ZuriEV receives 150,000 Swiss francs from Venture Kick

(CONNECT) ZuriEV has received 150,000 Swiss francs in support from Venture Kick, according to a press release. The funding for the spin-off from the University of Zurich (UZH) will be used to further develop a blood-based diagnostic platform for early-stage brain tumors. ZuriEV isolates tumor-specific extracellular vesicles (EVs) from the blood using specially developed biomarkers. The start-up thus addresses a global market worth 45 billion Swiss francs, according to the press release from start-up sponsor Venture Kick. Over 130 million cancer screening tests are carried out every year.

Thanks to the funding from Venture Kick, ZuriEV can accelerate the development of its kit and launch initial pilot studies with clinical partners. The product is due to be launched in 2028. By 2031, more than 500,000 tests per year could be carried out via central laboratories and distributed diagnostic kits.

ZuriEV is initially focusing on high-risk patients with brain tumors in Europe. Expansion into the USA and other relevant markets is planned.

ZuriEV's founding team includes CEO Yanan Zhang, who is responsible for strategy and product development. The Scientific Director (CSO) is Tobias Weiss, physician and scientist at UZH. CTO Stavros Stavrakis is an engineer at UZH and drives technological development. ce/gba