PORTEFEUILLE

The aim of this project is to explore the potential of a new medical imaging technology for different medical applications. The new imaging technology is based on the dynamic light scattering principle, synergizing the knowledge of laser-tissue interaction approaches with the latest achievements in laser-optics and photosensor technologies. The imaging system probes the top layer of the skin in a non-contact non-invasive manner, collecting information about the underlying blood microcirculation. While different imaging techniques have already been applied for measuring microcirculation in medical research, the problems of both long imaging time and instrument operational complexity have so far prevented the widespread adoption of those techniques by primary care physicians for routine clinical diagnosis. The technical performance of the new imaging system allows visualization of superficial blood flow in biological tissue in real-time and at high spatial resolution. The new technology offers the potential to develop an easy-to-use diagnostic device for the medical market beyond medical research.
This project is going to be performed in collaboration with physicians from different medical disciplines working in hospitals (CHUV, Inselspital) in Switzerland.

This is a technology-transfer project evaluating the new medical imaging technology in clinical trials and preparing the technology for bringing it to the market. Provided that the clinical trials phase is successful, market research on the specific applications will be conducted to quantify the market potential and identify target customers both in research organizations and among practicing doctors. A business plan will be developed, incorporating the results of the clinical trial phase and market research. Conditional on the results of the clinical testing, the foundation of a start-up company in Switzerland is planned.

This project allowed us to explore the business opportunities and risks of the new medical imaging technology through performing clinical studies and market research. The clinical studies allowed us to test the technology’s performance from the technical point of view. The market research allowed us to identify an application with the largest market size and highest demand for the technology.
The studies were performed for application in the following medical disciplines:
1. Burns
2. Plastic and reconstructive surgery
3. Immunology
4. Rheumatology
5. Dermatology
The results of this project will allow us to focus our business activity on a single selected application with a highest commercial potential. From business confidentiality considerations we are not disclosing the best application identified during the project nor the results market/research results obtained for the other applications.
Currently we are looking for partners and investors for incorporating the company. For more information please mail us at info@fluxexplorer.notexisting@nodomain.comcom

Cecilia Gasco, "Quinze mois de tests avant la start-up", p.5, FLASH EPFL, April 2007
Swiss Innovation Forum, Future Expo, video interview for TSR TV channel, October 2007
L’AGEFI, “Avec Fluxexplorer, l’EPFL brille au Prix du jeune entrepreneur“, May 28, 2008 (Prix du jeune entrepreneur 2008)
Alexey Makurin, “Start at the Alps”, My Business, June 2008 (Russian)