Project acronym DNACom
Project Compartmentalized DNA Computers for In-Vitro Diagnostic Applications
Researcher (PI) Tom DE GREEF
Host Institution (HI) TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITEIT EINDHOVEN
Call Details Proof of Concept (PoC), ERC-2018-PoC
Summary Changes in human microRNA (miRNA) levels are associated with several important human diseases. Monitoring changes in miRNA levels would enable clinicians to perform diagnosis and evaluate therapeutic efficacy of drugs. In principle, changes in a miRNA signature could be detected by existing methods such as quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR). However, the experimental complexity and computational analysis of the data prevents the measurements of miRNA signatures in a clinical setting. DNA-based molecular computers combine multiplex detection of DNA and RNA strands with molecular computation and are thus able to process and classify miRNA signatures into easy interpretable answers. In my ERC starting grant BioCircuit, we have made a technological breakthrough by compartmentalizing DNA-based molecular computers inside semipermeable micrometer-sized compartments made from a Bovine serum albumin (BSA) polymer conjugate. We have shown that compartmentalization of DNA circuits improves their speed by an order of magnitude and decreases their overall leakiness. Importantly, our work has revealed that this platform is capable of distributed sensing and processing of DNA and RNA strands.
In 'DNACom' we will 1) establish the technical proof of concept of compartmentalized DNA computers for in-vitro molecular diagnostics (IVDs) and 2) validate the commercial application of compartmentalized DNA circuits as low-cost, portable point-of-care devices for detection and classification of microRNA signatures.
Summary
Changes in human microRNA (miRNA) levels are associated with several important human diseases. Monitoring changes in miRNA levels would enable clinicians to perform diagnosis and evaluate therapeutic efficacy of drugs. In principle, changes in a miRNA signature could be detected by existing methods such as quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR). However, the experimental complexity and computational analysis of the data prevents the measurements of miRNA signatures in a clinical setting. DNA-based molecular computers combine multiplex detection of DNA and RNA strands with molecular computation and are thus able to process and classify miRNA signatures into easy interpretable answers. In my ERC starting grant BioCircuit, we have made a technological breakthrough by compartmentalizing DNA-based molecular computers inside semipermeable micrometer-sized compartments made from a Bovine serum albumin (BSA) polymer conjugate. We have shown that compartmentalization of DNA circuits improves their speed by an order of magnitude and decreases their overall leakiness. Importantly, our work has revealed that this platform is capable of distributed sensing and processing of DNA and RNA strands.
In 'DNACom' we will 1) establish the technical proof of concept of compartmentalized DNA computers for in-vitro molecular diagnostics (IVDs) and 2) validate the commercial application of compartmentalized DNA circuits as low-cost, portable point-of-care devices for detection and classification of microRNA signatures.
Max ERC Funding
149 770 €
Duration
Start date: 2019-04-01, End date: 2020-09-30
Project acronym EASY-IPS
Project a rapid and efficient method for generation of iPSC
Researcher (PI) Nicola Brunetti-Pierri
Host Institution (HI) FONDAZIONE TELETHON
Call Details Proof of Concept (PoC), ERC-2018-PoC
Summary The discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) has provided a major advance in biomedical research as they are able to offer meaningful models to investigate human diseases and biology. A growing number of research laboratory are using iPSC for studying a wide variety of human diseases. iPSC have also tremendous potential for regenerative medicine because they can be virtually differentiated in any type of cell. Through the support of the ERC grant IEMTx, we built-up an in-house protocol for generation of iPSC from patients’ cell lines that is efficient and has an extremely low cost compared to other available methods with the highest clinical safety. Therefore, we can offer a superior system to produce iPSC based on a simpler, more efficient, highly reproducible, cost effective and customizable process. Moreover, HDAd have potential also for cell trans-differentiation that is the reprogramming of one somatic cell type into another cell type without passing through the pluripotent state. In summary, the goal of this proposal is to pave the way towards commercialization of our novel products for generating iPSC and trans-differentiated cell lines based on HDAd vectors as non-integrating, high-cloning capacity, inexpensive and easy to use vectors. We believe this method will become a relevant opportunity for biomedical research and might find applications in regenerative medicine as well.
