Forge Track 2025
Sponsored by Lonza
Developing a Feedback Control Loop for Miniaturized Cell Culture Systems
For any questions, please contact bioincubate@studentbiolab.ch
CHF 30 000 First Prize | CHF 10 000 Second Prize
Ready to make an impact? Dive into a real-world challenge: developing a precise pH measurement and robust feedback control loop for miniaturized cell culture systems and compete for the grand prize!
This is a multidisciplinary project combining cell biology, bioprocessing, bioengineering, control systems, and software development, so people from all areas of science and engineering are welcome to join!
Who can apply: Teams of 2-6, with at least one active student (Bachelor, Master, PhD). Meaningful time commitment alongside studies/PhD expected.
Want to see the presentations of all the accepted teams and which 2 will be selected to join the Forge program? Then join us at the Forge Selection Event on Thursday, April 3rd!
Timeline:
Ideate Phase: Teams draft their proposal and have the opportunity to meet relevant experts to receive feedback on their ideas. The submission deadline for proposals is Sunday, March 16th at 23:59. Proposals will be screened and the top teams will be invited to pitch in front of a judging panel at the Forge Selection Event. The top two teams will be selected and admitted into the Build Phase.
Build Phase: The two admitted teams will have approximately 5 months to further develop their conceptual solution and basic proof-of-concept according to their proposal. Each team will receive CHF 10,000 project budget, access to a BSL1 laboratory & core facility services in Zürich, and mentorship from experts in Lonza, ETH and UZH.
Final Pitch: The Build Phase will culminate in a Final Pitch in September 2025, when the teams will compete for the 1st Place Grand Prize of CHF 30,000 and 2nd Place Prize of CHF 10,000
FAQ
Q: How often should the pH be measured?
Every second to minutes
Q: How fast should the pH be adjusted?
A few minutes
Q: Specific condition for the cells?
Low light exposure
Aseptic environment
No phenol red addition
Allow for oxygen exchange
Q: Can shaking be stopped for measuring pH?
No
Q: Is the pH target the same for all well?
Yes, but can change from experiment to experiment
Q: What are the 96 deep well plate dimensions?
This is a the Deep well plate used and should give details of its dimensions Part no: 278743. Link to the website: Nunc™ 96-Well Polypropylene DeepWell™ Sample Processing & Storage Plates with Shared-Wall Technology
Q: What material are the 96 well plates made of?
Polypropylene
Q: What kind of shakers are used at Lonza?
Different shakers are used. Kuhner ISF1-ZC Peltier should give the dimensions of a typical incubator used. Link to its brochure here Flyer-ISF1-Z-en.pdf
Q: How long does a typical experiment last?
12-15 days
What is Forge?
Students hack to solve a challenge presented by industry to win cash
Read about last year’s challenge, presented by Lonza.
