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Plasmonic Electronically Addressable super-Resolution: Accelerating the in-depth understanding of biomedical processes at the nanoscale via a novel real-time, optical limit-breaking imaging technology

Project description

Innovative real-time optical imaging at the nanoscale

The real-time study of living cells at a resolution of 30 nm is an unmet requirement which is critical for the understanding of biological processes. Irish PEARlabs Technologies Ltd. has developed a photonic chip for integration into the sample stage of an optical microscope to visualise cellular structures far beyond the diffraction limit of visible light. It represents a disruptive technology for life sciences researchers in industry and academia, with the possibility to understand sub-cellular mechanisms at < 25 nm resolution, a magnitude better than is currently achievable. The EU-funded PEAR project is providing support for the technology's feasibility studies and business development.

Objective

In the life-sciences, the fight against life-threatening diseases, including cancer, requires the ability to look into cells at a resolution of 30 nm, a challenge which is unachievable by current optical microscopes. Cancer Research Cambridge, UK identifies this need as a key unmet requirement in understanding mechanisms of important biological processes. PEARlabs Technologies Ltd. have developed a ground-breaking optical chip which permits super-resolution imaging capable of visualizing cellular structures far beyond the diffraction-limit of visible light, by exploiting addressable plasmonic elements. This is a disruptive technology which will enable unprecedented capabilities for life sciences researchers in industry and academia to understand sub-cellular mechanisms at < 25 nm resolution and at real-time acquisition speeds, a full magnitude better than is currently achievable. This SME Instrument feasibility study will lead to a roadmap with investors to fund the seed round and thus to enable rapid growth.

PEARlabs have developed a photonic chip which can easily be integrated into the sample stage of an optical microscope with the goal to provide next-generation resolution at 25 nm. The resulting system works in a biocompatible environment, is label-free and therefore enables in-vitro imaging needed for life sciences aiming for high spatial resolutions. This is a transformative technology for the life science sector, which currently spends over $1.8 billion a year on optical imaging, with ultra-high-resolution devices typically in the range of €350,000 - 1 million for single high-end microscope systems. The embedded, highly innovative technology presents an opportunity for an innovative European SME to become a world leader in Super Resolution imaging (SR-imaging) building on patented technology, creating high value STEM and manufacturing jobs, while also enabling to solve medically relevant problems in the life sciences.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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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.

SME-1 - SME instrument phase 1

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-EIC-SMEInst-2018-2020

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Coordinator

PEARLABS TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
Net EU contribution

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.

€ 50 000,00
Address
GROUND FLOOR 8-9 MARINO MART FAIRVIEW CLONTARF
D03 DUBLIN
Ireland

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SME

The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.

Yes
Region
Ireland Eastern and Midland Dublin
Activity type
Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)
Links
Total cost

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.

€ 71 429,00
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