Summary
The discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) has provided a major advance in biomedical research as they are able to offer meaningful models to investigate human diseases and biology. A growing number of research laboratory are using iPSC for studying a wide variety of human diseases. iPSC have also tremendous potential for regenerative medicine because they can be virtually differentiated in any type of cell. Through the support of the ERC grant IEMTx, we built-up an in-house protocol for generation of iPSC from patients’ cell lines that is efficient and has an extremely low cost compared to other available methods with the highest clinical safety. Therefore, we can offer a superior system to produce iPSC based on a simpler, more efficient, highly reproducible, cost effective and customizable process. Moreover, HDAd have potential also for cell trans-differentiation that is the reprogramming of one somatic cell type into another cell type without passing through the pluripotent state. In summary, the goal of this proposal is to pave the way towards commercialization of our novel products for generating iPSC and trans-differentiated cell lines based on HDAd vectors as non-integrating, high-cloning capacity, inexpensive and easy to use vectors. We believe this method will become a relevant opportunity for biomedical research and might find applications in regenerative medicine as well.
Max ERC Funding
150 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2019-01-01, End date: 2020-06-30
Project acronym ElecOpteR
Project Electro-optical polariton router
Researcher (PI) Daniele SANVITTO
Host Institution (HI) CONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERCHE
Call Details Proof of Concept (PoC), ERC-2017-PoC
Summary In this proposal we plan to bring to a development stage TRL 3 an electro-optical device working at room temperature and based on polaritons (an hybrid photon-exciton particle) made of 2D perovskites and of an optical surface mode in a Distributed Bragg Reflector waveguide. Such a device could lead to extremely compact and ultrafast electro-optical modulators that can be fully integrated in a microchip to allow for fast signal communications between each peripheral component of a processor. As a matter of fact one of the major bottlenecks in processing speed is caused by retardations and dissipations in the interconnections between the CPU and the memory elements as well as other interconnect functions. Conversion of the electrical signal into an optical one can allow for faster and more efficient processing. Our prototype can allow for switching and routing of guided optical beams via electrical signals using the intrinsic nonlinearities of the hybrid photon-exciton states.
Summary
In this proposal we plan to bring to a development stage TRL 3 an electro-optical device working at room temperature and based on polaritons (an hybrid photon-exciton particle) made of 2D perovskites and of an optical surface mode in a Distributed Bragg Reflector waveguide. Such a device could lead to extremely compact and ultrafast electro-optical modulators that can be fully integrated in a microchip to allow for fast signal communications between each peripheral component of a processor. As a matter of fact one of the major bottlenecks in processing speed is caused by retardations and dissipations in the interconnections between the CPU and the memory elements as well as other interconnect functions. Conversion of the electrical signal into an optical one can allow for faster and more efficient processing. Our prototype can allow for switching and routing of guided optical beams via electrical signals using the intrinsic nonlinearities of the hybrid photon-exciton states.
