I’m excited to share thatCytoTronics has been acquired by Axion Biosystems, a leading life sciences tools company focused on live-cell bioelectronic assay and imaging systems. This transaction represents a strong outcome in a challenging life sciences market for a company Anzu has supported since its earliest days, beginning with the spin-out of the technology from Harvard University.
From inception, CytoTronics focused on building a scalable platform for high-content, functional cell analysis, leveraging high-density CMOS microelectrode arrays to enable real-time, label-free measurement of cellular activity at unprecedented resolution and data richness. That vision resulted in the launch of the Pixel™ platform, designed to capture detailed, real-time cellular data across thousands of cells simultaneously and fundamentally expand what’s possible in drug discovery and disease research.
The novelty and impact of the Pixel platform were recognized early through multiple awards and industry accolades, reinforcing our conviction that this was a step-change technology rather than an incremental improvement. Anzu’s investment thesis centered squarely on the technical capability of the platform and its potential to deliver differentiated live-cell insights for drug discovery in neurology, cardiology, and drug profiling—each of which was successfully rolled out with customers during the company’s beta program.
Bringing CytoTronics together with Axion Biosystems is a natural and compelling next chapter. Axion’s global reach, commercial scale, and established customer base will help accelerate adoption of the Pixel platform and extend its impact across the life sciences ecosystem.
We’re proud to have supported CytoTronics from its origins as a Harvard spin-out through this next phase, and we believe this outcome validates both the underlying technology and the strategic rationale behind the transaction.
Congratulations to the CytoTronics and Axion Biosystems teams on this milestone and we’re excited to see what the future holds.
Niron Magnetics Announced Commercial Partnerships with Bimotal, MATTER, and FaitalPRO at CES and ISE 2026
Niron Magnetics announced several new partnerships that signal commercial progress for the company. First, Niron and Bimotal, a leader in ultra-compact, high-torque motor systems, announced a collaboration to develop next-generation electric motor designs for mobility and robotics applications. At CES, the two companies unveiled the first prototype from this collaboration in an e-bike demo. Read the press release for full details.
Niron also announced a collaboration with MATTER, India’s next-generation electric mobility technology company. Through this collaboration, MATTER will explore integrating Iron Nitride magnet technology and Variable Flux Motor (VFM) designs from Niron Magnetics into its high-performance electric motorbike products, strengthening its electric vehicle (EV) motor platforms. The prototype was also showcased at the MATTER booth at CES 2026. Read the press release for full details.
Later in January, Niron and FaitalPRO, an Italian manufacturer specializing in the design and production of high-performance loudspeakers and transducers for professional audio applications, unveiled sustainable loudspeaker designs with Niron’s rare earth free magnets at NAMM 2026 and ISE 2026. As part of this collaboration, FaitalPRO has developed two professional audio loudspeakers, an 8 and 10-inch, specifically designed to integrate Iron Nitride magnet technology. The project successfully met its primary objective of demonstrating that rare-earth-free magnet solutions can fully meet and exceed the expectations in professional loudspeaker applications. Read the press release for full details.
OTI Lumionics and Under Face ID System for iPhone 18
Key industry sources continue to report thatOTI Lumionics’ technology may be at the heart of the new display features in the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro.
In a recent piece, Gadget Hacks shared, “Apple's partnership with Canada-based OTI Lumionics provides the specialized materials needed for this under-display Face ID system, Mashable indicates. The technology utilizes ultra-thin flat metalenses that manipulate light through surface etchings rather than traditional curved structures, Apple Gadget Hacks reports.”
XGS Energy and Vallourec Partnered to Accelerate Next-Generation Geothermal Project Pipeline Across Western U.S.
XGS Energy and Vallourec, a world leader in premium tubular solutions for the energy industry, announced a strategic supply chain partnership as XGS executes on a three-gigawatt pipeline of commercial geothermal projects across the western United States.
Securing the supply of tubulars, a major component of XGS’s water-independent systems, is a key milestone as XGS begins construction this year on their 150 MW project with Meta in New Mexico, delivering 150 MW to the Public Service Company of New Mexico’s (PNM) grid to support Meta’s data center operations.
GelSight’s New Modulus Device Reviewed by YouTuber Steve Mould
Steve Mould, a science and engineering YouTuber with over 3.5 million subscribers, published an in-depth review of GelSight’s new Modulus device. In the nearly 14-minute-long video, Steve shares how GelSight’s elastomeric technology works, its benefits for surface metrology and how it can work on a variety of materials and surfaces.
In his review, he scans fake frost compared to real frost, different types of leaves, spandex, Velcro, and a myriad of other items, and explains how GelSight’s technology helps scientists and engineers to understand the world at a deeper level.
Steve has featured GelSight in several other viral videos – first in 2023 and again in 2025 with a YouTube shortthat has generated over 10 million views.
Watch the full videoto see the different types of objects Modulus can measure with its enhanced flexibility and swappable lenses.
If you are interested in learning more about Modulus, request a demo with the GelSight teamhere.
EnCharge AI Continues to Gain Industry Recognition
EnCharge AI was recently named to EDN’s Top 10 Edge AI Chips list, highlighting the performance and innovation of its technology in enabling efficient edge intelligence.
In addition, Electronic Design featured EnCharge in a piece examining the hidden costs of the AI boom, underscoring the importance of energy-efficient, scalable AI hardware. These recognitions reflect growing awareness of the critical role EnCharge AI can play in shaping the future of edge computing.
NTx Bio Appointed Dr. Joan Haab as Chief Executive Officer
NTx Bio announced that Joan Haab, Ph.D., has been appointed as CEO by the Company Board of Directors. Dr. Haab previously served as Chief Operating Officer, and succeeds Jamie Coffin, Ph.D., who stepped down as CEO to focus on personal matters.
As Dr. Haab takes the helm as CEO, NTx Bio is focused on the next phase of commercialization and preparing to launch the GMP NTxscribe for clinical use. Dr. Haab’s extensive experience in both advanced therapeutics and medical devices will be invaluable as the company prepares to address the unmet need in the clinical market. NTx supports domestic production of key biomaterial precursors, helping ensure reliable access to the enzymes and components required to manufacture RNA medicines at scale without the current dependence on imported materials.
Xendee Published New Market Survey Highlighting Evolution of Microgrid Projects in 2026
Xendee Corporationannounced the results of a new market survey executed by Energy Changemakers and Renewable Energy World that highlights how distributed energy and microgrid projects might be evolving in 2026 following federal policy changes and ongoing utility challenges.
Despite federal funding changes, project outlooks remain strong
The survey revealed a shift from reliance on government funding as developers pivot to move projects forward:
60% of respondents said they expect federal policy changes to create challenges in 2026.
More than two-thirds shared state-level grants and incentives aren’t enough to offset the loss of federal funding.
Despite the loss of federal funding, 70-75% of developers did not identify funding as a top challenge in 2026. This potentially indicates that the funding process has evolved to depend less on the federal government.
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ABOUT ANZU PARTNERS
Anzu Partners is an investment firm that focuses on industrial and life science technology companies with the potential to transform their industries. Anzu works with entrepreneurs to develop and commercialize technological innovations by providing capital alongside deep experience in business development, market positioning, intellectual property, global connectivity, and operations. For more information, please visit https://anzupartners. com/.
The information contained in this newsletter is being provided by Anzu Partners for informational purposes only. The information was obtained from various sources, but Anzu Partners cannot assure its accuracy. This is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation for an offer to buy an interest in any fund managed by Anzu Partners. Any such offer or solicitation will only be made to qualified potential investors pursuant to a private placement memorandum. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss.
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