Best Polish Cancer Diagnostics Projects
Cytokine Detection Biosensor and COMRADE Projects Selected for EIT Health’s Deep Tech Venture Builder Programme
Two groundbreaking Polish research projects—Cytokine Detection Biosensor and COMRADE — developed in partnership with The Heart, have been selected for the prestigious Deep Tech Venture Builder Programme (DTVB) by EIT Health, a leading European health innovation network supported by the European Union. Each project will receive up to EUR 60,000 in funding for a five-month venture-building phase, during which teams will be formed, business models developed, and preparations made for spin-off creation.
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The Cytokine Detection Biosensor, led by researchers at the University of Zielona Góra, aims to create a portable, label-free biosensor that can rapidly detect cytokines and cancer biomarkers without the need for lab-based blood analysis. The technology enables on-the-spot diagnostics in clinics, thereby reducing both time and costs. The solution will include a mobile app that visualizes real-time results, monitors patient trends, and integrates with healthcare systems.
The COMRADE project, developed by a team at the Medical University of Łódź, focuses on a machine learning-based diagnostic system for early detection of colorectal adenomas. Using real-time image analysis and convolutional neural networks (CNNs), the system enhances polyp and adenoma detection rates (PDR and ADR). Its standout feature is easy integration with existing endoscopic hardware, making it scalable and affordable for hospitals across the EU. The solution is currently being tested at Norbert Barlicki Clinical Hospital in Łódź.
The Deep Tech Venture Builder Programme, co-funded by Horizon Europe, supports academic teams developing MedTech and Digital Health innovations from TRL/IML levels 3/4 to 6/7, helping them overcome commercialization barriers. Only consortia of researchers and venture builders are eligible. Out of many applicants, 17 projects were selected for the first phase. Up to 10 will proceed to phase two, developing MVPs and validating their solutions with implementation partners from different EU countries. These second-stage projects may receive up to EUR 150,000 in further grants, alongside additional investments from venture builders and external investors.
According to Maria Escarti, Programme Leader at EIT Health: “We are excited to support transformative ideas like Cytokine Biosensor and COMRADE. These technologies not only push the frontier of cancer diagnostics but also reflect how academia and venture builders can jointly accelerate healthcare innovation.” Zbigniew Leś, Director of R&D Partnerships at The Heart, added:
“Venture building provides researchers the structure and support to focus on deep innovation without bearing the burden of running a business. These projects could evolve into high-value ventures addressing real diagnostic challenges in oncology.” The COMRADE team includes Dr. Marcin Talar and a multidisciplinary group of scientists and clinicians. The Cytokine Detection Biosensor team is led by Prof. Katarzyna Arkusz, Prof. Roman Stryjski, and Dr. Rafał Kieszek. Both projects reflect Poland’s growing contribution to European deep tech and health innovation.
Tags: health innovation, machine learning, Poland, venture builder, MedTech