Max ERC Funding
149 406 €
Duration
Start date: 2017-10-01, End date: 2019-03-31
Project acronym ErasmusBlink
Project ErasmusBlink: A low cost and easy to use measurement system for medical research with diagnostic potential
Researcher (PI) Christiaan Innocentius De Zeeuw
Host Institution (HI) ERASMUS UNIVERSITAIR MEDISCH CENTRUM ROTTERDAM
Call Details Proof of Concept (PoC), PC1, ERC-2016-PoC
Summary Neuroscientists and clinicians use a wide range of behavioral tests to investigate the physiological mechanisms of learning and memory formation. One of the most objective and reliable tests is eyeblink conditioning, as it is extremely simple, it can be done in both humans and animals, it measures many aspects of how we learn in our daily life, and it can detect memory deficits in many neurological and psychiatric diseases. However, so far there are no low-cost reliable eyeblink conditioning setups commercially available. Therefore, we propose for this ERC-POC application to prepare the commercialization of ErasmusBlink as a low-cost, wearable eyeblink conditioning recording and analysis setup that can be used in virtually all species. With ErasmusBlink one can do reliable and reproducible eyeblink conditioning experiments for scientific, medical and industrial purposes. ErasmusBlink will be the first ‘total care’ package, alleviating the potential customer from the requirement of the technical and programming skills, which one currently needs to acquire before being able to do eyeblink conditioning experiments. Our market survey will cover three major fields: Basic neurosciences (1), clinical and pharmaceutical research (2), and nutritional sciences (3). For all three fields eyeblink conditioning parameters have been shown to uncover important and fundamental functional processes and correlations. Our current academic collaborations with key players in each of these disciplines and with industrial partners like Noldus IT serve as a solid platform to ensure a successful commercialization of ErasmusBlink.
Summary
Neuroscientists and clinicians use a wide range of behavioral tests to investigate the physiological mechanisms of learning and memory formation. One of the most objective and reliable tests is eyeblink conditioning, as it is extremely simple, it can be done in both humans and animals, it measures many aspects of how we learn in our daily life, and it can detect memory deficits in many neurological and psychiatric diseases. However, so far there are no low-cost reliable eyeblink conditioning setups commercially available. Therefore, we propose for this ERC-POC application to prepare the commercialization of ErasmusBlink as a low-cost, wearable eyeblink conditioning recording and analysis setup that can be used in virtually all species. With ErasmusBlink one can do reliable and reproducible eyeblink conditioning experiments for scientific, medical and industrial purposes. ErasmusBlink will be the first ‘total care’ package, alleviating the potential customer from the requirement of the technical and programming skills, which one currently needs to acquire before being able to do eyeblink conditioning experiments. Our market survey will cover three major fields: Basic neurosciences (1), clinical and pharmaceutical research (2), and nutritional sciences (3). For all three fields eyeblink conditioning parameters have been shown to uncover important and fundamental functional processes and correlations. Our current academic collaborations with key players in each of these disciplines and with industrial partners like Noldus IT serve as a solid platform to ensure a successful commercialization of ErasmusBlink.
Max ERC Funding
149 938 €
Duration
Start date: 2017-09-01, End date: 2018-08-31
Project acronym FAST-DEVELOPS
Project Developing new therapeutics for Friedreich ataxia
Researcher (PI) Roberto Testi
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI ROMA TOR VERGATA
Call Details Proof of Concept (PoC), ERC-2015-PoC, ERC-2015-PoC
Summary Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is a devastating neurodegenerative orphan disease that affects children and young adults, and has no approved therapy. The disease progressively brings patients to severe disability and significantly reduces life expectancy. The genetic defect underlying the disease causes FRDA patients to produce only low amounts of the mitochondrial protein frataxin, compared to normal subjects. Low frataxin results in the accelerated death of peripheral sensory neurons, causing the disease. Goal of any tentative specific therapy is therefore to increase frataxin levels in FRDA patients. Building on our original discovery that unveiled the mechanism of physiological frataxin degradation, we are developing new chemical entities that manage to increase frataxin in FRDA patients cells by preventing the degradation of frataxin. This effort is currently funded by an ERC Advanced Grant (Friedreich Ataxia Seeks Therapy – FAST, project number 293699).
We now plan to bring some of the most promising compounds emerging from the above mentioned ERC-funded project, to the proof of concept (POC) of efficacy in living sensory neurons derived from FRDA patients. This will be achieved by demonstrating that our compounds are able to increase frataxin in sensory neurons generated from patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells. A defined path for the further de-risking and development of compounds that have reached the POC stage, has been discussed together with Cydan Development, the leading orphan drug accelerator, and the VC firm Kurma Partners.
