Multi-diagnostic automated microscope

Company history/background

The company is a MedTech start-up founded in early 2019 and is based in Pijnacker,The Netherlands. The company focuses on bringing an affordable alternative to standard microscopic examination by optimally addressing all components of the diagnostic cycle.  

In 2019, it was selected as one of the winners of the EIT Health Headstart Fund Belgium-Netherlands and received €50,000 in funding. The company has since raised over €700,000 from contracts, grants and sales of the minimum viable product of its devices. 

Company activities

The company develops low-cost automated diagnostic microscopes with reliable and fast AI-assisted detection. The developed automated microscope is designed for quick diagnosis and detection of malaria parasite in blood, tuberculosis, and Neglected Tropical Disease diagnostics in low- and middle-income countries. A minimal viable product was brought to Gabon to be tested in local research laboratories in 2020 and further developed products have been deployed for field testing in Nigeria.

The company in partnership with THE END FUND USA, The Nigerian Ministry of health and other academic institutions is currently providing stool and urine analysis for over 10,500 school age children in Ekiti State Nigeria. Results would be used for disease mapping in the Nigerian state and other endemic countries.

Unique selling points

What makes the company stand out is that it provides a multi-diagnostic automated microscope that is not only quick, reliable, affordable and easy-to-use but it is also a field compatible point-of-care assisted device that is not yet available in our target market. Due to its AI driven sample analysis, it is able to provide test results for diseases such as Malaria, Tuberculosis & Neglected Tropical Diseases (Schistosomiasis haematobium, Schistosomiasis mansoni Lymphatic Filariasis, Soil-Transmitted Helminths).

Results obtained from the field shows that our device performance comparable to expert microscopy. Additionally, the company has unique experience in the development of affordable automated AI-assisted optical detection methodology and its integration into microscopic systems with off-the shelf optical components. We have assembled a team with over 25 years of experience in optical system design, artificial intelligence, software & product design both from industry and the Delft University of Technology.