Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-erc-participations-et-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Projet ERC : SURFLIGHT (Horizon Europe, appel 2023, Proof of concept grants)
Entité participante : Université Louis-et-Maximilien de Munich — Pays : Allemagne — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : LMU
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 150000.0 €

SURFLIGHT is at the forefront of optical microscopy innovation, aiming to bring an exceptional microscope to the market. We have developed a high-resolution microscope (up to 2 nm) capable of monitoring ultrafast surface processes (μs-scale) on non-transparent materials under real operational conditions. This innovation holds promise for industries like semiconductors, batteries, and green energy, where it is critical to visualize surface phenomena label-free and in real-time. SURFLIGHT's microscope excels in identifying active sites on surfaces and nanomaterials, essential for catalytic reactions or solar energy conversion. This technology streamlines catalysis R&D by offering real-time visualizations, cutting costs, and optimizing catalyst utilization. Moreover, it minimizes the need for repetitive tests, conserving time and resources, while enhancing catalyst lifespans and reducing replacements through real-time monitoring of catalyst degradation under real-world conditions. Most importantly, it safeguards against large-scale process failures, resulting in substantial cost savings in materials and reduced downtime.  A thorough market analysis within SURFLIGHT will allow us to step up our dialogue with academic as well as industrial partners and thoroughly characterize the industry’s demands and needs for the microscope. This will allow us to undertake a final optimization of the microscope once identified the initial targeted customer sector. This ERC PoC will be central for pursuing these goals. We envision SURFLIGHT in the market rapidly and attracting commercial interest from a wide range of industrial sectors.

Mots-clés : microscopy,surface science,energy,optics
Projet ERC : OPTIMEYEZ (Horizon Europe, appel 2022, Proof of concept grants)
Entité participante : Université de médecine de Vienne — Pays : Autriche — Rôle : PI
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 150000.0 €

Loss of vision is frequently related to disorders of the retina that may be either primary or secondary such as involvement in metabolic or neurologic disorders. Since the retina constitutes an easily accessible outpost of the brain, it emerged as top research target for non-invasive diagnostics of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Preclinical testing in rodents is an essential element in the process of exploring novel therapeutic compounds. The gold standard for such research and development read-out relies on histological confirmation, which, however, requires the animals to be sacrificed. In contrast, optical imaging methods enable rapid identification of pathologic tissue structures based on intrinsic contrast. In ERC Starting Grant OPTIMALZ, we have developed a novel multi-contrast optical imaging platform for longitudinal studies of the retina. Based on high-speed optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology, our prototype provides 3D images based on the light backscattered from the retina as well as polarization contrast for the identification of pigmented lesions, and OCT angiography for visualizing the microvasculature without the need for contrast-agent. Unlike histology, our platform allows for repeated, non-invasive imaging of live rodents’ eyes and thereby greatly reduces the number of animals required for a study. We have successfully demonstrated the powerful potential of our technology in rodent models of primary retinal degeneration and Alzheimer’s disease. The PoC project OPTIMEYEZ shall now expand our imaging portfolio to include additional models, improve technological aspects, and make our imaging platform accessible to key players in pharmaceutical industry. By securing intellectual property, developing business strategies, and establishing further commercialization concepts together with users from pharmaceutical industry, this project will take our technology from our lab to next generation biomedical eye/brain research.
Projet ERC : NEURO-SOCK (Horizon Europe, appel 2023, Proof of concept grants)
Entité participante : Université de médecine de Vienne — Pays : Autriche — Rôle : PI
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 150000.0 €

The NEURO-SOCK is a non-invasive, fully-wearable device designed to induce sensations in patients with sensory loss due to conditions such as amputation, diabetes, or multiple sclerosis. The device captures information from the environment interaction through wearable sensors and translates it into electrical impulses delivered to the nerves embedded in a soft-robotic stimulating garment. An AI-based algorithm optimizes stimulation parameters to target the nerves and restore natural sensation to patients in real-time. Our device has been already validated in 12 neuropathy patients, resulting in 30% restoration of lost sensation in the foot and in an improved cadence in 60% of the users. The generated artificial feedback intuitiveness was validated through an fMRI study. This ERC-funded project aims to investigate the health benefits of NEURO-SOCK, with the potential to improve skin conditions, lower cardiovascular stress, and ultimately reduce the harmful conditions that lead to sedentary lifestyle, heart failures, amputations, and elevated death rates. Therefore the funding will be used for optimizing the NEURO-SOCK design for home-use scenarios and a following clinical trial investigating the long-term rehabilitative effects on people suffering from neuropathy, who currently have no immediate solution.
Projet ERC : MUSE (Horizon Europe, appel 2023, Proof of concept grants)
Entité participante : Centre national de la recherche scientifique — Pays : France — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : CNRS
Type d'entité : Recherche
Financement ERC de l'entité : 150000.0 €