Summary
Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is a devastating neurodegenerative orphan disease that affects children and young adults, and has no approved therapy. The disease progressively brings patients to severe disability and significantly reduces life expectancy. The genetic defect underlying the disease causes FRDA patients to produce only low amounts of the mitochondrial protein frataxin, compared to normal subjects. Low frataxin results in the accelerated death of peripheral sensory neurons, causing the disease. Goal of any tentative specific therapy is therefore to increase frataxin levels in FRDA patients. Building on our original discovery that unveiled the mechanism of physiological frataxin degradation, we are developing new chemical entities that manage to increase frataxin in FRDA patients cells by preventing the degradation of frataxin. This effort is currently funded by an ERC Advanced Grant (Friedreich Ataxia Seeks Therapy – FAST, project number 293699).
We now plan to bring some of the most promising compounds emerging from the above mentioned ERC-funded project, to the proof of concept (POC) of efficacy in living sensory neurons derived from FRDA patients. This will be achieved by demonstrating that our compounds are able to increase frataxin in sensory neurons generated from patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells. A defined path for the further de-risking and development of compounds that have reached the POC stage, has been discussed together with Cydan Development, the leading orphan drug accelerator, and the VC firm Kurma Partners.
Max ERC Funding
150 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2015-11-01, End date: 2017-04-30
Project acronym FESTA
Project Flexible Euv SpecTrometer for Attosecond science
Researcher (PI) Caterina VOZZI
Host Institution (HI) CONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERCHE
Call Details Proof of Concept (PoC), ERC-2018-PoC
Summary Attosecond science studies the motion of electrons on atomic and molecular scale, which typically occurs on the timescale of attoseconds (1 as = 10^-18 s). This motion is at the basis of all fundamental processes occurring in Chemistry, Material Science and Biology, and its understanding enables innovation in all these scientific fields. The access to electronic motion on the timescale of attoseconds is based on the analysis of extreme ultra-violet (EUV) harmonic radiation generated when a molecule is hit by an intense femtosecond (1 fs = 10^-15 s) laser pulse. However, despite its huge potential, the full exploitation of this approach is currently hindered by limitations in the commercially available EUV spectrometers and it is restricted to a few very specialized users who are able to build their own instruments.
By exploiting the innovative technical methods developed during UDynI ERC, we want to realize a compact, versatile, and user-friendly EUV spectrometer, which overcomes these limitations. In this way, we will grant access to attosecond science to a wider range of stakeholders in fields with high impact on the society, such as Health (e.g. drug discovery), Environment (e.g. understanding atmospheric photoinduced pollution, finding more effective chemical and catalytic processes) and Technology (e.g. study of high temperature superconductors and ultrafast switching in magnetic materials).
The objective of the FESTA PoC Project is the development of a EUV detection system prototype (TRL6), the identification of a proper IPR exploitation strategy and the definition of the most suitable business model for the commercialization of the FESTA platform.
Summary
Attosecond science studies the motion of electrons on atomic and molecular scale, which typically occurs on the timescale of attoseconds (1 as = 10^-18 s). This motion is at the basis of all fundamental processes occurring in Chemistry, Material Science and Biology, and its understanding enables innovation in all these scientific fields. The access to electronic motion on the timescale of attoseconds is based on the analysis of extreme ultra-violet (EUV) harmonic radiation generated when a molecule is hit by an intense femtosecond (1 fs = 10^-15 s) laser pulse. However, despite its huge potential, the full exploitation of this approach is currently hindered by limitations in the commercially available EUV spectrometers and it is restricted to a few very specialized users who are able to build their own instruments.
By exploiting the innovative technical methods developed during UDynI ERC, we want to realize a compact, versatile, and user-friendly EUV spectrometer, which overcomes these limitations. In this way, we will grant access to attosecond science to a wider range of stakeholders in fields with high impact on the society, such as Health (e.g. drug discovery), Environment (e.g. understanding atmospheric photoinduced pollution, finding more effective chemical and catalytic processes) and Technology (e.g. study of high temperature superconductors and ultrafast switching in magnetic materials).
