SOREK MEDICAL SYSTEMS LTD

Their core work

Sorek Medical Systems is an Israeli medtech SME specializing in the development of advanced biopsy devices for oncology diagnostics. Their work centers on improving how tissue samples are collected and preserved — from temperature-controlled preservation to multi-core sampling systems compatible with standard pathology workflows (formalin fixation, paraffin embedding). They target the intersection of tissue acquisition and biomarker analysis, positioning their technology for the era of targeted, precision medicine. Both their EU-funded projects were independently led, indicating a product-development company bringing proprietary hardware to market rather than a research group.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In 2017, Sorek entered H2020 with CryoBiopsy — a feasibility-stage concept focused narrowly on temperature-controlled preservation of breast cancer biopsy samples. By 2019, they had advanced to a full Phase 2 development project (MCBD) that broadened the scope considerably: the device became a multi-core system with explicit integration into standard pathology workflows (formalin fixation, paraffin embedding, histology) and positioned for precision medicine via biomarker compatibility. The trajectory is clear: from a single-function preservation device to a complete, workflow-integrated biopsy platform aimed at the targeted oncology diagnostics market.

Sorek is moving toward a full-stack biopsy solution that integrates device engineering, tissue processing standards, and biomarker readiness — suggesting future work will likely touch diagnostic AI, liquid biopsy integration, or clinical validation partnerships.

How they like to work

Sorek has operated exclusively as a sole coordinator on both H2020 projects, using the SME Instrument — a funding scheme designed for single companies developing their own product. They show zero registered consortium partners, which is expected for this scheme but means there is no visible track record of multi-partner collaboration. Any future consortium role would represent a new mode of working for them; they are product developers first, not network builders.

Sorek has no recorded consortium partners or cross-country collaborations within H2020, consistent with their exclusive use of the single-company SME Instrument scheme. Their network footprint in EU research databases is minimal — they are an Israeli company operating independently rather than as part of a broader research ecosystem.

What sets them apart

Sorek is one of very few Israeli SMEs with two consecutive SME Instrument grants specifically in biopsy hardware — progressing from Phase 1 feasibility to Phase 2 full development, which is a validated EU funding track record that signals commercial seriousness. Their device design is explicitly aligned with histopathology lab standards (FFPE — formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded), which is the dominant format for clinical tissue diagnostics globally, making their technology compatible with existing hospital infrastructure without workflow disruption. For a consortium needing a clinical device partner with oncology tissue sampling expertise, they bring a product-stage asset rather than a research concept.

Highlights from their portfolio

• MCBD
  The largest project (€1.6M, 2019-2023) represents a full SME Instrument Phase 2 grant — the most competitive EU funding for a single SME — developing a multi-core biopsy device explicitly targeting the precision oncology diagnostics market.
• CryoBiopsy
  The Phase 1 feasibility grant (2017) that validated the commercial case for temperature-controlled breast cancer biopsy preservation, directly enabling the larger MCBD development grant two years later.