Author: Jordan Greco

Funding will support continued development of protein-based artificial retina manufacturing

WOODBRIDGE, CT, September 4, 2025 — LambdaVision, an innovative biotech company developing a protein-based artificial retina to help patients regain sight lost to retinal degenerative diseases, has been awarded a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Phase 2 In Space Production Applications (InSPA) award. This NASA award will enable LambdaVision to further develop layer-by-layer manufacturing processes to support artificial retina production, while improving quality, scale, and GMP manufacturing practices in terrestrial and low-Earth orbit (LEO) environments. These efforts will move LambdaVision closer to IND-enabling studies on Earth, which will be followed by clinical trials for patients with advanced retinitis pigmentosa (RP). 

“We are grateful that NASA continues to recognize the promise and impact of developing our artificial retina on the International Space Station, with the goal of not only offering much-needed benefit for patients with retinal degenerative diseases here on Earth, but also laying the groundwork for other potential commercial efforts to manufacture therapies using a LEO platform,” said Nicole Wagner, Ph.D., CEO of LambdaVision. “Our hope is that our layer-by-layer technology will help inspire new research and commercial product development to help build a thriving LEO economy.”

LambdaVision leverages microgravity to improve the layer-by-layer production process of their artificial retina through alternating layers of the protein bacteriorhodopsin and a polymer, supported by a membrane of a synthetic fiber that has long been used by the medical community. By using proteins similar to the visual pigment rhodopsin naturally found in our eyes, LambdaVision’s protein-based artificial retina mimics the light-absorbing properties of human photoreceptors replacing the function of these damaged cells in the retinas of blind patients. The microgravity environment on the International Space Station (ISS) and other LEO destinations can improve homogeneity, stability, and performance of thin films like the protein-based artificial retina. 

The InSPA program supports U.S. companies working to advance the commercial production of high-value materials and products in LEO. Through InSPA awards, NASA helps selected companies increase the technological readiness of their innovations and transition them toward market adoption. The InSPA Phase 2 grant will enable LambdaVision to focus on development, demonstration, and production of their protein-based artificial retina, which is slated to be the first protein-based artificial retina and aims to restore vision for patients who are blind or have lost significant sight due to RP and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). LambdaVision currently optimizes assembly of their artificial retina in LEO on the ISS, and NASA’s InSPA award will aid in LambdaVision’s implementation strategy to continue the development of advanced high production quality and ultimately achieve scalability in commercial low-Earth orbit. 

“This is among the first Phase 2 InSPA awards to be granted, marking an important milestone not only for LambdaVision but for the broader goals of NASA’s efforts to stimulate the development of a robust LEO economy where U.S. industry leads the world in harnessing microgravity for the benefit of millions of people on Earth,” Kevin Engelbert, InSPA portfolio manager.“LambdaVision’s work exemplifies the transformative potential of manufacturing in microgravity to develop high-value, high-impact products that address critical human health challenges. With this award, LambdaVision will be able to further develop layer-by-layer manufacturing processes to support artificial retina production.”

LambdaVision secured seed investment, which was led by Aurelia Foundry with participation from Boryung and E2MC. With this funding round, the company continues to further validate their innovative space-based manufacturing to benefit those on Earth. Additionally, LambdaVision is currently funded by a NASA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II award, which focuses leveraging new hardware capabilities to improve scale, quality, and production costs.

To date, LambdaVision has secured greater than $18.0 million in funding and launched 9 missions to the ISS. NASA and the ISS National Lab have contributed ~$12 million in non-dilutive funding. LambdaVision has previously received funds from the NASA including SBIR and InSPA commercialization awards, as well as the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), among others. 

About LambdaVision

LambdaVision is leveraging space to develop a protein-based artificial retina to restore meaningful vision for the millions of patients blinded by retinal degenerative diseases, including retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The patent-protected artificial retina technology developed by LambdaVision uses photoactive proteins to naturally mimic the light-absorbing properties of human photoreceptor cells and activate neuroreceptors still present in degenerated retinas of blind patients. LambdaVision’s artificial retina is one of the first technologies being evaluated on the International Space Station that has potential for clinical use, and the established microgravity manufacturing processes, quality control methods, and laboratory techniques provide a foundation for future clinical research in space. To learn more, visit lambdavision.com.  

About In Space Production Applications (InSPA)

NASA’s In Space Production Applications (InSPA) portfolio supports U.S. companies working to advance the commercial production of high-value materials and products in LEO. Through InSPA awards, NASA helps selected companies increase the technological readiness of their innovations and transition them toward market adoption. The portfolio plays a critical role in building a sustainable and scalable space economy by fostering non-NASA demand for commercial LEO destinations and services. In doing so, InSPA supports NASA’s broader goals of reducing reliance on NASA funding for future Commercial LEO Destinations, enabling scientific and technological progress, and driving economic growth through high-quality job creation and improved quality of life on Earth.