The objective of the FESTA PoC Project is the development of a EUV detection system prototype (TRL6), the identification of a proper IPR exploitation strategy and the definition of the most suitable business model for the commercialization of the FESTA platform.
Max ERC Funding
150 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2018-10-01, End date: 2020-03-31
Project acronym FICS chip
Project FICS chip - Fast Impedance-based Cell Sensing chip
Researcher (PI) Albert VAN DEN BERG
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITEIT TWENTE
Call Details Proof of Concept (PoC), PC1, ERC-2011-PoC
Summary Our goal is to develop and evaluate the commercialization potential of a fast reliable label-free detection method of cells on chip for real time on site detection of mastitis or cell detection and selection in a clinical setting. The advantages and applications of the proposed fast detection platform are numerous. It enables reliable analysis within minutes, without labelling the cells and the small size of the system supports on site analysis. Besides the development of the innovative (droplet-based) microfluidic chip, both the technical optimization of the detection method developed in the ERC project as well as thorough market and IP study using preliminary information will be undertaken. In case of a positive outcome the Proof of Concept project will lead to a business plan for a new start-up company.
Summary
Our goal is to develop and evaluate the commercialization potential of a fast reliable label-free detection method of cells on chip for real time on site detection of mastitis or cell detection and selection in a clinical setting. The advantages and applications of the proposed fast detection platform are numerous. It enables reliable analysis within minutes, without labelling the cells and the small size of the system supports on site analysis. Besides the development of the innovative (droplet-based) microfluidic chip, both the technical optimization of the detection method developed in the ERC project as well as thorough market and IP study using preliminary information will be undertaken. In case of a positive outcome the Proof of Concept project will lead to a business plan for a new start-up company.
Max ERC Funding
149 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2012-03-01, End date: 2013-02-28
Project acronym FLOVISP
Project Flow Visualization Based Pressure
Researcher (PI) Fulvio Scarano
Host Institution (HI) TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITEIT DELFT
Call Details Proof of Concept (PoC), PC1, ERC-2014-PoC
Summary The ERC-FLOVIST project has focused on advancing Tomographic Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) towards a versatile technique for the non-intrusive diagnostics of aero-acoustic problems.
One of the milestones has been the use of Tomo-PIV to infer the instantaneous three dimensional pressure field from the velocity measurement. The use of this laser-based technique for the detection of pressure fluctuations both around and on the surface of aerodynamic models offers the advantage that surface pressure transducers do not need to be installed, along with connecting cables for power supply and data transfer.
The technique has demonstrated high scalability and pressure fluctuations were detected from low-speed up to the supersonic flows. This is an important headway from standard technologies (surface pressure transducers and microphone arrays) favouring a broader utilization of PIV in aero-acoustics, flow-induced vibrations and bio-fluid mechanics.
The potential of this innovative approach has been recognized in science. However, the industry lags behind with a more conservative position, partly justified by system complexity and the high skills required to perform experiments. Instead, when correctly implemented this method can lead to important economical benefits with saving of costs for the integration of instrumentation. The targeted industrial areas are: aeronautics (aircraft aerodynamics and propulsion), energy systems (turbo machinery and wind energy). In wind-energy, the study of unsteady loads may lead to designs that reduce fatigue loads and increase system durability. Also, growing interest in noise emissions from wind turbines requires increased capabilities for their aero-acoustic analysis.
The proposal intends to move forward these capabilities from research labs to industrial facilities. The main task is bringing together the current advances of the Tomo-PIV technique to make it broadly usable by research centres and for industrial innovation.
Summary
The ERC-FLOVIST project has focused on advancing Tomographic Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) towards a versatile technique for the non-intrusive diagnostics of aero-acoustic problems.
