Simplify nucleic acid extraction and sample preparation with Aidian
Point-of-care (POC) diagnostics are used to allow fast diagnosis and treatment. These diagnostic tools are further categorized as immuno or molecular diagnostics, where immuno detects antibodies or antigens, and molecular nucleic acids. Molecular diagnostics is the golden standard in situations where it is important to distinguish which virus or bacterium has caused the infection.
Most of the POC molecular diagnostics instruments amplify target specific nucleic acids and then detect them with various technologies. Amplification is performed either from crude or from purified nucleic acid samples.
Amplification methods applying crude samples, such as saliva or respiratory sample media, often suffer from limited performance compared to methods that apply purified nucleic acids, difficulties arising e.g. from sample derived inhibitory substances or from used transport media.
Amplification methods that apply purified nucleic acids do not have such limitations. However, they require complicated nucleic acid extraction steps. These steps are often integrated into used POC cartridge in order to allow better usability and to reduce hands-on time by the end user, at the same time increasing the cost of the POC molecular tests.
Personnel performing POC measurements at primary care and in hospitals.
Challenge owner
AIDIAN
Disease area
General point-of-care
Registration deadline
23 April 2023
Status
Closed
What we are looking for:
We are looking for a next-generation molecular diagnostics nucleic acid extraction or sample preparation methods and materials that would require only a few steps, inexpensive reagents and that could be integrated into molecular diagnostics tests.
A technology that allows simple and efficient nucleic acid extraction or sample preparation from crude samples in less than five minutes that could be integrated into inexpensive POC molecular diagnostics cartridges or into larger IVD instruments.
Ideal solution would have following characteristics:
- Nucleic acid extraction or sample preparation in less than five minutes.
- Processing of crude samples, such as saliva or respiratory sample media, in swab or liquid form.
- Prepared sample can be used in isothermal nucleic acid amplification methods, such as LAMP, without sample derived inhibition.
- No centrifugation or high temperature is required in sample processing. All steps should be performed at room temperature.
- No specific laboratory equipment, such as precision pipettes, are required.
- Will be manufactured using normal existing mass production technologies.
- Ready-to-market timeline in three years.
FAQ
Who can apply?
European incorporated companies with a product or technology that addresses the challenges released. At least, a prototype of the solution should exist. There are no further specific requirements in terms of Technology Readiness Level (TLR), sales, minimum investment attracted, or country of registration.
How can I apply to this challenge?
Click on „Apply now“ and follow the instructions to submit an application. You will answer different questions about your company and the product you present as a possible solution to the challenge.
How are applications evaluated?
The main selection criteria is product-challenge fit. Applications are sent to the relevant teams in each challenge-owner, who decide which companies are selected. To increase the chances of a successful application, make sure you carefully read the information we have published about each challenge and show in your application how your product could be a perfect match. The questions in the application will guide you!
Can I apply to more than one challenge?
Yes, of course! However, you will need to submit one individual application per challenge and customize it according to the challenge.
I have a solution for a challenge, but it still requires some changes or development. Can I still apply?
Yes, the main requirement is that your solution addresses the challenge. In case you are selected, during the meetings with the challenge owners, you can clarify the needs of both parties and decide on possible changes/modifications/extra features, etc.
We encourage you to apply even if your solution only fulfills some of the requirements of the „ideal solution“ described above. Both off-the-shelf and customizable options are relevant!
Where does Meet&Match.Dx take place?
Mostly online, with the possibility to organize meetings in person in the third module. If that happens, the travel and accommodation costs for the participants will be covered by a grant.
What is the cost for my company?
None, it is free of charge. No fee, no equity taken. You only need to bring professionalism and commitment to make the best out of this opportunity. The costs for services are covered by the EU-funded Interreg NWE Codex4SMEs project.
Is a collaboration 100% secured for the SMEs selected?
Neither party is obliged to enter into a partnership. We will create the optimal environment for a collaboration to start, but whether this happens, and the conditions of the collaboration, will be exclusively decided by the parties involved.
However, we guarantee 100% of the selected companies will be connected to the relevant teams within the challenge-owner, will have 1-on-1 partnership exploration meetings, and will receive support to prepare for that occasion in the best possible way.
My product or solution is not a fit for any of the challenges… what can I do?
We constantly release different challenges in collaboration with industry leaders and healthcare providers. Join our start-ups database and you will be immediately notified when new challenges are out!