University of Twente spin-off Flowbeams gains €2.5 million grant

19 Mar 2024

Funding will be used to develop laser-based, needle-free injection technology.

FlowBeams, Enschede, The Netherlands, a medical technology spin-off from the University of Twente, has been awarded the European Innovation Council Transition grant, worth €2.5 million.

The startup stated, “This accomplishment underscores the remarkable potential of FlowBeams to continue advancing the field of needle-free injection technology.”

The iSENS project will benefit from almost a decade of scientific results led by Prof. David Fernandez Rivas, and previous funding from the European Research Council and the Dutch Research Council (NWO). FlowBeams has been supported by NovelT, MESA+ and TechMed Institute from the University of Twente.

This financial boost will accelerate the plans of FlowBeams to innovate minimal invasive injection technology. The company wants to commercialize its novel platform technology, starting with the cosmetics market but eying the pharmaceuticals sector.

FlowBeams will expand its team, starting with Jelle Schoppink, PhD candidate in the Mesoscale Chemical Systems Group. The team’s activities will also contribute to the local and regional deep-tech innovation ecosystem.

“We are honored and grateful for the support given by the European Innovation Council and its confidence in our vision,” said Lea Milovich, CEO of FlowBeams. “This grant represents a significant milestone in our journey towards realizing the full potential of our needle-free injection technology and making a meaningful impact in the healthcare and cosmetic industries.”

“The time could not be more appropriate, with the recent developments in deep-tech and microchip technology in the region. FlowBeams looks forward to strengthen the ecosystem in Twente and put our region on the international map,” she said.

About FlowBeams

FlowBeams, incorporated in 2021, is developing a revolutionary needle-free injection technology that promises to transform multiple industries, including pharmaceutics and cosmetics. Its technology addresses the shortcomings associated with traditional needle-based methods, which include needle-phobia, environmental pollution and safety concerns.

FlowBeams’ goal is to provide personalized, safe and comfortable treatment options. The company also states that it is “committed to environmental sustainability by reducing mountains of hazardous waste generated by traditional injection methods.”

The company states on its website, “Injecting without needles has been a dream shared by scientists, medical staff, and, more importantly, patients who fear them. With our solution, the dream becomes reality and can improve treatments by targeting specific depths in the skin and causing minimal damage.”

Its aim is to develop needle-free methods for liquid jet injection using microfluidic devices and laser-derived thermocavitation, using relatively low laser energy and a low-cost injection device.