Spin-offs
Trinean (now unchained labs)
Trinean is a Belgium based instrumentation company, bringing micro-volume molecular spectroscopy to the next level by combining best in class analytical software with a highly standardized read-out platform. Founded in 2006 as a spin-out of Ghent University, Belgium and Imec Leuven, Belgium, the company commercializes two instruments, the XposeTM for ‘Touch & Go’ biomolecule quantification and the DropSense96TM, analyzing up to 96 samples, using microfluidic chips for standardized sample analysis (DropPlates and Xpose Slides). The Trinean platform is complemented with a software toolbox for improved data interpretation and lab-automation.
Caliopa (now Huawei)
In September 2010, researcher from Photonics Research Group (UGent-imec) founded Caliopa. Caliopa will develop and market advanced silicon photonics based optical transceivers for the data and telecommunications markets.
In 2013 Huawei announced its continued investment expansion into Europe today through its acquisition of Caliopa from Baekeland, Fidimec, Ghent University, PMV, and other individual shareholders. The acquisition is part of Huawei's strategy to enhance its European research and development capabilities, in particular in the silicon photonics-based optical solutions space. Huawei will integrate Caliopa into its existing R&D centre in Belgium. The deal, which was completed on 6 August 2013, will give Huawei full ownership of Caliopa. Caliopa is based in Ghent (Belgium) and will continue its strong partnership with UGent and imec following this acquisition.
Luceda Photonics
In June 2014, researchers from Photonics Research Group (UGent), imec and B-Phot (VUB) founded Luceda Photonics. Luceda Photonics wants photonic IC engineers to enjoy the same first-time-right design experience as electronic IC designers. Luceda Photonics’ tools and services are rooted in over 50 years of experience in photonic integrated circuit (PIC) design. The team’s expertise in the development of process design kits (PDK) and the design and validation of photonic integrated circuits is used by several research institutes and industrial R&D teams worldwide. The company was founded by Wim Bogaerts, Erwin De Baetselier, Pieter Dumon, Martin Fiers, Joris Geessels and Pierre Wahl, valorizing key research at imec, the Photonics Research Group of the UGent and the B-Phot team at the VUB.
Indigo Diabetes
In December 2016, researchers from the Photonics Research Group (UGent), imec, CMST (UGent) & Intec Deisgn (UGent) founded Indigo Diabetes nv (Indigo). Indigo develops the next-gen needle-free glucose sensors for diabetics. Indigo’s first product addresses the need for accurate, low-cost glucose monitoring systems with an optimal user experience. They have successfully secured €38 million during Series B funding round in July 2020 to further develop its promising Multi-Biomarker Sensor for diabetes.
Sentea
Sentea is a spin-off of the joint Photonics Research Group of Ghent University and nano-technology research center imec. The Photonics Research Group has been working on Silicon Photonics based fiber optic sensor technology and interrogators since 2009.
A team of researchers from Ghent University together with seasoned managers, and supported by a consortium of leading Belgian high-tech investors, founded the company in 2018 to commercialize 10 years of research.
Meep
In August 2019, Antelope diagnostics was established as a spin-off from UGent and MyCartis. The Antelope technology is the result of ten years of research at the Photonics Research Group of Ghent University, followed by further incubation in the company MyCartis. Antelope Dx develops a point-of-need diagnostics platform. The Antelope technology aims to offer clinical lab performance with the ease-of-use of a pregnancy test at a consumer price tag. It allows patients, consumers and healthcare professionals to have on-the-spot access to key health parameters. Antelope Dx secured EUR 9 million in series B financing round in September 2020. The doctor-at-home platform is now commercialized by meep.
QustomDot
In January 2020, researchers from the Physics and Chemistry of Nanostructures research group from Ghent University founded QustomDot . QustomDot is a pioneer in the development of environmentally friendly quantum dots, which are innovative materials that improve the color gamut and energy efficiency in displays screens. The company tailors the technology for next generation LED displays, going from high resolution LED TV’s to augmented reality goggles. QustomDot and UGent teamed up with investment funds Qbic II, PMV and VIGO Ventures – good for a € 3 million investment – to bring this groundbreaking research to the market.
Axithra
In September 2023, Axithra was launched as a medtech spin-off from Ghent University and imec. Axithra is developing a solution for rapid therapeutic drug monitoring using photonic chips. The on-chip Raman technology stems from the Photonics Research Group of Ghent University, and associated lab of imec. Axithra secured a € 10 million investment from investment funds imec.xpand, Kurma Partners, Qbic, Noshaq, White Fund, Wallonie Entreprendre, Hamamatsu Photonics en Werfen Diagnostics.