MIDAS: rapid multiplexed molecular diagnostics platform seeking industry partner for commercial translation

MIDAS is a rapid, multiplexed molecular testing platform developed at the University of Michigan for simultaneous measurement of multiple molecular targets from small-volume samples. The technology integrates molecular capture and detection with uniquely encoded hydrogel particles, enabling multiple protein and nucleic acid targets to be analyzed within a single assay.

MIDAS addresses a key limitation of conventional molecular testing: obtaining multidimensional molecular information rapidly while maintaining a workflow that can be adapted to practical applications. Because the platform can be configured with different molecular targets and biomarker panels, it has potential applications across human health, infectious disease, agriculture, food safety, and environmental monitoring.

We have demonstrated integrated protein and RNA detection and validated the approach using clinically relevant samples and preclinical models. Our work, published in Nature Communications (2025), established multiplexed particle encoding, automated analysis, and strong agreement with reference measurements. Nature Communications publication We are now expanding the platform toward higher multiplexing, streamlined sample processing, and new applications, including infectious disease, cancer, extracellular vesicle (EV)-based diagnostics, and agricultural testing.

We are seeking an industry partner interested in co-developing and commercializing MIDAS. In particular, we are interested in partnering with a small business to jointly pursue SBIR/STTR funding, combining our academic expertise, existing technology, and proof-of-concept data with complementary industry capabilities in product development, manufacturing, assay integration, instrumentation, regulatory strategy, and commercialization.

Potential areas of collaboration include:

Joint SBIR/STTR proposal development Development of application-specific molecular testing panels Assay, cartridge, and product development Instrumentation and automated readout Manufacturing and scale-up Validation in clinical, agricultural, or other relevant samples Regulatory and commercialization strategy

Our goal is to identify a partner interested in advancing MIDAS from a validated academic technology toward a deployable, scalable, and commercially viable molecular testing platform, while exploring the application areas where the technology can provide the greatest commercial and societal impact.