nanodiag BW receives funding for second implementation phase
nanodiag BW has received approval from the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) for a further three-year implementation phase under the Clusters4Future initiative. With the approval of €15 million, the innovation network will be able to continue its work on nanopore-based diagnostic methods seamlessly from April 2026 onwards. The Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism is supporting the cluster management through accompanying measures. The NMI is part of the cluster.
nanodiag BW is working on a new generation of molecular diagnostics based on nanopore technology. This approach enables the direct, real-time analysis and identification of individual protein segments. A particular focus lies on epigenetic modifications, which play a central role in the development of many diseases such as cancer or neurodegenerative disorders. The aim is to make personalized diagnostics of epigenetic markers more accessible – by providing a cost-effective, readily available, and point-of-care alternative to established mass spectrometry methods.
NMI researches nanopores in 2D materials and optimization of solid-state nanopore sensors
The NMI is represented by two teams. Dr. Peter Jones and his colleagues produce solid-state nanopores using focused electron or ion beams and also integrate them into arrays with microfluidics and electrodes. Their goal is to make solid-state nanopore sensors easier to produce and in greater numbers, while also improving measurement results.
Prof. Jannik Meyer's team is researching the targeted introduction of nanopores into 2D materials and other membrane materials and is investigating the structure of these membranes and pores using atomic resolution electron microscopy.
During the first funding phase, important foundations were already laid: the partners developed various nanopore platforms, microfluidic systems, and AI-based methods for analyzing the electrical signatures of individual molecules. In the second phase, development will be more strongly aligned with the requirements of future clinical applications in epigenetic diagnostics.
Background
The Clusters4Future initiative of the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) supports regional innovation networks in rapidly translating excellent research results into economically and socially relevant applications. Following successful evaluation, the 14 Zukunftscluster can receive BMFTR funding for up to three implementation phases of three years each.
About nanodiag BW
nanodiag BW is an interdisciplinary innovation network based in Baden-Württemberg. The cluster is coordinated by Hahn-Schickard-Gesellschaft für angewandte Forschung e.V. in cooperation with the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Freiburg. It brings together more than 20 partners from research and industry with the goal of making nanopore technology usable for the molecular diagnostics of the future. By analyzing individual proteins and their modifications, novel diagnostic methods are to be developed that can be applied in clinical practice in a faster, more cost-effective, and more personalized manner.
The main focus areas of the second implementation phase include the optimization of biological pores and target enrichment. In the field of solid-state nanopores, scaling up pore fabrication and system integration will play a decisive role. In the development of a digital nanopore sequencer, the focus lies on preparing for clinical application and validating an epigenetic biomarker panel. In addition, all necessary measures will be taken to ensure the long-term sustainability of the cluster – through the selection of an appropriate legal structure – so that nanodiag BW remains viable beyond the nine-year funding period.
Source: press release of the Cluster nanodiag BW of February 6 2026, supplemented
