Our story
From the heart of Italy to global leadership in animal reproduction and scientific research.
Avantea’s story began in the early 1990s with the vision of Professor Cesare Galli and Dr. Giovanna Lazzari, pioneers in reproductive biotechnology. By combining scientific research, a passion for animals, and entrepreneurial spirit, they transformed a small laboratory into a world-renowned center of excellence.
Key Milestones
The foundation: international training
After graduating in Veterinary Medicine, Cesare Galli and Giovanna Lazzari completed a postdoctoral program at the University of Cambridge (UK), deepening their expertise in advanced reproductive technologies.
The beginning: a vision takes shape
Cesare Galli and Giovanna Lazzari began working in the field of advanced bovine reproductive technologies, collaborating with the Consorzio Incremento Zootecnico (CIZ). This marked the start of a research journey that laid the foundations for a revolutionary future.
Galileo: science makes history
Galileo, the first progeny-tested cloned bull in the world, was born. This groundbreaking achievement, following the birth of Dolly the sheep, ushered in a new era in animal cloning.
Prometea: a global symbol
Prometea, the first cloned horse in the world, was born. This historic milestone brought Italian research into the international spotlight and positioned the laboratory as a leader in equine reproduction.
Another first: Italy’s first cloned pigs
The laboratory set a new national record with the birth of the first cloned pigs in Italy, further expanding the scope of reproductive biotechnologies.
A pivotal year: Avantea is born
Building on years of scientific expertise and a desire to create a true center of excellence, Avantea was officially founded in Cremona. In the same year, Cesare Galli was awarded the prestigious Simmet Award by the International Congress of Animal Reproduction (ICAR) for his outstanding contributions to research.
Sharing knowledge: the Avantea Foundation Onlus
Avantea established a non-profit foundation to promote scientific education and public outreach in the field of animal reproduction.
Autonomy and independence
Avantea purchased the facilities, laboratories, and equipment from CIZ, strengthening its operational and scientific independence.
Growth and infrastructure innovation
A major renovation and expansion began, including the construction of a state-of-the-art laboratory dedicated to biomedical research using pig models.
New frontiers: the co-founding of Xenothera
Avantea co-founded Xenothera, a French biotech company focused on the use of genetically modified pigs to develop therapeutic products for human medicine.
Entering the US market: Equigea is born
Through the co-founding of Equigea, Avantea entered the United States, bringing its model of excellence to the American market for equine reproductive technologies.
A European recognition
Professor Galli received the Pioneer Award from AETE (European Embryo Transfer Association) for his pioneering work in animal reproduction.
Science for life: saving a species
For the first time in the world, Avantea succeeded in producing embryos and embryonic stem cells of the northern white rhinoceros, making a concrete contribution to the conservation of this critically endangered species.
Innovation and recognition
• Avantea acquired a 10% stake in Pig for Life to develop pig models for medical research, including studies on type I diabetes.
• The company received the Felix Industry Award as the best SME in the province of Cremona for outstanding management and financial performance.
• Construction began on the new headquarters: a 3-hectare site featuring modern large-animal facilities and cutting-edge laboratories.
A state-of-the-art headquarters on 3 hectares
Avantea completed its new 3-hectare headquarters in Cremona, featuring over 1,000 m² of facilities including next-generation laboratories for IVM and ICSI procedures, a bio-bank, administrative offices and meeting rooms, stables for donor mares with 84 stalls, an OPU lab with two working stations, and an experimental pig facility.
Leadership reaffirmed
Avantea received the Felix Industry Award once again, this time as the best SME in the Lombardy region, confirming the company’s continued success, strategic vision, and managerial excellence.