Project description
Breaking barriers in DNA sequencing
Next-generation sequencing has facilitated faster and more accurate medical diagnoses. Specifically, it allows clinicians to identify disease-causing mutations, track infections, and tailor treatments based on an individual’s unique genetic profile. Unfortunately, it is still costly and time-consuming. In this context, the ERC-funded INPHOSIS project aims to introduce an imaging technology that boosts read density. The goal is to achieve sub-pixel resolution, allowing over a billion reads per run. To do so, it will integrate advanced photonic circuits and structured illumination. This is expected to revolutionise sequencing speed and reduce costs, making high-throughput genetic analysis accessible and practical for clinical applications.
Objective
High-throughput next-generation sequencing has revolutionized healthcare. Nevertheless, widespread adoption remains hindered by a trade-off between clinically relevant turnaround times and cost-effectiveness. This trade-off arises from the limitations of sequencing-by-synthesis (SBS) chemistry and traditional optical readout architectures. To address this, integrated parallel readout on a CMOS imager is the preferred technology – as opposed to free space microscope scanners. However, size and number of pixels pose a critical limit on throughput. A novel technology developed in the IROCSIM ERC StG presents a unique solution by enabling sub-pixel resolution readout, leading to orders of magnitude increase in read density per pixel—unlocking the 1 billion-plus reads range. It monolithically integrates an imager with filters and photonic-integrated-circuit-generated, IP protected, structured illumination patterns. This project aims to demonstrate the commercial and technical potential of this technology for sequencing applications. This innovation could be a fundamental breakthrough in a longstanding bottleneck in sequencing products.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors optical sensors
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2024-POC
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
3001 Leuven
Belgium
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.