Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Diamond Sense (Valorising magnetometry in cells)
Reporting period: 2022-10-01 to 2024-03-31
The aim of this project is to explore the commercial potential of my ERC starting grant results and - if it is deemed feasible - found a start-up company for exploitation. Further, we will assess whether a business model based on a product (selling magnetometers) or based on services (conducting measurements selling data) or a hybrid business model containing both is most promising.
Free radical generation plays a key role in many biological processes including cell communication, immune responses or aging. However, free radical levels are also a sign of stress and thus elevated when cells are under stress and thus play a major role in many diseases including the ones responsible for the most deaths world wide (including cancer, cardiovascular diseases or bacterial and viral infections). However, free radicals are also small, short lived and reactive and thus difficult to detect for the state of the art. To demonstrate the ability of our technique we have chosen sepsis monitoring as a pilot application. Generating data on sepsis detection will allow us to demonstrate the potential of our technology to customers.
Free radical generation plays a key role in many biological processes including cell communication, immune responses or aging. However, free radical levels are also a sign of stress and thus elevated when cells are under stress and thus play a major role in many diseases including the ones responsible for the most deaths world wide (including cancer, cardiovascular diseases or bacterial and viral infections). However, free radicals are also small, short lived and reactive and thus difficult to detect for the state of the art. To demonstrate the ability of our technique we have chosen sepsis monitoring as a pilot application. Generating data on sepsis detection will allow us to demonstrate the potential of our technology to customers.
The biggest outcome of this project is that this company has indeed be founded. QTsense (https://www.qtsense.com/(opens in new window)) which was incorporated earlier this year. As foreseen in this proposal, the aim of QTsense is to commercialize diamond-based quantum sensing equipment. Further we have identified potential customers and analysed the customer needs. Finally, we have built a prototype and performed first test measurements
The most important outcome of this project was that QTsense was founded. This spin off company from my group aims to commercialise relaxometry equipment. QTsense is currently working towards a product launch and towards securing funding.