About

Ce.B.Tec. P.C. is a spin-off company of the Agricultural University of Athens, to develop innovative methods and provide services in specialized analytical and diagnostic applications across the entire spectrum of agri-food, environmental, medical, and biotechnological activities (e.g., advanced digital diagnostics, systems traceability, new biostimulants). A key component of the company's current product line is Bioelectric Biosensor technology, based on Molecular Recognition through Membrane Engineering. This technology enables the development of highly sensitive, rapid, and affordable diagnostic tests. These sensors have been successfully tested for the detection of various targets in health fields, such as virology (SARS-CoV-2, HIV, HBV, HCV, HSV, HZV), oncology (cancer markers), endocrinology (E2), and metabolic diseases (superoxide anion free radical). Furthermore, their applications in agriculture and animal husbandry are noteworthy, as they can be utilized for the rapid detection of mycotoxins and toxic residues in food and feed. They also serve as traceability systems to monitor pesticide residues in trees, such as olive trees, functioning as an integrated decision support system.

Solution & Product

We are introducing a revolutionary bioelectric biosensor designed for the rapid detection of Acute Respiratory Infections, including asymptomatic cases. This cutting-edge device ensures a rapid (3 minutes), affordable, susceptible (92.8%), and multiplex one-step diagnosis of various respiratory viruses and associated antibodies. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs) account for 6% of the total global disease burden, resulting in excessive morbidity and mortality. The benefits of an accurate diagnosis are threefold: it optimizes the treatment approach for patients, prevents the emergence of antimicrobial resistance through the misuse or overuse of antibiotics, aids infection control practitioners in implementing appropriate measures to reduce nosocomial spread, and provides precise information to public health authorities for formulating effective policies. Early detection not only prevents the rapid transmission of infections within the community but also allows for a more efficient estimation and planning of annual vaccinations on a fully personalized basis through fast, economical, and massive detection of antibodies.

Innovation & Scalability

Compared to the diagnostic tests currently available on the market, CeBTec's technology is the only system that uses the technology of measuring bioelectrical signals of modified cells based on the Molecular Identification through Membrane Engineering (MIME) method in 2D or 3D culture systems. It has been proven to be much faster, cheaper, more accurate, and easier to use by healthcare providers. It is the only technology in the world validated for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in three independent clinical trials. CeBTec's proposed product is an antigen-based diagnostic test, which can be easily adapted for use as either an antibody test or a molecular test competing with RT-PCR. These two applications are currently undergoing validation.

Traction & achievements

Intellectual Property (EPO granted), Small- and Large-Scale Clinical Studies documented by research publications. Recently, in September 2021, CeBTec's proposed product was distinguished with the 2nd prize in the innovation competition IDea Incubator Competition held under the auspices of the Infectious Diseases Society of America Foundation and the company Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLABS. This marks the first time that a team from outside the USA was distinguished in this specific institution. In addition to this award, studies based on CeBTec technology have been published in more than 100 articles in international peer-reviewed scientific journals. The development of the technology and its various applications has been financed by a series of national, European, and international programs, totaling over €3.5 million.

Team & Why Us

The founding members of Ce.B.Tec. have built a long-standing and fully functional, as well as successful partnership between them. They have jointly contributed to the development of applications for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses, while they have collaborated in the development of business plans for their commercial exploitation as well as in a series of presentations, general publicity actions, and contacts with financial institutions and potential investors. Additionally, they have successfully collaborated in writing, submitting, and successfully claiming funding proposals under European and other programs in the relevant subject in a coordinating role. Their complementary role at Ce.B.Tec. will involve overseeing and coordinating research and technological development, formulating corresponding strategies, and ensuring effective communication and collaboration with the company's executives and external partners, including investors and customers. Finally, they will jointly contribute to the diffusion and publicity of Ce.B.Tec.'s technologies and applied products.

Funding Needs

Ce.B.Tec. will require significant resources to establish its basic research unit and begin producing its multiplex detection of respiratory virus testing kits. According to estimates, the initial cost of setting up the research unit and producing 10,000 tests per day, along with quality control measures, is €1.6 million. Another €583,000 will be required to obtain the necessary certifications for the kit. To achieve this, the company is seeking €1 million in capital investment. These resources will be crucial to enable Ce.B.Tec. to bring its innovative multiplex detection of respiratory virus testing technology to market and contribute to global efforts to combat respiratory illnesses.