About Cellares
As an international Integrated Development and Manufacturing Organization, Cellares specialises in the automated development and manufacture of cell therapies.
The company supports biopharmaceutical organisations in developing, scaling and commercially manufacturing cell therapies. Across its global Smart Factory network, Cellares uses automated technology for production and quality control.
The Leiden site will serve as Cellares’ European headquarters and provide clinical and commercial manufacturing capacity for European and international partners.
A successful practical test as the basis
The Proof of Concept took place at UMC Utrecht on 11 February 2026, with representatives of Cellares, Huygen and SimpleComply present.
The test assessed whether the specific Cellares cartridge could be processed with Sterilwave under practical conditions. Its successful outcome provided a concrete basis for moving from evaluation to implementation.
Two Sterilwave SW440 systems
The two Sterilwave SW440 systems will become part of operational waste management at the Leiden site.
Sterilwave combines shredding and microwave treatment in a single hermetically sealed, electronically controlled unit. This enables relevant infectious waste to be decontaminated under controlled conditions at the site where it is generated.
The two-system configuration reflects the scale and design of the new Cellares Smart Factory.
From engineering to commissioning
SimpleComply will align the technical engineering and project schedule with Cellares’ construction and fit-out programme. The scope includes:
- technical coordination and site survey
- verification of space, access and utilities
- coordination of delivery and positioning
- installation and Site Acceptance Test
- commissioning and operator training
- support for maintenance and daily operation
This ensures that technology, site requirements and operational processes are prepared as one coordinated implementation.
An important next step
The project demonstrates how a practical assessment can lead to a substantiated implementation. The technology, waste streams, site, engineering, validation, training and day-to-day operation are considered together.
SimpleComply looks forward to supporting Cellares and the project partners throughout the next stages of preparation and delivery.
Learn more about Cellares and its Leiden Smart Factory: Cellares