Drug testing just got a gut check—courtesy of Intero Biosystems. They have developed an adult stem cell-derived human intestinal organoid, enabling scientists to test drugs more safely and effectively.
This startup was built at the intersection of three powerhouse University of Michigan schools—business, medicine, and engineering—and it shows
Charlie Childs, PhD, Cell and Developmental Biology, ‘24
Co-inventor of Intellectual Property Behind GastroScreen. Expert in stem cell biology, organoid engineering, and bioinformatics.
Madeline Eiken, PhD, Biomedical Engineering, ‘25
Biomedical Engineer with expertise in cell-based product scale-up, hydrogels, and organoid engineering.
Don Sobell, MBA ‘25 Biotech-focused MBA with experience in drug development, investment banking, and venture capital, bringing expertise in preclinical R&D, commercialization strategy, and company building.
Jason Spence, Professor & Co-founder of Intero Biosystems
Original Inventor of the protocol to create stem cell-derived human intestinal organoids. Expert in stem cell biology, developmental biology, and organoid generation.
When Intero Biosystem founders Charlie Childs and Madeline Eiken first met ZLI’s Associate Director Anne Perigo in April of 2024, they were looking for a way to de-risk entrepreneurship. ZLI became a launchpad for access to critical funding, a creative space to work and collaborate, as well as provide a stable community of like-minded individuals.
When Intero Biosystem founders Charlie Childs and Madeline Eiken first met ZLI’s Associate Director Anne Perigo in April of 2024, they were looking for a way to de-risk entrepreneurship. ZLI became a launchpad for access to critical funding, a creative space to work and collaborate, as well as provide a stable community of like-minded individuals.
Madeline Eiken, PhD ‘25
From the Zell Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurship to Innovation Partnerships, the University of Michigan ecosystem played an integral part in the growth of Intero Biosystems. With over $2M in funding raised, much of it through competitions supported by ZLI, Intero’s momentum is inspiring.
Competitions supported by ZLI
- First place, Michigan Business Challenge
- First place, Rice University Business Plan Competition
- First-place, Baylor’s New Venture Competition
- First place, Heartland Challenge
Other accomplishments
- First place, CFE MPowered MTank
- ZLI’s Applebaum Dare to Dream
- Pinkherr Healthcare Accelerator
- CFE FUEL Grants
Charlie, Madeline, and Don are an outstanding team of intellectually curious, problem-solving entrepreneurs.
Mike Johnson, MD, Faculty Director of the Pinkert Healthcare Accelerator
What’s Next?
Charlie and Madeline will continue to run Intero, and Don will begin a position on a Biopharma Investment Banking team while remaining closely connected to Intero as a member of the advisory board.
The Intero Biosystems team is an inspiration to other student entrepreneurs… It has been an absolute honor to support them in this part of their journey and we all look forward to seeing their continued success.
Anne Perigo, Associate Director, Zell Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurship, Program Director of the Pinkert Healthcare Accelerator
The journey to competitions supported by ZLI starts with the Michigan Business Challenge — a multi-round competition where student teams pitch their ideas, compete for over $100K in prizes, get expert feedback, and grow their network. Ready to take the leap?