Venture Challenge Winter 2024/25 winner Lumeniris secures EUR 350,000 from Innovatiefonds Noord-Holland | Alumni news
Lumeniris secures funding from Innovatiefonds Noord-Holland to develop pill sized camera for early detection of oesophageal cancer
Lumeniris B.V., an Amsterdam based startup, has secured a EUR 350,000 convertible loan from Innovatiefonds Noord-Holland. The funding supports the further development of a pill sized imaging device designed to improve the early detection of oesophageal cancer.
Addressing late diagnosis of oesophageal cancer
Oesophageal cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, as symptoms such as swallowing difficulties typically appear only when the disease is already progressed. At that point, treatment options are limited and survival rates are low. Early detection before symptoms occur is therefore critical to improving patient outcomes.
Limitations of current screening methods
Patients with an elevated risk of oesophageal cancer are currently monitored using conventional endoscopy. This procedure involves a flexible tube with a camera that allows physicians to inspect the oesophagus. Despite being the clinical standard, this method misses around 25 percent of early stage cancers. It is also uncomfortable for patients, requires sedation and recovery time, and is labour intensive, involving a physician and multiple nurses for up to 30 minutes per procedure.
A simpler procedure with improved imaging
The technology developed at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers an alternative approach. Lumeniris is developing a capsule sized camera attached to a thin tether that can be swallowed without sedation. The device is gently retrieved by a nurse, allowing visualisation of the entire oesophagus within minutes.
The camera combines optical coherence tomography and fluorescence imaging, enabling microscopic level visualisation in which suspicious tissue areas are highlighted. This approach aims to detect more early stage cancers while reducing the burden on healthcare professionals through a shorter and less complex procedure that can be performed by a single nurse.
Anouk Post, co founder and CEO of Lumeniris, says:
“Our mission is to enable earlier detection of oesophageal cancer, giving more people a chance to survive this diagnosis through a fast, simple and patient friendly procedure. With the support of Innovatiefonds Noord-Holland, we can translate a university breakthrough into a solution with real impact in clinical practice.”
Ludolf Stavenga, fund manager at Innovatiefonds Noord-Holland, adds:
“Lumeniris is developing a solution that combines high quality imaging with a low threshold procedure for both patients and healthcare providers. This innovation has the potential to contribute to earlier diagnosis and to reduce pressure on healthcare systems.”
About Lumeniris
Lumeniris was founded by Professor Johannes de Boer and Anouk Post as a spin off from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. The company develops a capsule endoscopy platform using advanced imaging technologies for the early detection of oesophageal cancer.
About Innovatiefonds Noord-Holland
Innovatiefonds Noord-Holland is an initiative of the Province of North Holland, University of Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam UMC and Sanquin. The fund supports entrepreneurs in North Holland by financing innovation in the proof of concept phase through convertible loans.
Source: Innovatiefonds Noord Holland
