Background
‘Investing jointly in advanced equipment boosts the ecosystem’
Surfix, a spin-off from Wageningen University & Research (WUR), develops sensitive diagnostic tests for point-of-care diagnostics and oncology, with partners worldwide. The startup experienced rapid growth at that time, partly due to a joint investment in laboratory facilities in its early stages. Founder Luc Scheres of Surfix shares the journey.
Developing nanocoatings for the medical sector, agriculture, and other industries was Surfix's starting point when it was founded in 2011. ‘But over time, we increasingly focused on lab-on-a-chip technology and point-of-care diagnostics: methods for conducting laboratory tests near the patient's bedside,’ says Scheres, who graduated with honors in 2010 from the Organic Chemistry chair group at Wageningen University & Research.
Unique offering
In recent years, the entrepreneur has further refined his company's focus. ‘Initially, we did contract research for clients, but at some point, we decided to develop our own offerings, using the patented technology we had in-house.’
Surfix's method combines lab-on-a-chip principles with nanotechnology, photonic biosensors, and liquid biopsy. Microscopic channels on the test cartridge send a blood sample past the biosensors. Cancer-related biomarkers are then detected on a very small chip that uses photons (light).
The entire patient journey
Surfix now employs thirty staff and collaborates with numerous global partners. ‘Based on our technology, we develop applications for the entire patient journey: from initial diagnosis to studying the effects of chemotherapy. Our partners then bring these tests to market.’
The subsidy for setting up an incubator laboratory in the Plus Ultra I building at Wageningen Campus, which became available via the Shared Research Facilities platform shortly after Surfix was founded, came at the right time. ‘Expensive equipment is needed for studying and developing coatings, which I couldn't afford then,’ says Scheres. In the incubator lab, the entrepreneur had access to a wide range of measuring equipment, which he shared with other startups.
Additionally, Scheres, together with four Wageningen research groups, reinvested via the Shared Research Facilities platform in an imaging ellipsometer: a device for measuring the thickness of nanolayers. In the early years, Surfix managed the research device, allowing other users access for their own use, training, and advice. ‘After our transition to point-of-care diagnostics, the WUR Organic Chemistry chair group took over the device, where it remains open for shared use,’ adds the entrepreneur.
Measuring nanolayers
Surfix, now too large for the incubator lab, has its own well-equipped laboratory. ‘Through the Shared Research Facilities platform, we still use advanced equipment,’ says Scheres. ‘And we've committed to future joint investments via Shared Research Facilities subsidy in an X-Ray Photo Electron Spectrometer, a device for measuring extremely thin nanolayers.’
Boost for the ecosystem
According to Scheres, a platform like Shared Research Facilities is immensely valuable for starting entrepreneurs. ‘Other universities also have funding routes for equipment, but often require taking out loans. The benefit of the Shared Research Facilities platform is that you pay based on usage, and costs are spread over the years you intend to use the equipment. If you find that you need a facility or equipment more frequently than expected, you can still pay additional costs later at the same agreed rate.’
Investing together in shared facilities means boosting the entire ecosystem, emphasizes Scheres: ‘You're not just offering yourself, but also other companies the chance to use advanced equipment and thereby grow faster.’
