MTBiocare – the Grand Prix i-PhD

“Our technology addresses three key challenges: (i) enabling earlier and more precise tumor diagnosis, (ii) optimizing treatment, and (iii) reducing the toxicity of gadolinium-based contrast agents,” explains Sandy Payan.

Medically, it paves the way for more personalized medicine. Environmentally, it offers an alternative to gadolinium — a rare metal whose extraction and increasing presence in aquatic environments pose serious ecological concerns.

Using iron instead of gadolinium provides a sustainable and strategic solution. This approach helps to:

• Reduce dependence on imported raw materials, notably gadolinium, which is mainly extracted in China
• Ensure a secure and long-term supply of contrast agents within the national territory

In today’s geopolitical context — marked by tensions around access to healthcare products and rare earth elements — developing iron-based contrast agents naturally produced by bacteria strengthens France’s industrial and health sovereignty, while ensuring continuous, safe, and eco-friendly production.

Beyond medical innovation, MTBiocare represents an ecological and sovereign solution, reducing reliance on rare earths and ensuring sustainable supply chains for healthcare centers.

Magellan: Turning Research into Market Value

Through the Magellan program, the two project leaders are strengthening their market understanding and entrepreneurial skills in preparation for creating a start-up. The next goals include advancing MTBiocare from proof of concept (TRL 3) to TRL 4/5, validating real-world demonstrations, securing regulatory aspects, and preparing for industrial scale-up.

“The program’s support allows us to transform this laboratory project into a viable start-up, while consolidating our network and paving the way for industrial and institutional partnerships,” says Sandy Payan.

For investors, MTBiocare represents a rare opportunity to support an innovation with high scientific and economic potential in a fast-growing field — personalized oncology.

Winning the Grand Prix i-PhD marks a major recognition of the scientific quality and potential of MTBiocare. The award provides Sandy Payan and her team with tailored mentorship, access to a network of innovation and funding experts, and increased national and European visibility. This distinction strengthens the project’s credibility with investors and industrial partners — paving the way for the creation of the start-up by 2027.