With almost half of cancers diagnosed at late stages, it is crucial to develop technologies for early and accurate tumour diagnosis. Laser-based microscopy offers a powerful solution for histopathologists and physicians. GSYNCOR developed a compact, portable dual-cavity laser designed specifically for coherent Raman microscopy. To achieve this, we combined the versatility, small footprint and low-cost of fibre lasers with the wideband optical properties of graphene. The developed turnkey, compact, dual-colour fibre laser can be wavelength-tuned and synchronized at both emission colours, enabling coherent Raman microscopy across the relevant wavelength range for histopathology, to analyse cancerous tissue with real-time image acquisition speeds. The technology has matured to investor-ready development and a business plan prepared for full commercial exploitation. Since the project start, in January 2020 a new spin-out company was formed (CRI Srl) registered in Italy as subsidiary of Cambridge Raman Imaging Limited, and we successfully engaged with early investors during the project timeframe. 4 patent families were licensed to the spin out from the University of Cambridge, and one from Politecnico di Milano. The investors package was used in meetings with 8 prospective investors.
