PRO-ACTIVE

Their core work

PRO-ACTIVE is a Belgian SME specializing in functional nanomaterials, printed biosensors, and advanced diagnostic platforms. They develop nanoencapsulation systems, paper-based electrochemical test strips, and nanocellulose-based biosensing devices, bridging the gap between nanomaterial science and practical diagnostic or consumer product applications. Their work spans from formulating smart nanocapsules for skincare to engineering printed electronics for point-of-care drug testing and biomaterial safety assessment.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

PRO-ACTIVE began in 2014-2017 focused on nanoencapsulation, smart functional coatings, and nanotechnology communication — essentially putting nanomaterials into consumer-facing products like skincare. From 2018 onward, their focus shifted decisively toward printed biosensors, paper-based diagnostics, and electrochemical detection platforms, applying their nanomaterial know-how to healthcare and safety testing. Their most recent project (LIFESAVER, 2021) signals a further move into bioprinting and regulatory pharmacology, suggesting they are climbing the value chain from materials supplier to diagnostic systems developer.

PRO-ACTIVE is transitioning from a nanomaterials formulation company toward integrated diagnostic and biosafety testing platforms, with growing capabilities in bioprinting and regulatory-grade in vitro models.

How they like to work

PRO-ACTIVE operates exclusively as a consortium participant or third party — they have never coordinated an H2020 project. Despite only 6 projects, they have worked with 92 unique partners across 21 countries, indicating they integrate into large, diverse consortia rather than leading small focused teams. This pattern suggests they bring a well-defined specialist contribution (nanomaterials, printing, diagnostics) that large research consortia need but don't have in-house.

With 92 unique consortium partners spanning 21 countries from just 6 projects, PRO-ACTIVE has an unusually broad European network for an SME of its size, suggesting they are a sought-after specialist that large multidisciplinary consortia actively recruit.

What sets them apart

PRO-ACTIVE sits at a rare intersection: they combine deep nanomaterial formulation expertise with practical printed electronics and biosensor fabrication. Most SMEs in this space do either materials or devices — PRO-ACTIVE does both, which makes them valuable for projects that need to go from a functional nanomaterial (ink, capsule, coating) all the way to a working diagnostic strip or sensing platform. Their Belgian base and broad 21-country network make them an easy integration into any European consortium needing this bridge capability.

Highlights from their portfolio

• LIFESAVER
  Their largest single funding (EUR 421,950) and most recent project, combining bioprinting with placental drug safety modelling — a significant departure into regulatory pharmacology.
• GREENSENSE
  Developed a wireless, autonomous nanocellulose biosensing platform for drug-of-abuse detection, combining their nanomaterial and printed electronics expertise into a complete product concept.
• SKHINCAPS
  A 4-year deep engagement in smart nanoencapsulation for skincare, demonstrating their core nanomaterial formulation capabilities before the pivot to diagnostics.