Slingshot Biosciences

Slingshot Biosciences is a private company founded in 2012, headquartered in Emeryville, California, USA. It has developed a proprietary synthetic biology platform to create polymer-based cell mimics that serve as superior controls for flow cytometry, addressing the variability and limitations of traditional biological controls and polystyrene beads. The company generates revenue by selling a portfolio of standardized and customizable control products to research institutions, diagnostic developers, and cell therapy manufacturers. Its technology enhances data accuracy and workflow efficiency in critical applications like high-parameter cytometry, cell therapy assay validation, and precision diagnostics.

Proprietary synthetic biology platform for creating polymer-based cell mimics that replicate the light scattering, fluorescence, and surface biomarker characteristics of biological cells for use as controls in flow cytometry.

Slingshot competes against traditional biological controls (e.g., donor PBMCs) and simple polystyrene beads from general reagent suppliers. It faces potential competition from larger flow cytometry instrument and reagent companies (e.g., BD, Thermo Fisher, Bio-Rad), but currently holds a differentiated position with its focus on sophisticated, customizable synthetic mimics.