QuantiLight: Developing Home Blood Tests for Patients with Chronic Diseases
- Feb 9, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 4
The start-up project QuantiLight of Max Planck Institute for Medical Research is developing home blood tests. To pave the way for a potential spin-off, the two "founders-to-be" Estelle Bonedeau and Corentin Gondrand, have been participating in the MAX!mize start-up incubation program since 2022.
Blood tests play an essential role for many people
One example is chronic diseases that require daily medication. Here, regular examinations of the medication level are necessary. So-called Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) is an important component of modern therapy, and the aim is to dose the medication individually for the patient.
The Callenge
On the one hand, the dosage must be high enough to achieve the desired effect, and on the other hand, it must be low enough to avoid side effects.
The Problem
With current methods, patients usually go to the hospital to get their blood samples taken. The hospital laboratory then analyses the sample and sends the results to the doctors who can finally give patients recommendations. The whole procedure is expensive and time-consuming for patients, physicians, and central laboratories and slows down the treatment adjustments.
Form Science to Start-up: QuantiLights Home Blood Tests
The technology developed at the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research in Prof. Kai Johnsson’s department offers a solution to that problem. With the Covid pandemic and limited options for patients, their at-home blood tests proved particularly relevant, and commercialization became the researchers' focus.
"We want to speed up the process so that the patient and doctor can adjust the medication more quickly," said Corentin Gondrand. "Our Patent and Licensing Manager of Max Planck Innovation, Ingrid Kapser-Fischer, initially brought MAX!mize to our attention."
Check out the interview with Estelle at the MAX!mize Bootcamp in May 2022.
Phase 1: Listening, Learning, Evolving
After successfully applying, the two participated in the MAX!mize Bootcamp and advanced to Phase 1 of the program. In various team and product sessions, the two worked on their idea.
How could our future business model be designed?
What competitive advantages does our technology offer, and what does the customer landscape look like in the B2B healthcare market?
Working closely with their Start-up Coach at Max Planck Innovation, Achim E. H. Wolf, they used interviews to sharpen the business model. The various events and consultations served as a common thread guiding them through the multiple milestones and challenges. This is because MAX!mize is a multi-stage incubation program. After each phase, jury meetings or requirements decide whether the business idea advances to the next phase. If the business idea still needs to be further developed, the start-up journey ends for the time being.
Phase 2: A Clear Path Forward
February 2023
Corentin and Estelle successfully entered Phase 2 of the program in February 2023. Now, the final incorporation is the goal.
Can they recommend the start-up program for Max Planck researchers?
Estelle says: "The MAX!mize Bootcamp served as our first reality check and a good way to engage with the career option as future startup founders.
Practical Advice from the Team:
Participants should be prepared to step out of their comfort zone.
The closer we get to incorporation, the more important diverse networks become.
If you participate in the program, be open to new things, willing to learn a lot, and also be prepared for quick changes in direction.
Proactively approach interesting contacts and ask them for support, they might open their network!"
If you’re wondering whether to begin — let this be your sign. Start where you are.
Whether your idea is fully formed or still taking shape, we encourage all aspiring Max Planck entrepreneurs in tech and social to apply to the official MAX!mize incubation program for Max Planck researchers.
Great ventures often start with bold questions, not final answers. chemistry, and physics.
We are looking forward to supporting you on your individual start-up journey!
Roadmap @ MAX!mize
Batch: #1
Bootcamp: May 2022
Foundation: Juni 2025
Profile
Institute: Max Planck Institute for Medical Research
Founders: Corentin Gondrand, Estelle Bonedeau
LinkedIn: QuantiLight
Website: https://www.quantilight.com/
Ready to unlock your sciencepreneurial skills and become part of our next batch?