During the ERC REMINISCENCE project, we developed a new microscope whose performances exceed our initial expectations. Based on a reflection matrix approach of wave imaging, this device called DeepInsight provides an unprecedented imaging performance. It allows non-invasive, label-free, real-time and three-dimensional imaging of tissues with a 1 mm-penetration depth at a 500 nm-resolution. Beyond the structural information provided by standard reflectivity images, it also enables quantitative imaging of tissues by mapping biomarkers such as the refractive index, tissue dynamics or scattering strength. This patented innovation thus represents a paradigm shift in label-free microscopy. In the framework of this project, we want to investigate its extremely promising potential for dermatology and cosmetics industry. Our proposed solution overcomes the fundamental limitations of existing microscopes (confocal / OCT) in terms of penetration depth, resolution and 3D frame rate. It will be a turning point for the early detection of melanoma, which remains a blind spot for current technologies. Beyond this specific problem, its real time capabilities will be exploited for non-invasive angiography in order to identify subsurface vascular and structural features known to be associated with numerous skin diseases. Following the PoC project, we plan to establish a start-up company to further develop the microscope and market it to hospitals and cosmetics industry.
Projet ERC : StrokeMonitor (Horizon Europe, appel 2022, Proof of concept grants)
Entité participante : Centre national de la recherche scientifique — Pays : France — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : CNRS
Type d'entité : Recherche
Financement ERC de l'entité : 150000.0 €

The ERC Cog ResolveStroke has led to the development of a new imaging device, based on super-resolution ultrasound, which can assess ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke through the observation of the smallest blood vessels which are invisible to other medical imaging modalities. This StrokeScanner is currently being demonstrated in a large models before being applied to human studies at the end of the project. Its remarkable results have led to the creation of a startup (Resolve Stroke) which conceives a portable and 3D super-resolution ultrasound scanner to improve access to neuroimaging for stroke patients. In particular, there is a dire need to monitor the cerebral blood flows at the patient’s bedside after the acute phase. Delayed cerebral ischemia arises in a third of all patients suffering from subarachnoid hemorrhage (about 800 000 cases worldwide per year). Transcranial doppler is used to explore large vessel circulation but is blind to fine vascular alterations. We believe that ultrasound super resolution could bring a new diagnostic tool to help patients and physicians, with a resolution and sensitivity comparable to CT Angiography on a device smaller than a carry-on luggage. The goal of the ERC POC StrokeMonitor is to establish the performance and usefulness of this approach to monitor Delayed Cerebral Ischemia. The demonstration will be performed both in models and in human patients. A model of subarachnoid hemorrhage will be imaged over several days to determine the dynamic of the microcirculation alterations. A clinically-validated StrokeScanner will then be tested on SAH patients at CHU de Caen to identify biomarkers of delayed cerebral ischemia in hemorrhagic stroke patients. Through this ERC POC StrokeMonitor, we will extend the applicability of the Strokescanner in neurovascular units in hospitals to help patients’ follow-up and generate stronger proof of ultrasound super-resolution for neuroimaging
Projet ERC : BiQ-Cloud (Horizon Europe, appel 2025, Proof of concept grants)
Entité participante : Université de Göttingen — Pays : Allemagne — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : GAU
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 150000.0 €

BiQ-Cloud (Biomedical Image Quantification Cloud) is a groundbreaking cloud-based platform designed to revolutionize biomedical research by providing scalable, cost-effective, and cutting-edge image analysis tools. Current solutions are often either costly and outdated or require specialized IT skills, thereby limiting access for many users, including researchers, small and mid-sized companies, as well as large-scale organizations. BiQ-Cloud overcomes these barriers by offering a flexible platform that allows users to access the latest image analysis algorithms without purchasing expensive licenses or hardware. By leveraging cloud computing, our system provides on-demand access to powerful processing capabilities and state-of-the-art tools on a pay-per-use basis. Clients can securely upload data, which is processed by dynamically deployed Docker containers, ensuring continually up-to-date analysis capabilities with no complex installations. Our platform supports the rapid integration of new algorithms through an open API, thus fostering continuous innovation. It also leverages client-provided data to train AI models, further enhancing speed and accuracy over time. By democratizing access to advanced biomedical image analysis, BiQ-Cloud accelerates discoveries and improves drug development reliability. The ERC PoC grant will enable us to advance BiQ-Cloud from a functional prototype into a market-ready product, unlocking its potential to transform biomedical research and become the leading platform for researchers and industry professionals worldwide.