One of the milestones has been the use of Tomo-PIV to infer the instantaneous three dimensional pressure field from the velocity measurement. The use of this laser-based technique for the detection of pressure fluctuations both around and on the surface of aerodynamic models offers the advantage that surface pressure transducers do not need to be installed, along with connecting cables for power supply and data transfer.
The technique has demonstrated high scalability and pressure fluctuations were detected from low-speed up to the supersonic flows. This is an important headway from standard technologies (surface pressure transducers and microphone arrays) favouring a broader utilization of PIV in aero-acoustics, flow-induced vibrations and bio-fluid mechanics.
The potential of this innovative approach has been recognized in science. However, the industry lags behind with a more conservative position, partly justified by system complexity and the high skills required to perform experiments. Instead, when correctly implemented this method can lead to important economical benefits with saving of costs for the integration of instrumentation. The targeted industrial areas are: aeronautics (aircraft aerodynamics and propulsion), energy systems (turbo machinery and wind energy). In wind-energy, the study of unsteady loads may lead to designs that reduce fatigue loads and increase system durability. Also, growing interest in noise emissions from wind turbines requires increased capabilities for their aero-acoustic analysis.
The proposal intends to move forward these capabilities from research labs to industrial facilities. The main task is bringing together the current advances of the Tomo-PIV technique to make it broadly usable by research centres and for industrial innovation.
Max ERC Funding
148 750 €
Duration
Start date: 2015-06-01, End date: 2016-11-30
Project acronym FLUO
Project Industrial implementation of a step-change technology to measure fluorescence
Researcher (PI) Dario POLLI
Host Institution (HI) POLITECNICO DI MILANO
Call Details Proof of Concept (PoC), ERC-2018-PoC
Summary The FLUO proposal aims at bringing to the market a revolutionary device to measure fluorescence of a large variety of samples. Fluorescence is the property of molecules to emit radiation after being illuminated by an excitation light (usually in the ultraviolet). Fluorescence is a powerful analytical tool employed in many fields such as life science, biology, biotechnology, pharmacology, medical diagnostics, food industry, chemistry, photovoltaics and environment safety. Different chemical species can be uniquely identified with high sensitivity and specificity, in a non-destructive and non-invasive way.
Spectrometers for measuring fluorescence already exist in the market, but they present drawbacks such as large footprint, high costs, long acquisition times and low sensitivity. Our ground-breaking patented technology, based on an ultrastable interferometer, overcomes all these issues, thus paving the way to many scientific and industrial applications. We have already initiated the customer identification and discovery process and we have received many positive feedbacks from potential customers.
The FLUO project has two main goals:
1) We aim at pushing the Technology Readiness Level of the products to the ultimate maturity required to approach the market, corresponding to TRL9. A first working prototype has already been realized and tested; we will realize two second-generation prototypes that will be technically validated in the scientific and industrial sectors.
2) We will unleash the innovation potential of the approach, developing an exhaustive exploitation plan, based on a detailed market analysis and a profitable financial plan. We will benchmark our instrument against the competitors’ ones and sign commercial agreements with strategic partners. In the framework of the lean start-up approach, we will draft a first version of a Business Model Canvas and Business Plan in the view of the foundation of a start-up company towards the end of the FLUO project.
Summary
The FLUO proposal aims at bringing to the market a revolutionary device to measure fluorescence of a large variety of samples. Fluorescence is the property of molecules to emit radiation after being illuminated by an excitation light (usually in the ultraviolet). Fluorescence is a powerful analytical tool employed in many fields such as life science, biology, biotechnology, pharmacology, medical diagnostics, food industry, chemistry, photovoltaics and environment safety. Different chemical species can be uniquely identified with high sensitivity and specificity, in a non-destructive and non-invasive way.
Spectrometers for measuring fluorescence already exist in the market, but they present drawbacks such as large footprint, high costs, long acquisition times and low sensitivity. Our ground-breaking patented technology, based on an ultrastable interferometer, overcomes all these issues, thus paving the way to many scientific and industrial applications. We have already initiated the customer identification and discovery process and we have received many positive feedbacks from potential customers.
