Fighting Antibiotic Resistance: The Rise of BioChip PathFinder

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Portugal

TL;DR:

  • Won 1st in EIT Jumpstarter – category Health
  • Developed AI-driven plasmonic lab-on-a-chip system
  • Addresses fast AMR detection in real-world settings
  • Originated from Portugal with a public health mission

Origins and Mission

BioChip PathFinder was founded in Portugal by Cláudia Maciel, Sérgio Sousa and Paula Teixeira. Their mission is urgent and ambitious: to tackle the growing crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

They aim to deliver accurate, fast and non-invasive diagnostics. Drug-resistant infections threaten global health systems. Their work helps reduce infection spread, lower mortality rates and cut healthcare costs. This is especially important in settings with limited resources.

EIT Jumpstarter Milestone

In 2024, the team joined the EIT Jumpstarter programme. This programme supports early-stage innovations across Europe. It gave BioChip PathFinder a structure to turn research into a viable business. Mentoring, training and expert feedback helped refine their strategy. Their progress earned them first place in the Health category. The €1 0.000 prize recognised both their scientific excellence and entrepreneurial potential.

Product and Technology

BioChip PathFinder is developing an AI-driven plasmonic lab-on-a-chip system. It detects antibiotic resistance phenotypes in multidrug-resistant bacteria. The system is non-invasive, accurate and delivers rapid results. It is designed for flexible use in various healthcare environments. It offers faster diagnostics and better patient outcomes.

Growth and Achievements

The EIT Jumpstarter programme shaped BioChip PathFinder’s next steps. It gave them access to business knowledge and a network of professionals. These included experts in health innovation. The team improved their business model and assessed the regulatory landscape. They also explored potential collaborations in Europe’s health ecosystem.

What’s Next?

The team is focused on developing their technology further. They want to expand its clinical application and readiness for real-world use. Their goal is to support faster, more effective AMR diagnostics at scale. With a clear mission and a strong foundation, BioChip PathFinder is ready to grow.

“Our goal has always been to bring precision diagnostics to every corner of the world,” says Sérgio Sousa, co-founder. “With the support from EIT Jumpstarter, we moved from concept to clinic faster than we ever imagined.”
Sérgio Sousa
Co-founder at BioChip PathFinder

BioChip PathFinder’s journey shows how innovation and purpose can lead to real progress in healthcare.

Learn more about the EIT Jumpstarter programme.