The European Innovation Council (EIC) has selected 43 projects for funding under its EIC Pathfinder Open 2026 call. These projects involve innovative early-stage research with the potential to drive technological breakthroughs. Each project can receive up to €4 million in funding to transform scientific concepts into proof-of-concept technologies.

Among this year’s selected projects are two involving ICN2: POLARIS (Precision neurotechnology for advanced monitoring in neurocritical care), led by the Advanced Electronic Materials and Devices Group, and METACARE (Meta enhanced test for advanced care), in which the Nanobiosensors and Bioanalytical Applications Group participates.

Graphene-brain implants for clinical applications

POLARIS aims to pioneer a new generation of graphene-based neurotechnology capable of capturing and monitoring brain activity. These devices could help detect brain signals that are difficult to capture with current tools, providing valuable information about brain stress, injuries, seizures and other neurological conditions.

The project will combine two complementary technologies in a single device: graphene transistors, which can record brain activity with high precision across a wide range of signals, and microelectrodes for precise neuromodulation, which can stimulate specific areas of the brain. The system is designed to be implanted using minimally invasive techniques.

It will bring together experts in materials science, neuroscience, electronics, neurosurgery and medical technology. Together, they will work to bring this integrated technology closer to clinical application, contributing to the future of precision neurotechnology.

Nanotechnology for rapid detection of sexually transmitted infections

METACARE will develop a portable diagnostic platform that can detect four major sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from a urine sample: Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium and Trichomonas vaginalis. Current tests have several limitations: they can be slow, costly or require specialised laboratory infrastructure. METACARE aims to deliver accurate results in under 30 minutes, making STI testing more accessible.

At the centre of the project is a highly sensitive optical biosensor that uses specially designed nanostructures and DNA probes to simultaneously detect the genetic material of several pathogens. It combines advanced materials, miniaturised optical components, and cost-effective manufacturing processes. The aim of METACARE is to deliver performance comparable to that of PCR-based methods. The final goal is to produce a final sensor chip that costs less than €1.

The consortium brings together expertise in nanophotonics, manufacturing, biotechnology and clinical research. It is led by Politecnico di Bari (PoliBA) and includes ICN2, SAL, imec, ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona and Weatecho.