Whole virion purification

🏢 The Company

RoLink Biotechnology is a Hungarian biotech startup founded by medical doctors from the National Laboratory of Virology. RoLink has developed a proprietary magnetic bead-based virus purification technology that enables efficient, benchtop purification of whole virions within 30 minutes, eliminating cytopathic agents while preserving viral structure. The platform is ideal for immunological studies, diagnostics, vaccine R&D, and pandemic preparedness. Operating alongside Central Europe’s only university-based BSL-4 lab at the University of Pécs, RoLink combines startup agility with access to cutting-edge infrastructure. The company is led by Dr. Roland Hetényi and Dr. Dániel Hanna, supported by experts in IP, biotech, and biodefense.

📈 Market Opportunity (assessed by the Donaldson company Univercells)

According to Verified Market Reports, the global viral vector purification market was valued at USD 2.7 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 7.8 billion by 2033, representing a 15.8% CAGR from 2026 to 2033 (verifiedmarketreports.com). Data Bridge Market Research also forecasts growth from USD 813 million in 2024 to USD 2.39 billion by 2032 at a 14.2% CAGR between 2025 and 2032 (databridgemarketresearch.com).

RoLink's solution further addresses broader adjacent markets:

• Vaccine Development: valued at approximately USD 63.2 billion in 2023, with strong projected growth fueled by advancements in mRNA, viral vector, and protein subunit vaccines.

• Immunology & Virology Research: USD 5.6 billion (2023)

• Diagnostics: USD 21.3 billion (2023)

🧪 Technology & Product

RoLink's purification platform leverages anion-exchange magnetic beads combined with a novel elution solution containing a non-ionic detergent. Key features:

• Recovery of 70%+ viral RNA and infective virions

• 99% removal of cytotoxic proteins and debris

• Preservation of viral structure and antigenicity

• 30-40 minute benchtop protocol, no ultracentrifugation needed

🛡️ Competitive Advantage

✅ High recovery with preserved structure – safe for immunology and vaccine development

✅ No harsh chemicals or ultracentrifugation – rapid and scalable

✅ Broad virus compatibility – adaptable to multiple pathogens

✅ Benchtop scalability – ideal for academic labs, biotech, and small-batch GMP manufacturing

🌍 Strategic Positioning

RoLink is a strategic partner of Hungary’s National Laboratory of Virology, home to Central Europe’s only university-based BSL-4 facility. Operating independently yet closely with the University of Pécs, RoLink combines academic infrastructure with startup agility. Integrated in EDF (European Defence Fund) programs, the platform is validated in biodefense and pandemic preparedness.

💰 Financial Highlights

✅ €350K non-dilutive grant secured, ✅ €50K grant awarded from the University of Pécs Proof of Concept (PoC) 2024-25 program to advance virus purification from TRL-4 to TRL-6

✅ €300K equity raise to fulfill orders, and expand internationally

✅ Use of funds: equipment, hiring, and go-to-market execution

Revenue Model & Projections

💡 Revenue Streams

• Direct Sales to academic, research, and biotech institutions

• Custom Purification Services

• Licensing of Purification Protocols

Growth Targets

• Expand purification services to influenza vaccine manufacturers

• Broaden applications to gene therapy viral vectors (e.g., AAV, lentivirus)

🌿 Sustainability & Impact

✨ Green Technology: No chemical waste compared to conventional methods 💸 Cost Efficiency: Up to 50% reduction in downstream processing costs 🚀 Pandemic Preparedness: Rapid virus purification capacity for emergency respons

Exit Strategy

RoLink aims for strategic acquisition or M&A, following the path of:

• 💰 Charles River → $100M acquisition of Distributed Bio

• 💰 AstraZeneca → $838M acquisition of Icosavax

Conclusion

RoLink's virus purification platform offers a scalable, cost-effective, and rapid solution for the global challenges of virology research, diagnostics, and vaccine development. Validated by top-tier BSL-4 expertise and aligned with regulatory and biomanufacturing needs, RoLink is poised for rapid growth and strategic exit opportunities through partnerships or acquisition