Objective
In this PoC we will validate Ocumind, a novel technology for closed-eye pupillometry in the neurological/neurosurgical ICU (neuroICU) and advance it toward commercialization. Assessment of pupil size and reactivity is central to evaluating neurologic injury, where pupillometry detects clinical deterioration such as brain herniation and elevated intracranial pressure (ICP), third-nerve palsy, seizures, and stroke. However, current bedside pupillometry is typically intermittent, qualitative, manual, and restricted to open-eye measurements, preventing continuous monitoring. A major unmet need is to provide real time alters on brain abnormalities based on non-invasive continuous pupil monitoring, a capability widely considered impossible until now. We recently developed a breakthrough technology combining short-wave infrared imaging with machine-learning algorithms to continuously monitor pupil size through closed eyelids in a contactless manner. In this PoC project we will first (Aim 1) compare closed-eye pupillometry to gold-standard clinical pupillometers that require eye opening. Next (Aim 2) we will deploy the system in the neuroICU alongside ICP and sedation monitoring to detect clinical abnormalities associated with pupil dynamics, generating validation data to attract investment. Finally (Aim 3) we will work with TAU’s technology transfer unit and business partners to expand the patent portfolio and bring the technology to market, either by establishing a start-up company or licensing the system to companies specializing in pupillometry and neuroICU monitoring. This technology can improve patient care, save lives, and reduce healthcare workload and costs. In the long term, a commercial system could be widely used beyond the neuroICU in diverse settings including ICU, surgical anesthesia (detecting arousal and intraoperative awareness, monitoring pain and analgesia), sleep medicine (detecting insomnia, nightmares, and nocturnal seizures), and beyond.
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 clinical medicine psychiatry sleep disorders
- medical and health sciences basic medicine neurology stroke
- natural sciences computer and information sciences artificial intelligence machine learning
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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)
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-2026-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.
69978 Tel Aviv
Israel
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.