High performance algorithms for high precision GPS and cloud solutions for super resolution microscopy

The 2014 Nobel prize in Chemistry was awarded for the development of super resolution fluorescence microscopy, also known as nanoscopy. It is an innovative technique that has made a breakthrough in imaging and biology, resulting in novel discoveries in the fields of virology, immunology, neuroscience and oncology. Super resolution is on its way to becoming the new gold standard in light microscopy.

However, nanoscopes (super resolution microscopes) are still largely under-used. Their high cost, a time-consuming sample preparation process and a high degree of required technical expertise are the key factors limiting the growth of this emergent market.

Abbelight is revolutionising the nanoscopy market by turning an ordinary light microscope into an automated, easy-to use, high performance 3D automated nanoscope with software for data analysis, storage and sharing. New algorithms will be developed for this precise and automated sample imaging procedure.

The SME Instrument project will allow Abbelight to develop revolutionary solution called “NanoMAPs”. It will disrupt the nanoscope market by addressing a wide variety of needs of the nanoscopy sector. It will help initiate new international business opportunities. It will also bring in new types of clients, in particular industrial companies that require automated lab systems such as pharmaceutical companies, Contract Research Organisations (CROs) and large imaging platforms. To accomplish their goals, Abbelight will complete a feasibility study to (i) develop a new numerically controlled and automated sample imaging procedure (ii) secure intellectual property rights and (iii) validate the economic viability of NanoMAPs.

Abbelight plans to lead both European and global nanoscopy markets and create 27 new European jobs by 2022.

Three main works have been done during this feasibility study: a technology assessment, an IP, FTO and risk assessment as well as a marketing and financial assessment.
It consisted in the following:

1) Technology assessment
Task 1.1: NanoGPS automation system development
Task 1.2: New Cloud SaaS platform specifications: analyze existing solutions in other domains and define the specific needs.
Task 1.3 European partners/users/beta-testers search and qualification for the H2020 SME Instrument Phase 2.

2) IP, FTO and risk assessment
Task 1.4: IP: Patent assessment and related activities; an accurate search of prior art to analyse freedom to operate.
Task 1.5: Risk assessment and analysis of bottlenecks in the ability to increase profitability of the enterprise through proposed innovation solutions.

3) Marketing and financial assessment
Task 1.6: Market study to deeply analyse market’s and user’s need concerning nanoscopy automation and cloud needs: quantitative information about market access, users, pricing, needs and norms.
Task 1.7: Identification and contact of new European customers/distributions channels
Task 1.8: Elaborate business plan preparation and writing

All of these tasks have been conducted successfully during phase 1 and a phase 2 project will be submitted to help the company implement this strategy and reach business success worldwide.

This SME Phase 1 study has been very successful and useful for Abbelight company, as technological assessment, IP, FTO and risk assessment, and marketing and financial assessment have all been conducted successfully. The combination of a NanoGPS and a Cloud solution had never been done so far and the market study showed such a solution will have a high added value for customers, which is very promising. This study confirms the strategy of the company and has allowed to increase the company vision as well as its reputation both for potential clients and industry partners.

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - NanoMAPs (High performance algorithms for high precision GPS and cloud solutions for super resolution microscopy)

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