Project description
Novel software could unlock the potential of medical imaging technologies
In medical imaging, having the right tools to analyse and interpret data is just as important as the technology itself. Advanced imaging technologies such as spectral photon-counting CT (SPCCT) and colour K-edge imaging could help transform healthcare as they combine structural, functional and molecular information in a single scan. However, their potential is held back not by the technology but by the lack of specialised software for processing and analysing these scans. The ERC-funded KOLOR viewer project will create the first dedicated platform for SPCCT and colour K-edge imaging. The software will integrate tools for 3D visualisation, segmentation and biomarker analysis. Designed to be vendor-neutral, it will ensure interoperability across manufacturers and support both experimental and approved contrast agents.
Objective
Spectral photon-counting CT (SPCCT) and Color K-edge imaging represent a breakthrough in medical imaging, enabling simultaneous acquisition of morphological, functional, and molecular information in a single scan. This innovation has the potential to transform the diagnosis and management of cardiovascular, oncologic, and pulmonary diseases. However, its impact is currently limited by the absence of dedicated software for visualization, post-processing, and biomarker extraction. Clinicians and researchers must rely on fragmented solutions—vendor-specific applications restricted to basic visualization, open-source platforms lacking robustness, or bespoke in-house code that cannot be scaled or standardized. Without a user-friendly, vendor-neutral, clinically oriented solution, the adoption of Color K-edge imaging will remain slow and its full promise underexploited.
This Proof of Concept project will address this gap by developing KOLOR viewer, the first dedicated platform for SPCCT and K-edge imaging. The software will integrate modules for 3D visualization, segmentation, multimodality fusion and quantitative analysis of biomarkers such as perfusion, ventilation, inflammation and oncologic parameters. Additional modules will support structured reporting and aid-to-diagnosis, providing reproducible metrics to complement radiologists’ assessments. Vendor neutrality will ensure interoperability across manufacturers and adaptability for both experimental and clinically approved contrast agents.
Over 18 months, the project will deliver a validated prototype (TRL 3-4), supported by peer evaluation with radiologists and end-user feedback from industrial stakeholders such as Philips Healthcare, Dedalus, and CERTIS Therapeutics. Complemented by market and regulatory analyses and guided by a clear IP strategy, the project will demonstrate technical feasibility while establishing the commercial and translational potential of the solution.
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.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
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.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
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)
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.
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.
69622 Villeurbanne Cedex
France
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.