CorDial-S · Project

Portable 30-Minute Virus Detection Device Costing Under 20 Euros Per Test

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Imagine a small handheld gadget — like a pregnancy test but for viruses — that can tell you in less than 30 minutes whether someone is infected with SARS-CoV-2. It works by shining light on a specially coated surface that changes when the virus sticks to it, using tiny magnetic particles and miniature antibodies from llamas (called nanobodies) to grab onto the virus from a nose or saliva swab. The whole thing costs less than 20 euros per test and doesn't need a lab or trained technician to operate.

By the numbers

<30 min

Time to get test result

200 vps/mL

Detection sensitivity (viral particles per mL)

<€20

Cost per test

15%

Infected adults developing severe pneumonia

110,000

Daily new cases at time of project launch

Consortium partners across 4 countries

SMEs in consortium

The business problem

What needed solving

Detecting viral infections quickly and cheaply outside of a lab remains a major challenge. Traditional PCR tests require expensive equipment, trained lab staff, and hours or days for results — too slow for frontline screening at airports, workplaces, or clinics. Rapid antigen tests are faster but often lack the sensitivity needed to catch early-stage infections, missing cases when it matters most.

The solution

What was built

The project developed a handheld surface plasmon resonance (SPR) device for point-of-care virus detection, using nanobodies and magnetic nanoparticles to achieve 200 vps/mL sensitivity in under 30 minutes at under 20 euros per test. The work included product optimization, clinical validation protocols, and preparation of manufacturing quality control for CE marking.

Audience

Who needs this

Point-of-care diagnostic device manufacturers looking to expand their rapid test portfolioOccupational health providers managing workplace infection screening programsAirport and border health screening operators needing fast on-site pathogen detectionVeterinary diagnostic companies seeking portable field-testing platformsPharmaceutical companies needing rapid patient screening tools for clinical trials

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Medical diagnostics

mid-size

Target: Point-of-care diagnostic device manufacturers

If you are a diagnostics company looking to expand your rapid testing portfolio — this project developed a handheld surface plasmon resonance device that detects viruses in under 30 minutes at under 20 euros per test. The platform uses nanobody-functionalized surfaces and magnetic nanoparticles, reaching sensitivity of 200 viral particles per mL. The SPR sensing platform could be adapted beyond COVID-19 to detect other respiratory pathogens, giving you a versatile product line.

Occupational health services

any

Target: Workplace health screening providers and corporate wellness firms

If you are an occupational health provider managing infection risk in large workforces — this project built a portable test that screens employees on-site in under 30 minutes without sending samples to a lab. At under 20 euros per test, mass screening becomes affordable for daily or weekly checks. The device works with both nasal and saliva samples, making it practical for workplace settings.

Veterinary diagnostics

SME

Target: Animal health companies and veterinary diagnostic labs

If you are a veterinary diagnostics company dealing with pathogen detection in livestock or companion animals — this project's nanobody-based SPR platform is inherently adaptable. Nanobodies are already widely used in veterinary science, and the portable format means field-based testing without lab infrastructure. The magnetic bead amplification technology that achieves 200 vps/mL sensitivity could be redirected to detect animal pathogens.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What does each test cost to run?

The project objective explicitly targets a cost of less than 20 euros per test. This includes the disposable sensing surface, nanobody reagents, and magnetic nanoparticles. The handheld reader device itself is a one-time capital cost not included in that per-test figure.

Can this be manufactured at industrial scale?

The project's explicit goal was to complete manufacturing quality control and prepare a CE mark technical file. With 3 industrial partners and 3 SMEs in the consortium, the project was designed for commercialization. The Innovation Action funding scheme specifically targets market-readiness activities.

What is the IP and licensing situation?

The technology was developed by a consortium of 8 partners across 4 countries (Belgium, France, Ireland, Israel), coordinated by Université de Lille. IP ownership is likely shared among consortium members under standard Horizon 2020 rules. Licensing discussions would need to go through the coordinator and relevant technology-owning partners.

How fast are results compared to lab-based PCR tests?

The device delivers results in under 30 minutes, compared to several hours or days for standard PCR-based lab tests. It achieves a sensitivity of 200 viral particles per mL, which positions it as a rapid screening tool suitable for point-of-care use rather than a replacement for high-throughput lab diagnostics.

Does it have regulatory approval?

The project aimed to complete the CE mark technical file by its end date of March 2022. Based on available project data, the objective was to enable declaration of conformity and CE marking. Prospective licensees should verify the current regulatory status directly with the consortium.

Can the platform detect pathogens other than SARS-CoV-2?

The underlying surface plasmon resonance platform and magnetic nanoparticle amplification technology are not limited to COVID-19. By swapping the nanobodies on the sensing surface, the device could potentially be adapted for other viral or bacterial targets. This adaptability is a key commercial advantage for diagnostics companies.

What level of technical support is available?

The consortium includes 4 universities and 1 research organization alongside 3 industry partners, providing deep scientific expertise. Université de Lille coordinates the project. Any technology transfer or support arrangement would be negotiated through the consortium's commercial partners.

Consortium

Who built it

The CorDial-S consortium brings together 8 partners from 4 countries (Belgium, France, Ireland, and Israel), coordinated by Université de Lille. The mix is well-balanced for commercialization: 4 universities provide the scientific foundation, 1 research organization adds specialized expertise, and 3 industry partners (all SMEs) bring manufacturing and market access capability. The 38% industry ratio and presence of Israeli partners — a country known for strong biotech commercialization — signals genuine intent to bring this to market. For a business looking to license or partner, the SME involvement means technology transfer discussions are likely more agile than with large corporates.

UNIVERSITE DE LILLECoordinator · FR
CENTRE HOSPITALIER REGIONAL ET UNIVERSITAIRE DE LILLEparticipant · FR
UNIVERSITE CATHOLIQUE DE LOUVAINparticipant · BE
UNIVERSITE D'AIX MARSEILLEparticipant · FR
PHOTONICSYS LTDparticipant · IL
CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRSthirdparty · FR

How to reach the team

Coordinator is Université de Lille (France). Use SciTransfer's contact service to reach the project lead directly.

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Next steps

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