Nostics uses photonic chips to transform rapid diagnostics
Netherlands-based medtech start-up Nostics, a PhotonDelta ecosystem partner, is developing rapid bacterial identification solutions using a portable Raman spectrometer. The device aims to provide faster, more accurate diagnostics for urinary tract infections and other conditions, addressing limitations in traditional lab and dipstick testing.
To accelerate innovation, Nostics partnered with PhotonDelta on an international integrated photonics hackathon, involving 18 PhD students from TU Eindhoven, University of Twente, and Kyoto University. Teams explored ways to miniaturise the spectrometer onto a single photonic chip, improve laser stability, and maintain low costs, generating new design blueprints for future development.
Eva Rennen, Co-founder and COO of Nostics, said, “Using a Raman spectrometer on a chip would make our device smaller, cheaper, and more accessible. The hackathon gave us fresh ideas, and a head start on what’s possible with integrated photonics.”
The winning designs were showcased at the World Expo in Osaka, demonstrating the potential of integrated photonics to deliver life-saving, point-of-care diagnostics while strengthening Europe’s PIC innovation ecosystem.
