ABOUT
Sebastian
C.P. Bhakdi
Founder & CEO
The Company
X-ZELL is an award-winning medical technology company founded by Y Combinator finalist Dr Sebastian Bhakdi. Pioneering next-generation cytology, we develop digitally integrated laboratory solutions for cytology and other minimally invasive sample types, enabling more efficient workflows and more detailed sample analysis
FOUNDER’S NOTE
X-ZELL was founded on a simple conviction: minimally invasive cancer diagnostics should be faster, more informative and accessible at scale. As an award-winning medical technology company and proud Y Combinator alumnus, we are dedicated to empowering cytopathology — one of the most impactful yet underutilized tools in modern cancer diagnostics.
Cytopathology, or short cytology, enables disease detection from single cells or small cell clusters obtained through effusion fluids, fine-needle aspirations (FNA) and other minimally invasive media. Despite its clinical value, it has long been limited by resource-intensive workflows and restricted data yield.
At X-ZELL, we are building a next-generation cytology paradigm that unites multiplex laboratory processing with digital imaging in a seamless, same-day workflow. Our mission is to help laboratories, hospitals, and researchers extract richer diagnostic insights from less invasive samples – advancing digitally integrated data and a more patient-centered diagnostic experience. Thank you for your interest in our journey!
Dr. Sebastian C.P. Bhakdi, Founder
HISTORY & AWARDS
Founded in 2014, X-ZELL was established with the intention of advancing early-stage, minimally invasive cancer diagnostics. Following acceptance into the Y Combinator Accelerator program in 2016, cytopathology emerged as the natural focal point for applying the company’s patented multiplexing workflows at scale.
Between 2019 and 2021, the company expanded its presence to Singapore and Germany, with all sites operating under ISO 13485:2016. Since then, X-ZELL has received widespread recognition for its work, including international awards from MedTech Innovator APAC and the European Congress of Cytology.
