Objective The ability to operate on cells is a fundamental capability when developing novel cell based therapies. In this context, the skills needed to manually inspect, prepare and modify cells in-vitro with repeatable micro-nano precision are essential; enabling the creation of new biomedical solutions to fight disease more effectively. Highlighted by the Innovate UK Cell Therapy Catapult, the market opportunity for improved micromanipulation techniques is valued to be >€4.5billion in 2017 and applicable to a wide range of fields from biotechnology, pharmacology to embryology. To realise this opportunity, it is vital to have a well-trained workforce capable of performing repeatable high precision manipulations at a cellular level. However, current training techniques are laborious, vary in quality, and do not take advantage of the inexpensive technologies available today that can improve the expertise of the clinical operators without the need for expensive learning facilities. To address these unmet needs, we present CellTrainer, a virtual reality simulation based training system. Based on the empirical data and biomechanical models gained through our novel micro/nano telehaptic systems that were developed as part of our ERC-AdG grant, in this ERC-PoC project we propose to develop a real-time Virtual Reality (VR) physics engine to simulate different micro/nano training environments and objectively monitor user performance whilst providing clinical learning feedback. In collaboration with spin out company Yantric, UCL Business and identified first customers, we will conduct the necessary commercial activities to translate CellTrainer into the real world. At first, we envisage CellTrainer to be an indispensable tool in reducing the time needed to train up expert clinical users for the in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) market. Lessons learnt here will then be used to access the broader cell based therapy domain and overcoming challenges related workforce productivity. Fields of science medical and health sciencesclinical medicinegynaecologyreproductive medicinesocial scienceseconomics and businessbusiness and managementemploymentnatural sciencescomputer and information sciencessoftwaresoftware applicationsvirtual realitymedical and health sciencesclinical medicineembryologymedical and health sciencesmedical biotechnologycells technologies Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme Topic(s) ERC-2017-PoC - ERC-Proof of Concept Call for proposal ERC-2017-PoC See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-POC - Proof of Concept Grant Host institution UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON Net EU contribution € 128 029,00 Address GOWER STREET WC1E 6BT London United Kingdom See on map Region London Inner London — West Camden and City of London Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 128 029,00 Beneficiaries (2) Sort alphabetically Sort by Net EU contribution Expand all Collapse all UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON United Kingdom Net EU contribution € 128 029,00 Address GOWER STREET WC1E 6BT London See on map Region London Inner London — West Camden and City of London Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 128 029,00 YANTRIC INC FOR PROFIT CORPORATION United States Net EU contribution € 21 966,00 Address CROSS STREET 31 02465 WEST NEWTON MA See on map SME The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed. Yes Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 21 966,01