Mots-clés : cloud computing,bioimaging,pay per use
Projet ERC : QYieldChip (Horizon Europe, appel 2025, Proof of concept grants)
Entité participante : Université de Göttingen — Pays : Allemagne — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : GAU
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 150000.0 €

Quantum yield of luminescence is a critical parameter in both scientific research and industrial applications, providing essential insight into the efficiency of various photophysical and photochemical processes. It represents the ratio of photons emitted to photons absorbed by a substance, typically in the context of fluorescence, phosphorescence, or photochemical reactions. Accurate quantum yield measurements are essential for assessing the performance of molecules, materials, and devices across a wide range of fields. However, conventional quantum yield measurements are often bulky, complex, and prone to errors, particularly when the sample contains non-emissive but absorbing species—an issue commonly encountered in systems such as semiconductor quantum dots, graphene nanoparticles, and organic dyes. The presence of non-luminescent particles can lead to significant underestimation of the quantum yield of the luminescent species. We have developed an absolute and calibration-free method for quantum yield measurement that requires only minimal sample quantities and is based on the modulation of an emitter’s excited-state lifetime by a plasmonic nanocavity. This method is insensitive to non-luminescent species and allows for the precise and reliable measurement of absolute quantum yields in any luminescent system. While this technique offers a highly convenient and accurate tool for calibration-free absolute quantum yield measurements, an easy-to-use version of the method is not yet widely available. The core aim of our project is to develop a compact, affordable, and user-friendly plasmonic microchip for rapid, accurate quantum yield measurements using minimal sample amounts. This solution will have broad applications in biomedicine, materials science, agriculture, and environmental sensing.
Projet ERC : EEGInfantCogDgTool (Horizon Europe, appel 2023, Proof of concept grants)
Entité participante : Commissariat à l’énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives — Pays : France — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : CEA
Type d'entité : Recherche
Financement ERC de l'entité : 150000.0 €

Due to motor immaturity and a lack of language, it is difficult to assess cognitive functions in the first year of life, making it difficult to properly and carefully follow up on at-risk children such as premature infants (8-10% of births), thus delaying diagnosis and adequate support. Through the babylearn project, I developed a panel of innovant EEG procedures and experimental paradigms to explore the infant developing brain circuits and learning skills. I therefore propose to extend this expertise to a clinical setting and provide a tool based on EEG for a comprehensive assessment of infant cognitive development. After building an effective prototype to test key cognitive functions (syllable and face perception, temporal anticipation) and a critical learning mechanism (statistical learning) in infants while recording EEG, we will assess in the lab the stability and robustness of our measures (TRL level 4), then extend the test in a clinical setting with a normal (full-term neonates) and at-risk population (premature neonates) (TRL level 5-6). We will validate the diagnostic utility of the device through follow-up of infants in neonatology departments. Our proposed tool aims to significantly improve the diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) in infants by allowing earlier identification in the clinically silent period of the first year. With accurate and objective measures of infant cognitive development, this tool will enable health care professionals to provide targeted and effective care, giving children the best chance of success.
Projet ERC : 3D-APP (Horizon Europe, appel 2022, Proof of concept grants)
Entité participante : Centre national de la recherche scientifique — Pays : France — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : CNRS
Type d'entité : Recherche
Financement ERC de l'entité : 150000.0 €

Miniaturized energy storage solutions are key to powering the modern era of connected devices, which is at the heart of “Internet of Things” (IoT) concept. Microsupercapacitor electrodes with 3D architectures have drawn increasing interest in recent years due to their better energetic performances while maintaining a reduced footprint occupancy. Thin films of pseudocapacitive RuO2 active materials deposited onto highly porous Pt current collectors, sculptured via the hydrogen bubble templated electrodeposition, have led to energy storage microdevices with extremely high power, long lifetime and with energy densities competing with that of micro-batteries. These microsupercapacitor electrodes stand miles ahead from previously reported studies both in terms of their surface area and surface capacitance, making them suitable for embedded electronics demanding high energy/high power density per footprint area. However, the cost of Ru and Pt considerably limits their commercial applications on a large scale relegating Ru-based micro-supercapacitors to niche applications. The substitution of ruthenium with alternative transition metal electrodes characterized by lower cost and higher abundance is therefore a requirement to reduce the price of electrochemical microstorage systems and enable long-term sustainability for a wide range of applications in everyday life. The EU-funded 3D-APP project will address this challenge in producing MnO2 deposited on porous Ni using simple and scalable processes that result high-energy electrodes that are economically feasible. These electrodes will be combined with innovative ionic liquid-based electrolytes in solid form to achieve collective and scalable fabrication of low-cost prototypes onto silicon wafers or flexible polymer substrates.
Projet ERC : RAMESES (Horizon Europe, appel 2025, Proof of concept grants)
Entité participante : Université de Bristol — Pays : Royaume-Uni — Rôle : PI
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 150000.0 €

