The new company, emerging from the NanoB2A group at the BIST Community centre ICN2, will develop point-of-care diagnostic solutions based on nanophotonic biosensors for the rapid detection of life-threatening bacterial infections and antimicrobial resistance.
The five co-founders of Eroica Dx. From left to right: Dr Jessica Llop (ICN2 Scientific Project Manager), Dr Patricia Ramírez-Priego (CSIC Specialized Superior Technician), Dr Maria Soler (ICN2 Senior Researcher), Prof Laura M. Lechuga (CSIC Professor and NanoB2A Group Leader), and Dr M. Carmen Estévez (CSIC Tenured Scientist).
ICN2 announces the incorporation of Eroica Dx, a new spin-off company from the Nanobiosensors and Bioanalytical Applications (NanoB2A) Group, led by CSIC Prof. Laura M. Lechuga. The company translates nearly two decades of pioneering research in nanophotonics biosensing into a disruptive in-vitro diagnostic platform addressing one of the most urgent challenges in global health: bloodstream infections and antibiotic resistance.
Eroica Dx is developing a rapid, point-of-care diagnostic device capable of identifying bacterial pathogens and key antimicrobial resistance (AMR) markers directly from a small blood sample in under 30 minutes. By providing actionable results at the patient’s bedside, the technology aims to support faster, more precise treatment decisions, which is particularly crucial in conditions such as sepsis, where each hour of delay significantly increases both mortality risk and healthcare costs.
Silicon photonics for next-generation diagnostics
At the core of Eroica Dx’s platform lies an advanced silicon photonics biosensor platform developed by NanoB2A . The technology enables label-free, ultrasensitive, and multiplex detection of bacteria and resistance markers without complex sample preparation.
The biosensors are integrated into compact microchips and single-use cartridges manufactured using processes aligned with the semiconductor industry. This compatibility ensures scalability, reliability, and cost-effective production-key requirements for widespread use in hospital intensive care units, emergency departments, and other point-of-care settings.
From academic research to real-world impact
Eroica Dx is a spin-off of ICN2 and the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), with its intellectual property protected through patent applications, trade secrets, and long-standing know-how generated within the NanoB2A group. The company builds on the strong translational track record of Prof. Laura M. Lechuga, founder of NanoB2A, and a recognised leader in scientific entrepreneurship. Her work combines internationally acclaimed research with multiple patents, successful spin-off creation, and major awards for technology transfer and biomedical innovation, reflecting a consistent ability to turn frontier science into practical healthcare solutions.
Over the coming months, Eroica Dx will be opened to investment rounds and strategic collaborations to accelerate product development, clinical validation, and market entry. The company is actively seeking partnerships with investors, healthcare providers, and industrial players in the photonics and medical device sectors to support scaling and international deployment.
