
Stem Cell Technologies: Mentioned as a partner company
JP Morgan Conference with Pitch3D: Referenced as a future event
New Concepts:
New approach methodologies (NAMs)
Organizations, Groups, and Initiatives
- Innovation Center (Victoria): Provided initial support to Voxel
- Charles River Lab: Discussed as a CRO engaging with new methodologies (“AIME MAP” group: Alternative Methods Advancement Project)
- Johnson & Johnson: Cited for supporting “new approach methodologies” challenges
- EMA (European Medicines Agency): Mentioned as a regulator planning to phase out animal models
- NAMS/NEMS Community (“New Approach Methodologies”): Community working on alternatives to animal testing
Books Referenced in the Interview
- The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
- Crucial Conversations- Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High
- The Challenger Sale- Taking Control of the Customer Conversation
University References
Additional Programs/Conferences
- Ontario region incubator
- “3Rs” Conference (Brazil and worldwide): Resource for technology to decrease animal models
Other Companies Mentioned
- Aspect Biosystems: Bioprinting competitor based in BC, linked with UBC
- Novo Nordisk: Cited in connection with Aspect contracts
- Celllink
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