Objective
Breakthrough biology often requires transgenic mouse models: labor-heavy, expensive, slow, and reliant on large cohorts. This ERC Proof of Concept will translate our ERC-funded breakthroughs into a disseminatable semi-automated “click-to-inject” platform for reproducible and direct in utero genetic manipulation of mouse embryos - a transformative yet technically demanding procedure for rapid, versatile, and efficient generation of mouse models, currently limited to a handful of expert laboratories.
Our platform integrates two 3D micromanipulator systems, with customized axes, with real-time ultrasound and computer vision–driven guidance to enable automated needle detection, trajectory planning, and motion compensation for maternal and embryonic movement. By reducing the dependence on extensive operator training, the system will increase success rates for novice users, reduce risks for the animals, shorten procedure times, and standardize outcomes across laboratories, directly supporting the 3Rs through fewer animals needed per successful experiment.
This PoC will execute staged validation: bench and phantom testing, followed by ex vivo and in vivo benchmarking against expert manual injections. Performance metrics will include targeting accuracy, injection success rate, embryo survival, procedure time, and user experience (operator satisfaction and learning curve). Beyond technical validation, the PoC will drive commercial readiness via freedom-to-operate assessment, IP protection and patent filing, and engagement with industrial and academic partners.
Leveraging established infrastructure at Karolinska Institutet and KTH Royal Institute of Technology, this project aims to deliver a robust prototype and a clear exploitation pathway. The successful implementation of this platform will democratize early embryonic manipulation, accelerate research in the life sciences, and establish a new standard for precision microscale interventions in biomedical robotics.
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 medical biotechnology genetic engineering
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering robotics
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine embryology
- natural sciences physical sciences acoustics ultrasound
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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.
171 77 STOCKHOLM
Sweden
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.