The FLUO project has two main goals:
1) We aim at pushing the Technology Readiness Level of the products to the ultimate maturity required to approach the market, corresponding to TRL9. A first working prototype has already been realized and tested; we will realize two second-generation prototypes that will be technically validated in the scientific and industrial sectors.
2) We will unleash the innovation potential of the approach, developing an exhaustive exploitation plan, based on a detailed market analysis and a profitable financial plan. We will benchmark our instrument against the competitors’ ones and sign commercial agreements with strategic partners. In the framework of the lean start-up approach, we will draft a first version of a Business Model Canvas and Business Plan in the view of the foundation of a start-up company towards the end of the FLUO project.
Max ERC Funding
150 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2018-11-01, End date: 2020-04-30
Project acronym FTBATCH
Project "Small, but many: scalability to volume production in fiber-top technology"
Researcher (PI) Davide IANNUZZI
Host Institution (HI) STICHTING VU
Call Details Proof of Concept (PoC), PC1, ERC-2011-PoC
Summary "Fiber-top devices (Iannuzzi et al., patents filed) are a new generation of small sensors for research, medical, and industrial applications, obtained by fabricating a minuscule diving board on the tip of an optical fiber. Light coupled from the opposite end of the fiber allows one to remotely detect any tiny bending of the board, and, thus, of the event that has caused that bending. Miniaturization, remote sensing capability, resistance to harsh working conditions, ease-of-use, and the possibility to achieve ultimate sensitivity are only some of the advantages with which this award winning invention outperform the competing technologies. Unfortunately, there is one main limitation that prevents us to make the leap to market: the manufacturing process is way too expensive and complicated to be integrated in a series production line. To solve this problem, during my ERC StG project I have introduced a new technique that, mimicking the top-down approach that is conventionally used in silicon microtechnology, allows fabrication of fiber-top sensors via a series of steps that adapt well to batch production (Iannuzzi et al., patent filed). The goal of this ERC PoC project is to demonstrate that this fabrication technique can be now scaled up to achieve volume production at competitive costs. The project is divided into a technical part (demonstration of scalability) and a market-related part (market, cost, and price analysis). At the end of this project, we will be able to present a cost effective production method accompanied with a rigorous analysis of the marketability of the solution developed. Our close collaboration with Optics11 (a spin-off company that we launched during my ERC StG) will then guarantee a smooth transition of the results to market."
Summary
"Fiber-top devices (Iannuzzi et al., patents filed) are a new generation of small sensors for research, medical, and industrial applications, obtained by fabricating a minuscule diving board on the tip of an optical fiber. Light coupled from the opposite end of the fiber allows one to remotely detect any tiny bending of the board, and, thus, of the event that has caused that bending. Miniaturization, remote sensing capability, resistance to harsh working conditions, ease-of-use, and the possibility to achieve ultimate sensitivity are only some of the advantages with which this award winning invention outperform the competing technologies. Unfortunately, there is one main limitation that prevents us to make the leap to market: the manufacturing process is way too expensive and complicated to be integrated in a series production line. To solve this problem, during my ERC StG project I have introduced a new technique that, mimicking the top-down approach that is conventionally used in silicon microtechnology, allows fabrication of fiber-top sensors via a series of steps that adapt well to batch production (Iannuzzi et al., patent filed). The goal of this ERC PoC project is to demonstrate that this fabrication technique can be now scaled up to achieve volume production at competitive costs. The project is divided into a technical part (demonstration of scalability) and a market-related part (market, cost, and price analysis). At the end of this project, we will be able to present a cost effective production method accompanied with a rigorous analysis of the marketability of the solution developed. Our close collaboration with Optics11 (a spin-off company that we launched during my ERC StG) will then guarantee a smooth transition of the results to market."
Max ERC Funding
149 191 €
Duration
Start date: 2012-04-01, End date: 2013-07-31
