Events – Glostem

Overview

Microfluidics, the manipulation of fluids at the microscale, has revolutionized a range of scientific and medical fields. However, transforming a microfluidic-based prototype into a commercial product presents unique challenges that can delay or hinder the translation of cutting-edge research into market-ready solutions. To address these challenges and accelerate the commercialization process, a one-day Expert Forum entitled “Commercializing Microfluidic-based Devices – Prototype to Product: Issues, Bottlenecks, and Solutions” has been designed for scientists, researchers, and academicians engaged in the development of microfluidic-based diagnostic devices, technologies, materials, and services.

This specialized forum is a discussion group and will provide a platform for knowledge exchange and collaborative problem-solving, specifically targeting the commercialization pathway of microfluidic devices. While the field of microfluidics offers great promise in areas such as point-of-care diagnostics, lab-on-a-chip technologies, and biomedical research, it also involves navigating a complex landscape of technical, regulatory, and market-oriented hurdles. The session will focus on key aspects such as design optimization, manufacturability, scalability, regulatory compliance, intellectual property protection, and market positioning.

The commercialization of microfluidic-based devices demands an in-depth understanding of both the science behind microfluidics and the nuances of the product development lifecycle. One of the key challenges is transitioning from a functional laboratory prototype to a manufacturable product that can perform consistently under varied conditions. Issues like fluid dynamics, material compatibility, and device robustness often arise during scaling-up. This forum will explore potential solutions for these technical challenges, offering insights into materials selection, fluidic architecture optimization, and device integration with other platforms.

In addition to technical barriers, regulatory requirements represent another critical challenge in the journey from prototype to product. Microfluidic-based diagnostic devices, especially those used in healthcare, must meet stringent regulatory standards such as FDA approvals. The forum will provide a deep dive into regulatory considerations, including how to align product development with regulatory guidelines from the outset, strategies for clinical validation, and approaches for navigating the complex approval process efficiently.

The forum will also explore market-oriented issues, focusing on how to ensure that microfluidic devices meet user needs and are commercially viable. Effective commercialization requires not just technical excellence but also a sound understanding of market demands, pricing strategies, and business models. Participants will learn about market research techniques, customer validation, and strategies to differentiate their products in a competitive landscape. Real-world case studies of successfully commercialized microfluidic technologies will be shared, providing practical insights into overcoming common pitfalls.

This one-day Expert Forum aims to bridge the gap between innovation and implementation, offering a comprehensive overview of the issues, bottlenecks, and potential solutions faced by researchers and developers in this burgeoning field. By bringing together a multidisciplinary group of experts, participants will gain valuable insights into the commercialization process, enhance their problem-solving skills, and leave with actionable strategies to bring their microfluidic-based innovations to market.