Connecting Living Cells to the Internet: O'Shaughnessy Ventures Awards $100K Fellowship
In an exciting development for bioengineering, O'Shaughnessy Ventures LLC (OSV) has awarded the distinguished O'Shaughnessy Fellowship of $100,000 to Jan Jedryszek, a Ph.D. student from Bavaria, Germany. This funding will enable Jedryszek to design a groundbreaking nanodevice that aims to connect biological cells to digital systems, opening up transformative potential in medical diagnostics and health monitoring.
Jedryszek's innovative project is geared toward developing a proof-of-concept device that can monitor crucial internal conditions within individual cells at a molecular level. Such a device could lead to real-time health monitoring capabilities, advanced diagnostics, and even biological computing applications. His dedication to exploring how cells communicate and develop into complex organisms aligns perfectly with the objectives of OSV.
Currently a Ph.D. candidate at the Technical University of Munich, Jedryszek is part of the prestigious Max Planck School Matter to Life program. In this role, he investigates how biological systems share and process information, with an aim to construct synthetic materials that can mimic these intricate communication networks. His academic journey includes a master's in molecular systems chemistry and engineering from Heidelberg University, and a bachelor's in neurobiology from Jagiellonian University, further emphasizing his deep involvement in the life sciences.
Prior to this fellowship, Jedryszek contributed to bio-mining technology research at the European Space Agency, showcasing his versatile experience in the realm of technology and biological sciences. He has expressed his enthusiasm about receiving the fellowship, stating, "Being selected for this fellowship is truly humbling—especially alongside such brilliant, creative, and dedicated people. It’s an honor and a responsibility to live up to the spirit of their work."
OSV's founder and CEO, Jim O'Shaughnessy, highlighted the significance of combining biology with digital technology, calling it one of the most promising frontiers in science. He noted that Jedryszek’s research exemplifies the kind of pioneering work that OSV seeks to support.
The O'Shaughnessy Fellowships program, which began in 2023, aims to discover and empower the world's boldest creators and researchers. Each fellow receives funding and access to a rich network of support from OSV, comprising founders, investors, and experts dedicated to fostering innovation. In 2025, OSV plans to award a total of 12 fellowships, with additional grants available for aspiring innovators, further demonstrating their commitment to fostering groundbreaking ideas.
Applications for the upcoming round of fellowships will reopen on January 1, 2026, offering further opportunities for those interested in groundbreaking research and technological advancement. With projects like Jedryszek's on the horizon, the convergence of biology and technology promises to change the way we understand and interact with life itself.