Drugs that are chiral due to slow bond rotation (atropisomeric) are becoming more prevalent, and atropisomerism is increasingly recognised as an asset rather than a hindrance in medicinal chemistry programmes. However, although some asymmetric routes to atropisomers are established, very few methods are applicable to ‘drug-like’ atropisomers – namely those that are heavily functionalised, hydrophilic and often heterocyclic target molecules, meaning that enantiomerically pure atropisomeric drug candidates are typically obtained by wasteful and inefficient resolution methods. This proposal will address this problem by developing the concept of enzymatic deracemisation – discovered incidentally during an ERC AdG study of controlled molecular motion – to the atropisomer classes typically found in medicinal chemistry development programmes. In contrast to classical means of obtaining enantiopure atropisomers, this proposed biocatalytic method overcomes the yield and waste limitations of classical resolution and is uniquely applicable to the polar, water-soluble drug candidates for which existing asymmetric methods fail. The method stands out as sustainable, versatile and capable of making potential chiral drugs of enormous value and will be transformative for how the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors produce atropisomeric drug molecules. The originality of the project stems directly from a newly discovered chemical process unique to our laboratory. The Research Team is composed of diverse specialists in synthesis, biocatalysis, complex reaction networks and drug development. Development of the method will involve close partnership with industrial partners to identify enzyme classes, methods and target molecules for use as case-studies to quantify the benefits of the technology.
Projet ERC : EuroVision (Horizon Europe, appel 2025, Proof of concept grants)
Entité participante : Hannover Medical School — Pays : Allemagne — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : MHH
Type d'entité : Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire
Financement ERC de l'entité : 150000.0 €

Sight is the most treasured of our senses, followed by hearing and balance. Moderate to severe vision loss affects more than 216 million people worldwide, with an estimated 36 million people suffering from blindness. Monogenic diseases caused by mutations in genes such as MYO7A are responsible for vision loss in over two million people. As current treatment options for genetic vision loss are limited or non-existent, there is a high clinical need for innovative approaches, such as gene therapy. Usher syndrome type 1B (USH1B) is caused by MYO7A mutations and patients suffer from profound deafness accompanied with loss of balance and vision. In my ERC-funded consolidator grant iHEAR and Proof-of-Concept grant MY(O)SENSES, we showed the first ground-breaking data for efficient gene transfer with lentiviral vectors into inner ear cell types and correction of hearing and balance defects caused by mutated MYO7A. The EuroVision PoC proposal aims to advance these valuable research results towards clinical application by completing pre-clinical development, securing IP rights and commercializing a formulated medicinal product to launch a first-in-human clinical LV gene therapy trial to treat USH1B patients. The EuroVision product will be the first and only single-vector treatment that addresses vision loss due to MYO7A mutations in USH1B patients, which has great potential to significantly improve quality of life for these patients as well as to benefit society through relief of costs associated with healthcare and lost productivity. Moreover, this ground-breaking therapy will lay the basis to address other monogenic eye diseases, in which large genes need to be transferred and for which there is an urgent medical need.
Projet ERC : UPLIFT (Horizon Europe, appel 2022, Proof of concept grants)
Entité participante : Centre national de la recherche scientifique — Pays : France — Rôle : PI
Acronyme de l'entité : CNRS
Type d'entité : Recherche
Financement ERC de l'entité : 150000.0 €

Microelectronics components are at the core of our modern economies. The corresponding global market is exponentially growing at an annual pace of 10-15% and should reach the trillion $ by 2030. The techno-economic framework that has been driving this industry is based on Boolean logic, von Neumann architectures (with separated computing and memory units) and CMOS transistors. It is pictured by the famous Moore’s law, describing the continuous shrinking of transistor size. For years, Dennard’s scaling law of the power consumption provided a path to shrinking such transistors, while keeping the power density constant. However, as technological nodes become today as small tens of atoms, we are hitting fundamental limits, leading to heating and preventing this downscaling,. Simultaneously, the power consumption of information and communication technologies (ICT) represents nearly 5% of the world’s energy consumption. To mitigate these civilizational issues, new devices and architectures for ICT must be invented. The consensus reached by the microelectronics community is that to reduce power consumption (i) memory and logic units must be brought together and (ii) the inherent nonvolatile properties of ferroic materials are a valuable asset to avoid the static power consumption. UPLIFT proposes to develop the POC of a non-volatile, spin-based, ultralow power (aJ) logic-in-memory component, coined FESO, which harnesses the ferroelectric control of spin-charge interconversion discovered within the ERC FRESCO. We will pattern devices down to the 100 nm scale and aim for 100 mV output voltages, 1 ns operation speed and endurance >10^9 cycles. UPLIFT will benefit from a well-defined path towards the commercial exploitation, including a decade-long collaboration between the PI and two researchers from Spintec in Grenoble, with whom the PI is launching a start-up company that will exploit the patent portfolio filed within FRESCO. This POC project will serve both as a support and a propeller for the start-up, to be created in Q1 2024.