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Media Contact
Kristin Rose Jutras
908.947.0500 x719
Kristin.jutras@tmstrat.com

FARMINGTON, CT, May 29, 2024 — LambdaVision, an innovative biotech company developing a protein-based artificial retina to help patients regain sight lost to retinal degenerative diseases, announced it secured the first closing of its seed round being led by Aurelia Foundry Fund, a fund spun out of MIT. The round also includes investment from Boryung, a publicly listed Korean pharmaceutical company, and E2MC Ventures. The targeted raise will fund LambdaVision’s GMP manufacturing scale up and critical IND-enabling efficacy and toxicity studies, advancing LambdaVision closer to clinical trials initially targeted for blind patients with advanced retinitis pigmentosa (RP). 

“This support from the Aurelia Foundry Fund and other high-profile investors underscores the potential of our approach toward treating retinal degenerative diseases and further validates our innovative space-based manufacturing approach to benefit those on Earth,” said Nicole Wagner, Ph.D., CEO of LambdaVision. “We are grateful for the support of our new partners and hope to welcome additional institutions or qualified investors to fill the seed round.” 

LambdaVision is developing the first protein-based artificial retina to restore meaningful vision for patients who are blind or have lost significant sight due to RP and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). While the preclinical studies are being conducted on Earth, LambdaVision is optimizing assembly of its artificial retina in low-Earth orbit. Because of the unique behavior of solutions and thin films that make up the layers of the artificial retina, production efficiency and product quality may be improved in microgravity.  

“We are proud to lead this seed round with LambdaVision and eager to support bringing a life-changing product to market,” said Ariel Ekblaw, GP,  Aurelia Foundry Fund. “Funding their paradigm-shifting artificial retina technology aligns with our mission to invest in foundational space tech that can empower humanity and offers the space industry a scalable solution for in-space bio manufacturing that leverages microgravity.” 

The protein-based artificial retina is developed through a layer-by-layer production process alternating layers of the protein, bacteriorhodopsin, and a polymer, supported by a membrane of a synthetic fiber that has long been used by the medical community. By using a protein similar to the visual pigment rhodopsin that is naturally occurring in our eyes, LambdaVision’s patent-protected artificial retina mimics the light-absorbing properties of human photoreceptors. 

Separately, the company has recently received a Notice of Allowance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for a worldwide patent application, which includes a definition of the production process and functional features of the artificial retina technology.    

“Recognizing the huge unmet need for RP patients for whom there is currently no cure, it is imperative we support the research and development of new technologies like LambdaVision’s artificial retina that will hopefully help patients regain sight,” said Luciano V. Del Priore, MD, PhD, Robert R. Young Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Science; Chair of Ophthalmology at Yale School of Medicine, and Chief of Ophthalmology, Yale New Haven Hospital.  

LambdaVision has been previously selected as an awardee of the 2023 Humans In Space Challenge, a global space healthcare challenge co-hosted by Aurelia Institute, through which the investment from Boryung was executed. To date, LambdaVision has secured >$17 million in funding and launched 9 missions to the International Space Station. LambdaVision has previously received funds from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) including Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and commercialization awards, as well as the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), among others.  

About LambdaVision   

LambdaVision is developing a protein-based artificial retina to restore meaningful vision for the millions of patients blinded by retinal degenerative diseases, including retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The patent-protected artificial retina technology developed by LambdaVision uses photoactive proteins to naturally mimic the light-absorbing properties of human photoreceptor cells and activate neuroreceptors still present in degenerated retinas of blind patients. LambdaVision’s artificial retina is one of the first technologies being evaluated on the International Space Station that has potential for clinical use, and the established microgravity manufacturing processes, quality control methods, and laboratory techniques provide a foundation for future clinical research in space. To learn more, visit lambdavision.com.   

About Aurelia Foundry 

Aurelia Foundry is a deep tech space fund, investing in companies utilizing space for the benefit of life on Earth. As part of the broader Aurelia ecosystem, the fund works closely with the Aurelia Institute, a non-profit space architecture R&D lab, education and outreach center, and policy hub dedicated to building humanity’s future in space. The fund invests in both spin outs of the Institute and external startups building foundational technologies that will empower humanity. 

About Boryung 

Boryung is a healthcare investment company founded in 1957 and headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. Following the company’s mission to become an indispensable contributor to human health, it has expanded their business portfolio to the space healthcare industry. Recognizing space as a new realm for growth, Boryung acknowledges the increasing number of individuals anticipated to embark on prolonged space missions, highlighting the importance of ensuring human survival in the hostile space environment. Hence, the company believes there will be substantial opportunities to foster new technologies and meet emerging needs in this field. 

About E2MC 

E2MC (Earth to Mars Capital) is a U.S.-based venture capital firm acting globally, with over 20 investments already, and dedicated to advancing the space economy by financing early-stage startups and paving the way for humanity’s expansion into space. We partner with visionary founders and leverage our extensive global network and deep industry knowledge in their support. Our motto “From Earth into space, for Earth,” underscores our dedication to harnessing space technology for global advancement and sustainable development, believing that such efforts will inevitably better humanity. 

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Media Contact 
Kristin Rose Jutras 
908.947.0500 x719 
Kristin.jutras@tmstrat.com