InkVivo: The Venture Leader Biotech enhancing drug delivery systems

26.05.2025 10:00, Rita Longobardi

Meet Elia Guzzi, Co-Founder of InkVivo. The biotech startup offers patients more effective treatments that require less frequent administration and that minimise side effects. In June, Elia will join nine other Biotech innovators on a business development and investor roadshow in Boston.

Name: Elia Guzzi
Location: Lugano/Zurich
Nationality: Swiss
Graduated from: ETH Zurich
Job title: CEO and Co-Founder
Number of employees: 4
Money raised: We are closing our first equity financing round; in the past, we closed two CLAs.

 

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Can you tell us who your product or solution helps, and how?
InkVivo’s technology helps pharmaceutical companies develop novel drug formulations. Using our proprietary polymer platform, InkVivo enables faster formulation cycles and ensures tailored controlled drug release. The ultimate goal is to increase bioavailability and therapeutic efficiency, benefiting both patients and pharmaceutical companies.

What market are you addressing, and what is the potential of your startup in that market?
We initially focus on hematologic and metabolic disorders, such as anemia and Type 2 diabetes. Our enabling technology can also be applied to other clinical indications and markets (e.g., nutraceuticals and animal health), some of which we already have strategic collaborations with.

How and where did you come up with the idea for your startup?
Innovating in drug development is incredibly challenging. Creating new molecules takes years and involves massive investments, with many failures along the way. We saw this as an opportunity to make a real impact by accelerating the process. Our technology enables pharmaceutical companies to reformulate existing drugs into high-value treatments, to improve both patient outcomes and commercial success. This idea stemmed from our research in advanced polymer design, where we realized we could apply our expertise to make drug formulation faster, more efficient, and more accessible.
 

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What do you expect from the Venture Leaders roadshow, and how do you think it will help you achieve your vision?
Being part of the Venture Leaders roadshow is an exciting opportunity to connect with top-tier investors, industry leaders, and fellow entrepreneurs. As InkVivo finalizes its first financing round, we are already looking ahead to our next phase of growth, which includes expanding into the US market for strategic co-development opportunities and securing the right investors. The roadshow provides the perfect platform to gain valuable insights, refine our pitch, and position InkVivo for long-term success on a global scale.

What are your team’s key achievements to date?
InkVivo has developed and is currently validating three drug delivery prototypes. We've secured two strong patents and successfully tested our gastro-retentive system in a pilot study on healthy women. On the business side, we’ve initiated two collaboration projects with industry partners, signed two LOIs with key industry leaders, and secured investor commitments, demonstrating both resilience and strategic execution in a competitive industry.

Is there a key principle or value that guides you as you build your company?
At InkVivo, our core principle is to drive healthcare improvement through practical innovation. We focus on enhancing patient outcomes by transforming existing drugs into more effective and accessible treatments. Our team thrives on adaptability and collaboration, ensuring that we create innovative solutions and form meaningful partnerships to bring them to life efficiently.

What is the most important lesson you have learned as a founder?
As a founder, I've learned that building something meaningful in biotech requires a long-term commitment. It demands patience, resilience, and flexibility. Even if the journey is filled with challenges, having the right team and advisors can make all the difference. Surrounding yourself with people who bring diverse expertise and share your vision is key to turning potential into reality.

What is your favorite productivity hack or tool and why?
My favorite productivity hack is starting the day with some physical activity followed by an espresso. It helps me clear my mind, boost my energy levels, and get into the right mindset to tackle the challenges ahead.

What was your dream job when you were a child?
It might sound cliché, but my dream job as a child was to be a scientist. You would often find me building my toys, fascinated by understanding how things worked. While I didn't know much about entrepreneurship back then, I discovered it during my studies and became passionate about combining science with innovation to make a real impact.