What if we could treat diseases before a patient even experiences a single symptom?
For Jolke Bijenvoort, founder of VINDI Biosystems, that is the ultimate goal. Together with his team, he is developing a technology that can continuously measure biomarkers in the blood, enabling physicians to intervene even before symptoms arise.
From reactive to proactive care
Today’s healthcare system is mostly reactive: treatment only starts once a person becomes ill. Jolke wants to change that. His first focus is on the intensive care unit, where only vital signs such as heart rate and temperature are continuously monitored. “By tracking biomarkers like lactate, doctors can intervene earlier and potentially prevent complications.” He explaines.
The techonology
At the heart of VINDI biosystems’ innovation is Integrated Photonics: a chip that uses light instead of electricity to detect minute changes. This makes it possible to measure the concentration of specific substances in fluids with extreme precision. The ultimate goal is a wearable sensor, similar to a glucose monitor, but the first applications target ICU systems that can continuously analyse blood.
from idea to startup
The idea originated in The 4TU Ideation Lab, where Jolke was connected with researchers. Together with two fellow students, he began a project focused on continuous biomarker monitoring.Their findings soon evolved into a startup in the making. After taking part in startup competitions and discussing intellectual property with Delft Enterprises, Jolke chose unlock_ as the next step.
Learning and growing with unlock_
The past months have brought him many valuable insights. The sessions on Regulatory Affairs were especially impactful. “It was a wake-up call: you need to get your regulatory framework right from the very start, or you’ll run into huge problems later.” He also honed his negotiation skills and grew more confident in pitching and networking. Jolke also realised the importance of structure. “I can switch quickly and work on many things at once, but it needs to be within a clear framework. Regular meetings help me maintain that structure.”
“I want one hundred major hospitals worldwide to be using our technology.”
Plans and ambition
In the coming months, Jolke will focus on four main goals: further developing the technology, applying for grants, securing a €500,000 pre-seed round to obtain full IP rights from TU Delft, and building a consortium with investors and specialised funds.His vision for five years from now is clear: “I want one hundred major hospitals worldwide to be using our technology.” To achieve that, he is also looking beyond Europe to markets like the US. “Our technology is new and expensive to develop. You have to target a large market where you can make an impact quickly.”
Advice for other entrepreneurs
His message to other startups considering joining unlock_ is simple: “Just do it. Don’t hesitate, because the worst that can happen is that you’ll learn a huge amount.”
