Our team
Coordinator
Full Professor in Bioengineering at the Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa
Partners
Professor of Tissue Biomechanics and Implants
Head of GMP-conform Implant Development
Biomedical scientist, is a researcher for tissue engineering and head of the In vitro Test Systems Department at Fraunhofer ISC TLZ-RT.
Professor in Biofabrication and Tissue Engineering at the Department of Materials Engineering, KU Leuven
Prof. Ivković is a consultant orthopedic surgeon and the vice chair of the Dpt. of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University Hospital “Sveti Duh” in Zagreb.
Full professor at the Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, specialized in tumor biology, stem cells, and tissue engineering, with a focus on bone and cartilage
Co-founder and CEO of BIO INX, with a strong background in polymerchemistry
CEO of OBS FIBER, trained in Laser and Optical Fibers at the University of Sciences of Orsay
Biomedical engineer with a rich background in co-design, innovation and certification in the medical devices sector
Full Professor at the University of Barcelona. He is currently the director of Creatio, the Production and Validation Center for Advanced Therapies of the University of Barcelona, which has a preclinical area for regulatory drug validation (GLP) and a clinical production area to manufacture new medicines (GMP)
Qualified Person the Clinical Area at Creatio, where he participates in projects related to the production and validation of Advanced Therapies drugs
CEO of EFMC
Senior expert
Senior expert
Adminstrative manager
Full Professor of Tissue Engineering and Biofabrication – ETH Zürich
Full Professor of Tissue Engineering and Biofabrication – ETH Zürich
Faster recovery times – Traditional treatments often require multiple surgeries with long healing periods, whereas LUMINATE enables tissue regeneration directly at the injury site, reducing downtime
Reduced pain & improved mobility – By restoring cartilage and bone tissue with bioengineered materials, patients will experience less joint stiffness and better movement
Personalized treatment – Unlike current solutions, LUMINATE’s bioprinting approach tailors the treatment to each patient’s specific lesion size and shape, improving clinical outcomes
Avoiding joint replacements – Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is often a last resort for patients with severe cartilage damage. However, implants have a limited lifespan, leading to revision surgeries. LUMINATE reduces the need for such procedures, particularly in young and active patients
Why it matters
By addressing this urgent medical need, LUMINATE contributes to healthier, more active lives, ensuring that patients regain mobility without the burden of chronic pain or invasive surgery.
• 50% of severe cases lead to PTOA within 10 years
• 12% of all osteoarthritis cases are due to traumatic injuries, significantly impacting quality of life
• Women account for 62% of total joint arthroplasties, indicating a strong gender bias in OA development.
Horizon Europe’s "Good Health & Well-being" (SDG 3)
Enhancing patient-centered healthcare
Improving treatment accessibility for a broader population
Economic: Reducing healthcare costs related to joint replacement surgeries
The economic burden of osteochondral injuries and osteoarthritis is immense, affecting healthcare systems, insurers, and patients alike. Current treatments, such as joint replacement surgeries, are not only invasive and costly but also lead to long-term expenses due to implant revisions and post-surgical care.
Financial Burden of OC Injuries & Arthritis:
Osteoarthritis costs €76 billion annually in Europe due to treatment, rehabilitation, and productivity loss
Each knee replacement surgery costs €12,000 on average, plus post-operative expenses
50% of younger patients (<50 years) require revision surgeries, doubling healthcare costs
LUMINATE introduces a cost-effective alternative:
✔️ Preventing progression to osteoarthritis (OA) – By stopping OC injuries from worsening, LUMINATE significantly cuts long-term treatment costs
✔️ Less need for revision surgeries – Patients avoid expensive implant replacements, particularly younger individuals who face multiple interventions in their lifetime
✔️ Faster return to work – By enabling quicker recovery, patients experience less productivity loss, reducing the economic impact on employers and national healthcare systems
Market Growth & Job Creation
LUMINATE’s innovative bioprinting technology will create new opportunities in:
- Biomedical engineering & 3D bioprinting industries – Developing high-tech medical devices.
- Regenerative medicine & tissue engineering – Advancing research in biofabrication.
- Orthopedic & surgical markets – Providing surgeons with new tools for advanced regenerative therapies.
Projected Impact:
Healthcare cost reduction of 30-40% for osteochondral injuries
Increased accessibility to affordable regenerative treatments
Expansion of Europe’s biofabrication industry, creating new research & business opportunities
Cost-efficient healthcare solutions under Horizon Europe
Fostering EU leadership in medical technology
Supporting SMEs & startups in biofabrication & regenerative medicine
Environmental: Promoting sustainable, in situ medical solutions
Current surgical interventions for osteochondral injuries and osteoarthritis are resource-intensive, requiring:
❌ High-energy manufacturing of prosthetic implants
❌ Use of metals & synthetic polymers that may not be biodegradable
❌ Multiple hospital admissions, increasing waste from medical procedures