Innovation in Action: Athena Enzyme Systems™ Advances Revolutionary Digital Manufacturing Platform through UMBC and bwtech support
December 2024 – Athena Enzyme Systems™ is thrilled to announce the successful completion of the first phase in developing a unique, cutting-edge digital manufacturing platform for Athena’s reagent manufacturing lab—marking an exciting step forward in innovation and efficiency!
Athena’s Phase I standard operating procedure (SOP) platform utilizes a raw material QR code system and direct data inputs from instruments to record exact measurements and chemical use. This new automated system eliminates potential human error, increases production efficiency, and reduces staff training time and required prior expertise.
The inspiration for the project came from Athena’s CEO Benjamin Broedel’s experience as part of bwtech’s SCALEUP Maryland Program, which prioritizes building businesses with a core foundation for growth. Athena has strong ties to UMBC and bwtech@UMBC. The company was founded by Broedel’s father, Sheldon E Broedel, Jr. PhD, who earned his master’s (’84) and PhD (’90) at UMBC and launched Athena at bwtech in 1994.
Athena is a primary manufacturer and supplier of superior-quality biotechnology instrumentation and reagents for research, biopharmaceutical, and industrial applications. The company’s extensive line of products is designed to improve the expression, recovery, and purification of proteins. While most manufacturers still rely on paper batch records and other antiquated documentation systems, this new system creates a competitive advantage against larger players in the market, paving a clear track for Athena to scale its operations, remotely monitor operations, and rapidly integrate new portfolio products.
Many small and mid-sized manufacturing organizations maintain one or a handful of master technicians who have perfected their skills and processes over many years. Much like founder dependency, manufacturers are exposed to “key person risk” where there is limited documentation of the expertise and processes of their bedrock specialist technicians. These specialists drive the success of companies, making it essential to institutionalize and standardize their expertise.
Athena’s new system essentially places the mastermind into the master database. The completed SOP system will lock fixed value batch data, flag incorrect data inputs, auto-print data from equipment, timestamp data inputs, and track data entries by technician identification.
After a review of various laboratory software, it became apparent that a custom-built platform using readily accessible software would be more cost-effective and relevant to Athena’s operation. The new proprietary platform is custom-built for maximum efficiency without compromising its ability to integrate into larger operational systems. This approach was entirely possible due to Athena’s proximity to talented life sciences, information technology, data sciences, and software engineering students at UMBC.
This project is directed by Athena’s CEO Benjamin Broedel and built by UMBC student interns. Amulya Potluri, hired through UMBC’s Shattuck Family Internship Program, and employee Shirisha Badiga contributed to market research, new product development, training gaps, and software selection. Tanya Walia (Shattuck intern) built the new SOP system prototype which serves as a flexible foundation that can evolve as the company grows. In January 2025, Andrius Krunkaitis (Shattuck intern) will be the first lab technician to utilize the new digital process and address improvements to the initial system. The project included advisory from bwtech Entrepreneur in Residence, Fehmida Kampadia, PhD.
Phase I created the basic manufacturing platform that cross-links master documents. Phase II will include transferring old SOPs, working out system bugs, and expanding the data set to include precise raw materials inventory monitoring and automated process cost prediction. Phase III will incorporate new hardware and software that provides more functionality such as Bluetooth equipment connections and digital handwriting.