EMPE DIAGNOSTICS AB

Their core work

EMPE Diagnostics is a Swedish SME developing rapid molecular diagnostic platforms for identifying drug-resistant infections, with a strong focus on tuberculosis. Their core product, mfloDx, is an adaptable multiflow diagnostic system that uses biosensors and nucleic acid testing to genetically detect antibiotic resistance patterns. The company addresses a critical global health gap identified by the WHO: fast, accurate diagnostics for multidrug-resistant TB and other infectious diseases, particularly relevant during pandemics.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

EMPE's early H2020 involvement (2019) centered on tuberculosis diagnostics and genotypic drug susceptibility testing, entering through both an MSCA-RISE research network (INNOVA4TB) and their own SME Instrument Phase 1 feasibility study. By 2021, they had secured a substantial SME Instrument Phase 2 grant (EUR 2.49M) to scale the same mfloDx platform, but with an expanded scope now encompassing antibiotic resistance broadly, biosensor technology, and pandemic readiness. The trajectory shows a classic deep-tech SME scaling pattern: from focused TB diagnostics toward a broader infectious disease platform.

EMPE is widening their diagnostic platform from TB-only to general antimicrobial resistance and pandemic response, suggesting future collaborations could span multiple infectious disease areas.

How they like to work

EMPE primarily leads its own projects, coordinating 2 out of 3 H2020 grants, which is typical for a product-driven SME pushing its own technology to market. Their single participant role in INNOVA4TB — a larger MSCA-RISE research network with 15 consortium partners across 6 countries — shows they also engage in collaborative research when it strengthens their scientific foundation. Working with them likely means supporting their diagnostic platform development, either as a technology contributor or a clinical validation partner.

Through 3 projects, EMPE has connected with 15 unique partners across 6 countries, primarily through the INNOVA4TB research network. Their network spans multiple European countries, giving them access to clinical and research partners for TB and infectious disease work.

What sets them apart

EMPE occupies a specific niche: they build a hardware+software diagnostic platform (mfloDx) that genetically identifies drug-resistant infections at the point of care. Unlike large diagnostics companies, they are small and focused, which means partners get direct access to the core technology team. Their successful progression from SME Instrument Phase 1 to Phase 2 (a competitive step that most applicants fail) signals strong commercial potential validated by EU evaluators.

Highlights from their portfolio

• mfloDx
  Secured EUR 2.49M in SME Instrument Phase 2 funding — the largest grant by far — to commercialize their multiflow diagnostic platform for drug-resistant infections.
• INNOVA4TB
  MSCA-RISE research network connecting TB researchers across 6 countries, positioning EMPE within a broad scientific collaboration ecosystem beyond their own product development.