Startup nostics draws international attention with innovative medical diagnostics

The methods we currently have for detecting diseases are often still very slow – and analogue. First, you have to go to your general practitioner (GP). Then to the hospital or a lab. Often, it takes quite some time to get the results. But it could be different, according to Rennen."We have developed a digital diagnostics platform that allows rapid testing. You can test on the spot, at a GP’s surgery, a small health clinic, or a testing facility. Or, in the future, even at home." This startup makes it possible to test for a whole range of diseases, bacteria and viruses. In an easy, quick and cheap way, anytime and anywhere.

High-tech testing

What is unique about Nostics technology is that it uses artificial intelligence, Raman spectroscopy and nanotechnology. This innovative combination makes it possible to develop highly sensitive tests. These can, for example, detect bacteria fast. The startup consists of a highly interdisciplinary team. "We are working on solving a big puzzle together," says Rennen.

She explains that there is a major problem throughout the world with bacterial resistance. "If we are too quick to prescribe general antibiotics, they eventually stop working as the bacteria get used to them. Diagnostics play a key role here. The better you know what pathogen you are dealing with, the better you can treat it."

Rapidly crossing borders

Nostics has focused on the international market from the very start. "With ambitions like ours, you have to look beyond the borders of the Netherlands immediately. We want everyone in the world to receive treatment based on data-driven diagnoses. And our devices on every GP's desk."

The role that this technology can play is different in every country, according to Rennen. "In the Netherlands, we can use it to relieve hospitals' burden. But in the United States, many smaller clinics already use the tests. In countries like India, the ratio of medical staff to inhabitants is often meagre. So, you want to be able to test remotely. With our technology, you can take healthcare in the field to a higher level at a lower cost and with less-skilled staff."

Startup success at CES 2022

Together with a group of other tech companies, Nostics travelled to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) organised the trip. CES is one of the largest tech fairs in the world. The most progressive startups gather at CES to present themselves to potential partners, customers and investors. "You may not expect to find a medical diagnostics company at a fair like CES. But because of COVID-19, there was more attention to Health and Medtech. Participating in CES is an important way to build our reputation in the United States. It is a very important market for us," Rennen explains.

For Rennen, going on a mission with other startups was a very worthwhile experience. "Every entrepreneur is going through the same stages of development. Such as growing their business, dealing with staff matters and creating a value proposition. In health and deep tech, the development timelines are longer, so you face the same challenges. You learn a lot from each other on a journey like this."

Valuable partnerships

Despite the coronavirus limitations, this year's event was a success. "For us, it was a positive experience. We received a lot of validation for our value proposition. Many organisations were interested in buying our product and forming partnerships with us." Because of the coronavirus, many companies could not travel to CES. That did not make the fair any less worthwhile for Rennen. "A lot of people did not come, but that was not an issue. It meant that the quality was very high, and we held many positive discussions. I am looking forward to next year!"

Support from RVO

When preparing for CES, Nostics received support from RVO. "They are good at networking," Rennen explains. "They ensure you connect with the right events, such as CES. They also help you contact the right people abroad and find funding for your company."

Tip: go international straight away

"We Dutch can sometimes still be a little too perfectionistic. We want a fully working product that has proven itself in the Netherlands before venturing abroad. But maybe your market is not in the Netherlands at all." Rennen thinks you cannot start too early to take your first steps across the border. So you can immediately incorporate what your potential clients and business partners want in your proposition.

Rennen hopes that other Dutch entrepreneurs will be more daring in the future. "Try to think big and get away from behind your desk. Share your innovations and ideas with the rest of the world. Do not be afraid to do something you have never done before, especially in deep tech. Genuine innovation happens at the interface between different disciplines and perspectives."

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