The RAMAN project addresses a pressing global challenge: the need for rapid, affordable, and comprehensive microbiota analysis in both medical and industrial sectors. Microbiomes — complex communities of microorganisms — play essential roles in human health, food production, and environmental balance. Yet, current analysis tools are often too slow, costly, or narrow in scope to meet urgent, real-world demands. This need is growing in response to major trends: aging populations, the rise of organic agriculture (with fewer chemical preservatives), and increasing biohazard risks from climate change. In medical contexts, such as childbirth, timely microbiota insights can be lifesaving. In food production, particularly in fermentation-based industries, fast microbial assessments help prevent spoilage and ensure quality. In the wellness sector, real-time microbiota analysis can influence consumer decisions.
RAMAN is developing the first TRL6-ready solution for Rapid and Affordable Microbiota Analysis at the Point of Need, advancing from a TRL4 prototype. The platform builds on three prior EU-funded H2020 projects and integrates proprietary micro-nano-bio innovations. It targets two critical use cases in medical diagnostics and in industrial applications. The first use case is dedicated to assessing the vaginal microbiota of pregnant women to reduce the risk of mother-to-newborn infections. In the field of industrial applications, RAMAN addresses to monitoring fermentation microbiota in beverages to enhance quality and prevent spoilage.
RAMAN addresses both regulated (healthcare) and non-regulated (industry) markets with a compact, automated, and eco-designed platform. In healthcare, it moves beyond standard Group B Streptococcus screening, with the potential to prevent up to 59% of childbirth-related infections in the EU and save lives in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). It also opens avenues in gynecological diagnostics and premature birth prediction. In industry, RAMAN can significantly reduce 5–25% spoilage rates in organic wine and other fermented products, enabling producers to manage microbial risks in real time and improve compliance with organic standards.
RAMAN is fully aligned with the EIC Transition Challenge for micro-nano-bio devices and contributes to strengthening EU technological autonomy. Supported by 21 patents and a robust commercialization strategy, RAMAN is positioned to lead a new market segment, drive innovation, and generate an estimated €100M in revenue and over 100 jobs by 2032. By democratizing microbiota analysis, RAMAN transforms decision-making in healthcare and food systems alike.
