These tools enable quantitative analyses of radiological images taken from patients suspected of having ischemic stroke, writes the AMC in a press release. The value of these tools has been recognized worldwide with requests to utilize them in a wide range of studies and research groups. The portfolio was developed as part of the successful MR CLEAN trial.

This success prompted the creation of spin-off company Nico-Lab. It will professionalize and commercialize the automated analysis tools for a broader audience. The commercial potential has now been acknowledged by the Horizon 2020 program for highly-innovative Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, to support growth and expanding activities. This program is very competitive with fewer than 3 percent of the applications being awarded.

Horizon 2020 is the biggest EU Research and Innovation programme ever with nearly €80 billion of funding available over a period of 7 years (2014 to 2020) – in addition to the private investment that this money will attract. Horizon 2020 actively supports SMEs by providing both direct financial support, and indirect support to increase their innovation capacity.