Project description
Multifunctional microscopy add-on advances dynamic cell imaging
Fluorescence microscopy has transformed visualisation of dynamic processes in living cells, but current systems are complex, expensive, relatively slow and limited in molecular orientation tracking. The ERC-funded MicroSwiss project aims to develop a compact, plug-and-play add-on combining super-resolution imaging, fluorescence lifetime multiplexing, molecular orientation analysis and high-speed particle tracking. By integrating a polarisation-sensitive prism module, an advanced detector and novel algorithms, MicroSwiss will enable researchers to study dynamic biological processes at nanometre resolution with unprecedented versatility. Experiments will test capabilities to elucidate protein assembly and molecular interactions across multiple processes. Developed with commercialisation in mind, MicroSwiss will investigate a clear pathway to market through licensing, partnerships or a dedicated spin-off.
Objective
MicroSwiss aims to develop and validate a plug-and-play microscopy add-on that enhances fluorescence microscopy by combining super-resolution imaging, fluorescence lifetime multiplexing, molecular orientation analysis, and high-speed single-particle tracking into a compact system. This innovative approach overcomes key limitations of current imaging techniques, including hardware complexity, high costs, slow acquisition speeds, and restricted molecular orientation tracking. Addressing these challenges makes high-resolution imaging more accessible to the broader scientific community. The project will first focus on prototype development, integrating a polarization-sensitive prism system, a SPAD-based fluorescence lifetime extraction module, and novel algorithms into a functional imaging system with custom software. This system will enable molecular tracking and fluorescence lifetime analysis, providing researchers with new capabilities to study dynamic biological processes at nanometre resolution. Next, the project will demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the add-on across different biological systems and experimental conditions. Benchmarking experiments will evaluate aerolysin pore formation dynamics, molecular diffusion, and orientation-sensitive imaging in varied membrane environments. Planned validation experiments will establish MicroSwiss as a versatile and reliable tool for studying protein assembly and molecular interactions. Beyond technical validation, the project will assess commercialization potential, including market positioning, IP strategy, and business development. Collaboration with EPFL’s Enable program and industry partners will support the transition from prototype to minimum viable product. By the project’s end, MicroSwiss will have reached TRL 5 with a clear roadmap for commercialization through licensing, partnerships, or a dedicated start-up, ensuring its impact in academic research, drug discovery, and nanotechnology applications
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.
- medical and health sciences basic medicine pharmacology and pharmacy drug discovery
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy super resolution microscopy
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- engineering and technology nanotechnology
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy fluorescence lifetime imaging
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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)
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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-2025-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.
1015 Lausanne
Switzerland
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.