Flomics Biotech , a biotechnology startup founded by former researchers at Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), is revolutionizing early cancer diagnosis through an RNA-based liquid blood biopsy. Its pioneering technology allows the detection of multiple types of cancer in early stages from a simple blood sample, combining next-generation sequencing (NGS) and artificial intelligence algorithms to improve diagnostic accuracy.
The company has not only achieved promising results in studies with more than 1,000 samples collected in several hospitals, but also promotes its innovation through the Industrial Doctorate Plan. Flomics Biotech is currently leading three applied research projects that complement and expand the scope of its technology, working in collaboration with UPF and the Center for Genomic Regulation. These projects aim to improve plasma RNA profiling, develop screening tests for colorectal cancer and delve deeper into the identification of the tissue origin of circulating transcripts.
In this interview, we talk to João Curado, CEO and co-founder of Flomics Biotech, to learn how liquid biopsy can transform cancer diagnosis, what role artificial intelligence plays in it and how the collaboration with the Industrial Doctorate Plan is boosting its scientific advances.
“Using artificial intelligence algorithms, we can identify signs of early onset of the disease, even before the first symptoms manifest.”
How does artificial intelligence help biomedical research and what role does the industrial doctorate play in it?
Flomics Biotech is a biotechnology company based in Barcelona that is developing a liquid biopsy test (a blood test) capable of detecting various types of cancer in very early stages. It all starts with a simple standard blood sample, from which we analyze the RNA molecules present in the plasma. Using artificial intelligence algorithms, we can identify signs of early onset of the disease, even before the first symptoms appear.
One of the great advantages of the industrial doctorate program is its ability to attract talent that would otherwise be difficult to capture. For example, many researchers with an academic vocation prioritize completing their doctorate, and without this program it would have been very difficult for us to hire them and integrate them into our team. This program offers us a way to attract them and incorporate them into our project.
Furthermore, as a young startup, we can feel isolated. We have great talent and specialized experience in our field, but it is often difficult to demonstrate it and establish connections to access collaborative projects. Having the support of a university or research center allows us not only to share ideas and co-develop technologies, but also to be part of their ecosystem. This gives us access to a much wider network of knowledge and talent, and allows us to move forward in a more solid way.
Personally, I believe that this collaboration is a natural evolution: before becoming CEO, I was a researcher myself, and I understand the importance of having a bridge between academic research and business development.
"This seal of collaboration with prestigious academic institutions gives us additional credibility and opens more doors for us in the field of research and innovation."
Do industrial PhDs help the company become a leader or a major player within your ecosystem?
The industrial doctorate program has been fundamental for us because it has allowed us to transform incipient ideas into solid projects. Initially, we had promising concepts, but we lacked data to demonstrate their viability. Thanks to the collaboration with a university or research center, with its excellence, we have been able to advance in the development of proofs of concept and pilot studies, which has been key to accessing external funding.
This seal of collaboration with prestigious academic institutions gives us additional credibility and opens more doors in the field of research and innovation. This has allowed us to turn those first projects into much larger initiatives and consolidate ourselves as a relevant player within our ecosystem.
How do the results of the projects contribute to addressing the current challenges of society ?
The tangible results of these projects often take time to materialize, but we are already starting to see the first fruits. We are a young company and, thanks to one of our industrial doctorate projects, we have already completed research that has led to a patent in the process of registration and a scientific article that we are preparing to publish. These advances have only been possible because we initiated this industrial doctorate project, which has provided us with the basis to develop quality research and generate applicable knowledge.
In addition, we currently have two other industrial doctoral projects underway that we hope will follow similar paths, providing new results in the future. Patents and scientific publications are fundamental to the growth of our company and for our consolidation in the field of biotechnology, especially because we work in the health and life sciences sector, where the social impact is direct and significant.
While our main activity is focused on the early detection of cancer, thanks to the industrial doctorates, in one of these projects in particular, we have been able to expand the application of our technology to a rare disease: cerebellar atrophy, a pathology that affects children. This opportunity has only been possible because the industrial doctorate has allowed us to open new lines of research and establish collaborations with specialists in this field. This is a clear example of how these projects not only drive our innovation, but can also have a positive impact on society by addressing serious and little-studied medical problems.
"Thanks to industrial doctorates we have been able to expand the application of our technology to a rare disease: cerebellar atrophy, a pathology that affects children."
Regarding scientific publications, do you consider publishing to be an added value for the company or just an obligation within the project?
Publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals is undoubtedly a key element for the company. It is not just an academic requirement, but an essential strategy to establish our credibility and scientific excellence within the sector. As a young company, we need to demonstrate the solidity of our work and gain recognition from the scientific and business community.
Publications are a fundamental tool to validate and disseminate our research, ensuring that our projects are developed at the highest level. They also allow us to attract new collaborations, access funding and strengthen our position within the biotechnology ecosystem. Therefore, publishing is not only an obligation, but an opportunity that has a direct impact on our reputation and growth as an innovative company.
How do you value the collaboration with the university and the research group?
The key to success in this collaboration is, without a doubt, communication. Universities and startups are very different entities, with different ways of working and speeds of development. We both aim to bring benefits to society, but we do so with different approaches. Therefore, it is essential to keep both parties aligned and coordinated throughout the project.
As a startup, we are agile and adapt quickly to a constantly changing environment. In contrast, universities and research groups follow more defined lines of research, which require more time to modify. Therefore, from the beginning we were aware that we had to move quickly to achieve results, but also that we could not move forward without ensuring that the university kept pace with us. This means maintaining constant and effective communication.
Each meeting is an opportunity to catch up, share progress and explain decisions made. We need to make sure that, despite moving at different speeds, we share the same direction and work towards a common goal. This has allowed us to build a solid collaboration, and is the reason why we have not only successfully completed our first industrial PhD project, but have decided to continue betting on this formula in new projects.
"Attracting qualified talent is a challenge for any startup, and this program offers us an effective way to incorporate researchers with high potential."
How does the knowledge transfer dynamic occur in your industrial doctoral projects?
In our case, the dynamic is mainly one of co-creation of knowledge. It is not just a one-way transfer, but a collaboration in which both parties contribute key elements for the development of the project. For example, the patent that we registered within one of our industrial doctoral projects is shared property between Flomics and the university, because the process has been truly joint.
We contribute our technical knowledge and technological development, while the research group has provided us with a more clinical perspective and access to patients, which are essential to validate our technology. This balance has allowed us not only to generate new scientific and technological knowledge, but also to establish mechanisms to protect and share these advances equitably. Ultimately, these types of projects are based on collaborative innovation in which each party complements the other.
Why would you recommend the industrial doctorate program in Catalonia?
I think it is an excellent initiative that has had a great impact on our development as a company. One of its main advantages is that it has allowed us to access high-level candidates, who would otherwise have been very difficult to hire. Attracting qualified talent is a challenge for any startup, and this program offers us an effective way to incorporate researchers with high potential.
