NANION TECHNOLOGIES GMBH

Their core work

Nanion Technologies is a Munich-based SME that develops automated electrophysiology and ion channel measurement instruments used in pharmaceutical research and life sciences. In H2020 projects, they contribute their expertise in membrane transport measurement, drug screening platforms, and microfluidic technologies to multi-partner training networks. Their instruments enable researchers to study how molecules cross cell membranes — critical for understanding drug action, neurotransmitter function, and blood cell biology. They serve as an industry partner providing specialized equipment and know-how to academic-led consortia.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the earlier period (2015-2019), Nanion's involvement centered on broad cell biology — erythrocyte life cycles, stem cell differentiation, cellular imaging, and microfluidic drug screening through the RELEVANCE project. By 2020-2024, their focus sharpened toward specific transport mechanisms: red blood cell membrane behavior under flow conditions (EVIDENCE) and neurotransmitter transporter pharmacology (NeuroTrans). The shift suggests a move from general cell measurement platforms toward more targeted applications in neuroscience and transport protein research.

Nanion is moving deeper into neuroscience applications and transporter pharmacology, making them increasingly relevant for CNS drug discovery and neurological disease research partnerships.

How they like to work

Nanion exclusively participates as a partner, never as coordinator — consistent with their role as a technology provider embedded in academic-led training networks. With 32 unique partners across just 3 projects, they work in large MSCA consortia (averaging ~11 partners per project) and appear comfortable operating alongside diverse academic groups. This makes them an accessible industry partner: experienced in multi-country consortia without seeking to control the research agenda.

Nanion has collaborated with 32 unique partners across 10 countries through MSCA training networks, giving them a broad European academic network despite their small project count. Their connections span the life sciences research community, particularly in membrane biophysics and pharmacology.

What sets them apart

Nanion occupies a rare niche as a commercial SME that builds the instruments researchers need to study membrane transport — then joins the very research consortia that use those instruments. This dual role as equipment manufacturer and research participant means they understand both the scientific questions and the practical measurement challenges. For consortium builders, they bring not just expertise but actual hardware and application support that other academic partners cannot provide.

Highlights from their portfolio

• NeuroTrans
  Most recent and scientifically focused project, targeting neurotransmitter transporters linked to human pathologies — signals Nanion's entry into neuroscience applications.
• RELEVANCE
  Broadest scope of Nanion's projects, spanning stem cells, drug screening, microfluidics, and cellular imaging across erythrocyte biology.