Imagine a medical test as simple as a pregnancy strip but as accurate as a high-end hospital lab. Instead of using slow chemical reactions and bulky machines to copy DNA, this tech uses a tiny electronic chip to read signals instantly. It can spot viruses in blood or saliva in just 20 minutes without needing a scientist to run it.
Current molecular diagnostics require expensive equipment, refrigeration, and trained personnel, making them inaccessible for non-clinical or remote settings.
A CMOS chip cartridge and a semiconductor-based detection process that eliminates the need for biological amplification and optical detection.
If you are a diagnostic giant dealing with the high cost and complexity of PCR machines — this project developed a semiconductor sensing chip that provides lab-grade results in 20 minutes. It allows you to enter new markets with a portable, automated instrument.
If you are a health provider dealing with the lack of refrigeration and trained staff in remote areas — this project developed a tool compliant with WHO REASSURED criteria. It enables the detection of HIV, Malaria, and Influenza without needing centrifuges or pipettes.
If you are a device maker dealing with the slow turnaround of traditional molecular tests — this project developed a CMOS chip cartridge that detects targets down to 50 copies/mL. This enables a stand-alone, portable instrument for non-clinical environments.
Based on available project data, specific pricing is not listed, but the value proposition focuses on increasing gross margins for diagnostic companies through licensing.
The technology uses CMOS and semiconductor sensing, which are standard for high-volume electronic manufacturing, and is being productised into a stand-alone instrument.
The technology is patent protected, and the business model is based on licensing the product to the world's leading diagnostic companies.
The tool is designed to be compliant with the WHO REASSURED criteria for diagnostics in resource-limited settings.
The project period runs from 2024-12-01 to 2026-11-30, indicating the current phase of productisation and development.
The project is led by a single Irish SME, Altratech Limited, receiving a contribution of EUR 2,499,999. The 100% industry ratio and the use of a specialized sub-contractor (The Cambridge Design Partnership) indicate a lean, commercially-driven execution focused on productisation rather than academic research.
Contact Altratech Limited in Ireland for licensing inquiries.
Contact us to facilitate a licensing partnership with Altratech.
