BrightSens Diagnostics, created in 2022 in Strasbourg, has the mission of making molecular diagnostics accessible to all.
Its objective is to develop a new generation of screening, diagnosis and monitoring kits for patients in Point of Care and in the longer term in Home Test.
To do this, the startup is based on 5 pillars: a customizable design according to targets, ease of use, sensitivity, competitive cost, eco-responsible products. It primarily develops applications in oncology and virology.
Currently, the detection of molecular biomarkers of disease requires DNA amplification, such as PCR, which is time-consuming, expensive and requires trained personnel.
The origin of the project is based on the observation of a lack of simple and direct methods for detecting very low concentrations of nucleic acids which are important disease biomarkers in molecular diagnostics.
BrightSens Diagnostics' patented innovation is based on the unique properties (brightness, sensitivity) of its fluorescent nanoparticles which allow the direct detection of nucleic acids (DNA/RNA), without enzymatic amplification by PCR.
The technology developed within BrightSens is based on more than 10 years of research in the Bioimaging and Pathologies Laboratory (CNRS, University of Strasbourg), financed in particular by two ERC contracts coordinated by Dr. Andrey Klymchenko.
Winner of the iLab 2021 national innovation competition, BrightSens Diagnostics comes from a SATT Conectus development, incubated at SEMIA-Quest For Change, member of BioValley France, EuroBioMed and established in the Grand Est Region.
Its offering, made up of feasibility studies, sales of semi-finished products and in the longer term finished products, is aimed at the world of research and manufacturers.
Above is the startup’s product development plan.
Ultimately, the company wishes to expand its activities in the veterinary, food safety, cosmetics, agriculture and Defense fields, in addition to health in order to strengthen its societal and environmental impact.