We’re proud to announce that two innovations from Leiden Bio Science Park, Meatable and Whispp, were named among TIME’s Best Inventions of 2024, recognized for their meaningful impact on communication and sustainable food production.
Whispp: Accessible Communication
Whispp, founded by Joris Castermans and Akash Raj Komarlu in 2018, developed a real-time, audio-to-audio solution that converts whispered or affected speech into a clear, natural voice. Designed to support people with voice disabilities, Whispp’s AI-driven technology enables smooth communication across calls, video chats, and messages, without the delays of traditional assistive devices. Named in the Accessibility category, Whispp’s innovation brings freedom and confidence to daily conversations.
Meatable: Sustainable Meat Production
Meatable’s approach to lab-grown meat, recognized in TIME’s Best Inventions list, addresses the environmental challenges of industrial meat production. Using their patented Opti-Ox™ technology, Meatable grows muscle and fat cells from pluripotent stem cells in four days, creating real animal meat without harm to animals or the environment. With plans to launch in Singapore next year, Meatable offers a solution to meet demand for meat without the environmental toll.
These honors underscore Leiden Bio Science Park’s role in supporting technologies that drive change in healthcare, sustainability, and beyond.
The Court of Audit visited LBSP to explore how science and entrepreneurship create public value, with stops at TNO, Peregrion, NTrans, and VarmX sparking discussion on biotech innovation.
Leiden University is studying emotions at Lowlands Festival through two projects: a haunted house that measures how people cope with fear, and a silent performance exploring nonverbal communication.
LUMC and Stichting DON have launched Cure One, a new research center focused on accelerating curative therapies for type 1 diabetes through stem cell technology and immune-based treatments.