TriScanner · Next-gen fluorescence imaging for research and theranostics

Fluorescence microscopy is key technique in the life sciences, though the method struggles to deliver the fast and sensitive imaging of multicellular systems. Such samples are now becoming commonplace not only in research but also in clinical use, including spatially-resolved 'omics' and theranostics based on patient material that allow the development of personalized treatments. However, their general uptake is limited by the absence of suitable instrumentation.As part of our ERC-funded research, we have invented the TriScanner, a novel fluorescence microscope that offers transformative imaging performance (much faster imaging, higher resolution, higher sensitivity), and is also simple, robust, and affordable. Our TriScanner readily addresses an urgent need in current research and healthcare research, and is well-positioned to scale out from research into 'workhorse' usage in industrial R&D and diagnostics.We propose to develop this idea from a concept and lab prototype into a robust demonstrator that is showcased on a variety of highly-relevant applications, and that we will leverage to raise user awareness and interact with key leaders in academia and leading commercial partners. This project will furthermore allow us to explore the business case and market potential, in view of developing and selecting the optimal valorization track. We expect to deliver societal impact by providing unprecedented new imaging capabilities in a fast-moving and highly influential research field.