Speakers in the pitch sessions (R2B, POC)

The goal of our RecombiGel project is to develop customizable, biocompatible recombinant hydrogels that mimic human tissue environments to support 3D cell growth and realistic lab testing. The goal is to create a modular, ready-to-use kit for researchers in fields like drug development and tissue engineering. During the R2B phase, the team will build prototypes, validate the technology, and explore commercialization paths to bring the innovation to market.

Mycobacteria cause difficult-to-treat lung infections around the world. They form biofilms that protect them from both antibiotics and the body’s immune defenses. This makes the infections persistent and the treatments prolonged.

In the LOUHI project, we are developing an entirely new treatment concept that targets the biofilms directly. Our goal is to enhance the effectiveness of treatments, shorten treatment times, and improve patient outcomes. Our solution has the potential to revolutionize the way mycobacterial infections are treated in the future.

There’s a growing need for advanced cell therapies. Ophthalmologic therapies are one of the most advanced ones. However, current methods often face challenges like poor cell survival, weak integration into tissues, and low success rates. In this project, we’re exploring a new technique to deliver therapeutic cells using a specially designed carrier that helps the cells stick better to the target area. This could improve how well the cells survive and function after transplantation. We’re building on our previous work in treating retinal and corneal blindness, but if successful, this method could also benefit other types of cell therapies. To move things forward quickly, we’ll identify potential users and map out the next steps needed to bring this innovation closer to clinical use, market readiness, and real-world patient impact. The research is being carried out at Tampere University, Finland. You can follow our progress on our website: https://research.tuni.fi/eye-group/.

OrganAnalytics is a Tampere University Research to Business Endeavor to commercialize our inventions on contactless tissue quality assessment. Our application is transplant organ quality assessment aiming to salvage borderline transplants form being discarded. Saving borderline organs would not only save lives but might hugely increase the transplant business. In the US, over 25 % of the procured kidneys are thrown away, whereas the goal is 5 %. Being able to implant the now wasted 20 % of the procedure kidneys, would directly translate to new business, while also taking many patients out of dialysis. OrganAnalytics started in 2022 as a Business Finland funded R2B project. We are currently working with Prof. Jari Hyttinen’s Novo Nordisk Foundation Distinguished Innovator grant and searching for both university research funding and investor seed funding to found a spinout company. The OrganAnalytics main technology is patented.

PreMet is a predictive model designed for early-stage breast cancer metastasis. Our goal is to revolutionize the rapid, accurate, and efficient prediction of metastasis at early stages through a clinically relevant diagnostic platform.