Fluorescence Microscopy is a major workhorse for researchers in the life sciences. An important breakthrough in this field was the invention of super-resolution imaging techniques, allowing insights into biological systems long regarded as impossible. DNA-PAINT microscopy, which uses the transient binding of dye-labeled oligonucleotides to complementary target-bound complements, offers molecular resolution and high multiplexing capabilities. This allows researchers to image a large number of proteins within cells at single-protein resolution. During the course of this ERC Proof-of-Concept study, we evaluated the go-to-market strategy for DNA-PAINT to open the potential of DNA-based super-resolution microscopy to a broad range of researchers. By combining dedicated microscopy hardware, easy-to-handle reagents for labeling of cellular structures and a fully-featured software for data analysis, all technical requirements have been addressed. Furthermore, the project, termed Resolve, elaborated all aspects of technology transfer such as market analysis, building an IP portfolio, developing a business strategy, networking and risk assessment. Intensive beta-testing confirmed that the labeling reagents were the most desired products for the market, which we subsequently optimized and adapted to market needs. Consequently – and as a direct outcome of the ERC PoC project Resolve – our team was able to start Massive Photonics, a company offering these labeling reagents for DNA-PAINT-based super-resolution imaging. Generating revenues immediately after launch allowed us to grow without external investments, furthermore leaving the founders in full control of the company.
In addition to the labeling reagents commercialized by Massive Photonics, a low-cost fluorescence microscope capable of performing state-of-the-art DNA-PAINT measurements was developed and published as an open platform (see also
http://litetirf.jungmannlab.org(öffnet in neuem Fenster)). Together with the corresponding software for data analysis, which is available as open-source via Github (
https://github.com/jungmannlab/picasso(öffnet in neuem Fenster)) project Resolve achieved the technology transfer in less than 18 months.
The newly founded company Massive Photonics creates an immediate socioeconomic impact by strengthening the european biotech industry and creating jobs. Furthermore, based on the proof-of-concept study, the next steps are well prepared and further labeling reagents will be launched within the next months.
