The Roddenberry Foundation has announced the six awardees of its biennial 1.5 million USD Prize to support audacious early-stage science and technology ventures that contribute to the United Nations Development Goals (UN SDGs).

The 2023 Grand Prize (1 MUSD) has been awarded to Elypta for their development of the first metabolism-based test for early cancer detection, advancing a paradigm shift towards earlier and more curative cancer treatment. The company’s efforts to detect cancer prior to any symptoms is a “breakthrough”, according to Karl Bergman, Elypta’s CEO, with potential to save tens of thousands of lives every year if the company succeeds.

My father believed in a world free of pain and suffering and Elypta, through their groundbreaking cancer detection test, is getting us closer to that reality.”

“We’re incredibly excited by Elypta’s potential for a healthier and more prosperous future,” says Rod Roddenberry, son of Star Trek creator, Gene Roddenberry. “My father believed in a world free of pain and suffering and Elypta, through their groundbreaking cancer detection test, is getting us closer to that reality.”

The Roddenberry Foundation

Founded by Rod and Heidi Roddenberry, The Roddenberry Foundation supports innovative thinking, original ideas, and extraordinary people who will change the world. Since 2016, the biennial Roddenberry Prize has been awarded to ventures that hold the promise for a more equitable and prosperous world in which everyone – regardless of background – can thrive.

The Roddenberry Prize is founded on Gene Roddenberry’s belief in the “remarkable” potential for human ingenuity and his confidence in our collective wisdom and creativity to build a better future.

“In our pursuit of universal thriving, we want everyone to live healthy, sustainable, and fulfilling lives,” says Heidi Roddenberry, chair of the Foundation’s board. “Our Prize awardees are showing us humanity’s creative potential to make a difference; to envision and then work toward a world of abundance for all.”

Prize candidates were selected from a competitive process featuring ventures nominated by over 300 venture capitalists, impact investors, and foundations in 18 countries. Five other finalists for the Prize received $100,000 each. All awardees will receive non-dilutive funding.

Photo of Karl Bergman (right): Elypta