An international team behind this life-saving camera technology

Diego Gino of Lyon, France, conducted research at the University of Paris. In exchange in Lund decided to start focusing on advanced camera technology. It was supported by LU innovation and in 2021 the work ramped up and Mantis Photonics was formed.

– I immediately realized that there was something special about this technology, but I didn’t know what it could be used for. Then we realized that the ophthalmic applications were a great fit for our camera, he says.

The team is joined by business developer Denis Hellebuyck, whom Diego came to know through their mutual interest in rugby. A few months later, they also acquired AI expert Jan Alexander, both from Belgium, and together they began to find ways to put the technology into practice.

Combines artificial intelligence and camera technology

They have now built two finished prototypes that are being tested in clinical trials. The innovation consists in part of the camera itself, but also of software in the form of an artificial intelligence program that can quickly analyze camera images with more detail than any human.

– The combination of these two methods means that we can reach results more efficiently than many other similar research projects, explains Jan Alexandre.

Detects Alzheimer’s and eye diseases

By scanning the eye, specifically the retina, signs of Alzheimer’s disease can be found 10-15 years before the first symptoms are noticed. The images show levels of a protein that invades the brain and creates cognitive problems and ultimately Alzheimer’s disease. This method opens up the possibility of examining a lot more people than today. The technology is now patented and the areas of use are many.

During tests in Helsingborg, they obtained promising results using a technology that analyzed age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is the leading cause of blindness in Europe and the United States.

At the memory clinic in Blekinge, several tests are progressing.

Alzheimer’s disease can be treated, but it must be detected early, and this is what we want to achieve. Diego Guino explains that more people can live longer with a good quality of life.

Studies are also underway to analyze whether the technology can be used to detect signs of Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Two difficult diseases for which early treatment can make a big difference.

Our first product is to support researchers working to combat these diseases. Next, we also want doctors and patients to be able to benefit from the technology, Diego explains.

They believe there are many advantages to running a company from Lund.

– We received a lot of support and, among other things, were part of the Ideon incubator. Diego explains that we will continue to run the company from here.

Search for capital

So far they have raised about €250,000 (€150,000 of which is from Lund University). Now they want to raise €600,000 to make a trial series of their cameras to sell to researchers so that more people can use their innovative product.

– It will also prove that we have a profitable business model, – explains Diego about the company, which has already received several awards.

– With more resources and bigger teams, we can help researchers find solutions faster, says Diego Guinot.

Mantis Photonics is a finalist for the 2023 Young Idea Award.