Imran Avci (VU): Disposable, ultra-sensitive optical biosensors for early cancer diagnosis (COMB-O)
In the last decade, cancer has become a silent pandemic as it is the second leading cause of death globally. Early diagnosis is critical for successful treatment, and therefore we urgently need sensitive, specific and affordable solutions. The development of optical biosensors that can detect the cancer biomarkers in the bloodstream at a very early stage is such a solution. The innovation lies in a sensor platform that is based on a tiny, yet powerful photonic microchip and novel detection scheme (now in the stage of patent application). The aim is that the new biosensors will become a part of the routine tests of primary care providers and that they will save millions of lives eventually.
Siwan Aberkane (VU): PULSE Sports – App-connected sportswear allowing athletes to monitor their body & mind, to maximise performance & avoid over-training. Millions of athletes worldwide are in a crisis, struggling with extreme physical and mental issues. Research experts and athletes themselves confirme that existing tools are too superficial and inaccurate for the prevention of […]
Mădălina Rîurean (VU): Madglove- helping people get a grasp on spasticity. Over 40 million people in the world struggle with hand spasticity, creating pain and making it difficult for them to do simple daily tasks. Madglove is creating low tech, accessible, home rehabilitation solutions, to give back people their independence. Through co-creation with end users […]
Paul Merkus (Amsterdam UMC): BoneMRI of the head There are many young patients that face deafness and need surgery to be able to hear. Before the surgery, the ENT-surgeon currently needs two scans: an MRI to visualize the soft tissues like nerves, and a CT scan to show the bony structures. However, the CT scanning […]