Almost 8 million euros for seven new projects – this sum has been raised for the next four years by the InfectoGnostics Research Campus Jena. The public-private partnership for innovative solutions in infection diagnostics thus enters the third and final phase of the federal funding initiative.

Starting in October 2025, InfectoGnosticsExternal link will be supported for another four years by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR) as part of the "Research Campus – Public-Private Partnership for Innovation" initiative. The jury particularly recognized the strategic development of the campus and its contribution to the clinical translation of novel diagnostic solutions.

For over eleven years, InfectoGnostics has brought together strong partners from science in Jena under one roof and on equal footing, including the Friedrich Schiller University, industry, and clinics. The shared goal: to diagnose infectious diseases faster and more precisely, detect antibiotic resistance before treatment, and transform innovative research results into practical solutions.

“We are delighted with the high regard shown by an expert jury of distinguished professionals. The third funding phase gives us the opportunity to further expand our successful structures, translate novel diagnostic solutions into medical care, and solidify the partnership,” said campus spokesperson Prof. Dr. Jürgen Popp. “In doing so, we are making an important contribution to tackling global health challenges, such as antibiotic resistance, with tangible benefits for patients and the healthcare system.”

Seven New Projects for Next-Generation Diagnostics

InfectoGnostics is launching seven new flagship projects in the third funding phase that address key challenges in modern infection diagnostics. Among the planned initiatives are rapid?molecular tests for healthcare facilities to detect diarrhea-causing pathogens early, as well as quantitative on-site tests for inflammation markers, which are also intended for home testing.

Other projects focus on developing novel methods for pathogen diagnostics using cell-free DNA and a fully automated multiparameter analyzer that combines protein and DNA-based tests on an open platform. A Raman-based system to analyze immune responses is also being researched, with the goal of enabling T-cell characterization directly at the patient’s side. Another major focus is the development of automated organ-on-chip platforms, which can be used as diagnostic tools to test the effectiveness of substances against bacterial pathogens and thus help in the development of new, effective antibiotics.

All of these projects are designed to make diagnostic technologies applicable in real-world healthcare settings. This is supported by a companion primary care transfer project that considers regulatory, clinical, and economic implementation from the outset. Through this, InfectoGnostics strengthens its role as a pioneer in practical and socially relevant diagnostic solutions.

Second Phase Laid the Foundation for Innovation and Sustainable Structures

The current second funding phase, running until September 2025, focused on building open technology platforms, expanding shared research infrastructures, and increasing the involvement of end-users and external stakeholders to translate diagnostic products into practice. Many developments from the research campus have already been tested in clinical studies or further developed into demonstrators and marketable products, such as in the fields of digital PCR, rapid testing applications, or wastewater monitoring.

About the InfectoGnostics Research Campus Jena

The InfectoGnostics Research Campus Jena is pioneering new paths in the field of onsite infection diagnostics for pathogens like viruses, bacteria, and fungi through a public-private partnership. InfectoGnostics is supported by the BMFTR under the "Research Campus – Public-Private Partnership for Innovation" initiative. Additionally, the state of Thuringia supports the campus' statewide, industry-related activities within the InfectoGnostics Innovation Cluster. About half of the required budget is financed by the participating partners.

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