LambdaVision is Helping Patients Regain Sight by Developing the First Protein-Based Artificial Retina

LambdaVision, developer of protein-based artificial retinas, led by Nicole L. Wagner, Jordan A. Greco, and Robert R. Birge, has secured $7 million seed funding round co-led by Seven Seven Six and Aurelia Foundry Fund, with additional support from Seraphim Space, providing runway into 2027.

Millions worldwide lose their vision each year to retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), with limited treatment options. The new funding will accelerate preclinical development and scale up space-enabled manufacturing of the company’s artificial retina.

By utilizing microgravity aboard the International Space Station (ISS), LambdaVision manufactures ultra-uniform, 200-layer protein thin films, something difficult to achieve on Earth. This innovation advances the development of its artificial retina for patients with RP and AMD. Through nine successful ISS missions with NASA and Space Tango, LambdaVision has validated and refined its space-based production, setting the stage for large-scale manufacturing and clinical trials.

LambdaVision plans to build on its momentum and continue fundraising ahead of its Series A launch. The announcement aligns with CEO Nicole Wagner’s upcoming appearance at the Payload Investors Summit, where she will join industry leaders to discuss the convergence of biomanufacturing, orbital infrastructure, and human health.

Backed by over $15 million in non-dilutive funding from NASA, the National Science Foundation, and the National Eye Institute, LambdaVision is now positioned to advance its microgravity-manufactured artificial retina into clinical trials, marking a major step toward restoring vision for millions worldwide.

Seed funding from investors like Seven Seven Six and Seraphim Space will advance LambdaVision toward clinical trials and scale its artificial retina using space-based manufacturing.

Katelin Holloway of Seven Seven Six highlighted LambdaVision’s mission to restore vision through space-based biotechnology as a powerful example of how innovation beyond Earth can transform lives on our planet, praising the company for turning scientific breakthroughs into lasting human impact.

Ariel Ekblaw of Aurelia Foundry Fund praised LambdaVision for leveraging microgravity to advance human health, highlighting the company’s pioneering work in space-based biotechnology and its potential to translate orbital success into clinical impact on Earth.