Sens Solutions

Link to the website
 

1. Origin, history and motivation of the company
Sens Solutions was born as a response to a frustration: seeing how years of cutting-edge research remained locked in scientific articles, never reaching those who could benefit from it the most.
In a CSIC laboratory, surrounded by advanced sensors and high-impact publications, Silvia Gómez realised that excellent science was not enough: it needed to be transformed into real, accessible, and useful solutions. That was the seed of Sens Solutions. The turning point came when she took part in an entrepreneurship programme at the Research Park of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, where she discovered the tools to turn a scientific idea into a business project. Soon, other researchers joined her, including Marck Collado, a telecommunications expert, and thus began the journey of the company.
From the start, the challenge was clear: to develop a technology capable of detecting bacteria such as Legionella in real time — responsible for avoidable outbreaks every year in hospitals, nursing homes, and hotels. But that initial goal soon expanded: the real enemy was much greater.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is now one of the world’s greatest health challenges. According to The Lancet, multidrug-resistant bacteria caused over 1.2 million direct deaths in 2019, and contributed to another 4.95 million. The WHO warns: if we don’t act, by 2050 these infections could cause more deaths than cancer. And even today, in the 21st century, we still lack effective tools to detect their presence in real time in high-risk environments.
Sens Solutions was created to fill that gap. Its system —based on low-power IoT sensors, Raman spectroscopy, artificial intelligence and advanced data analysis— enables the detection of bacteria and fungi in air and water before outbreaks occur. Automated, consumable-free, and validated in leading European hospitals, it represents a new generation of preventive technologies: faster, more sustainable, and more effective.
From its early wins in competitions such as Ecoemprendedor XXI to its recent selection in European programmes such as EIC Accelerator and Anti-Superbugs PCP, Sens Solutions has travelled a path full of obstacles and learning. But its goal has never changed: to turn science into real impact, protecting public health through smart technology.
Today, after years of technological validation and institutional consolidation, the company is entering its key phase: moving from the lab to industrial and commercial scale-up, with a scalable business model aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and backed by a transformative vision.

• AMR-S3DP: a system for detecting bacteria in the air. It identifies antibiotic-resistant bacteria in real time using advanced spectroscopy and machine learning algorithms. It eliminates the need for microbiological cultures, as it recognises bacteria based on the metabolites they emit into the environment. It is especially useful in indoor spaces with high health risks, such as hospitals, operating rooms, nursing homes, or laboratories, and is also applicable in public spaces like schools or in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
• Hydro-S3DP: a solution for detecting bacteria in water. Designed for monitoring pathogens such as Legionella and biofilms in water networks, cooling towers, and domestic hot water systems. It reduces the use of biocides by 100%, lowers energy consumption by 30%, and optimises water usage by 70%. It is particularly useful in public facilities, healthcare centres, and hotels.
• S3DP Platform: a central platform that receives signals from the sensors and manages alerts. It integrates edge computing, machine learning, and advanced cybersecurity. Thanks to features such as electronic sensor self-calibration and remote device updates (OTA), it enables optimal scalability and easy adaptation to different environments and needs.

• 2019–2020–2021: Anti-Superbugs PCP Programme (Horizon 2020 – EU, 3 competitive phases with a €2.2M fund). Project focused on the early detection of multidrug-resistant pathogens in hospital settings. Sens Solutions was selected to participate in all phases of the process, including pilot testing in hospitals, meeting strict criteria for innovation, feasibility, and clinical efficacy. Link to the article with the project results.
• 2020: EIC Accelerator (Seal of Excellence). European Commission programme to scale high-impact deeptech solutions. Sens Solutions was awarded the Seal of Excellence, a distinction recognising the quality of the project after exceeding evaluation thresholds in scientific excellence, impact, and implementation capacity.
• 2021: Cajamar Innova Accelerator, providing financial and strategic support for commercial expansion.
• 2021: InChildHealth Project, a European initiative aimed at improving air quality in educational centres through innovative technological solutions, funded by the European Health and Digital Executive Agency.
• 2023: CircInWater, European funding for the validation of the system for detecting and identifying E. coli in reclaimed water.
• 2024: SinergicEIC, European funding aimed at the industrialisation of the biofilm sensor.
• 2025: Grants from the Spanish Health PERTE¹, aimed at the clinical validation of the device as a medical technology in national hospitals. (To date, the system has only been implemented as a non-medical device, as it did not directly measure patients.)

• Hospital del Mar (Barcelona, Spain): pilot test with devices that continuously analyse the air in operating rooms and high-risk areas, such as oncology waiting rooms. They detect pathogens such as Aspergillus and Clostridium, transmitting data in real time and enabling continuous monitoring to prevent nosocomial infections.
• HUMT – Hospital Universitario Mutua de Terrassa (Spain), Santa Chiara Hospital in Trento (Italy) and Helios University Hospital in Wuppertal (Germany): clinical trials for the rapid detection of airborne bacteria and the prevention of hospital-acquired infections, within the framework of the Anti-Superbugs PCP programme.
• La Paz University Hospital (Madrid, Spain): pilot tests of the Hydro-S3DP system for monitoring bacteria in water systems, with a special focus on the early detection of Legionella.
• Aigües de Barcelona, Aguas de Sabadell, Aguas de Tarragona (Spain): tests in cooling tower systems for the control of Legionella and biofilms. Biofilm sensor validation under the Retos Colaboración programme of the Spanish Government.
• La Unión Corp. (Almería, Spain): validation of the technology for detecting and identifying contaminant bacteria in agri-food products, with funding from the DigiCirc Bioeconomy programme (EU).
• Reclaimed water – BCIN (Badalona, Spain): validation of the system for detecting biofilm and Legionella, funded by the CircInWater programme (EU).
• Educational centres in Barcelona (Spain), Athens (Greece) and Helsinki (Finland): air quality analysis in classrooms within the European InChildHealth project, funded by the European Health and Digital Executive Agency.
• HUMT – Hospital Universitario Mutua de Terrassa (Spain): integration of the technology under the Health PERTE¹, aimed at epidemiological surveillance of hospital infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Report from the programme Valor Afegit (TV3 - Televisió de Catalunya, in Catalan)

• 2015: Winner of Ecoemprendedor XXI, for its environmental and technological impact.
• 2017: Winner of Café Aventura, recognising its growth potential.
• 2017 and 2020: Winner of Netmentora, for its sustainable business approach.
• 2017: Winner of Foment Up, for its disruptive nature in health technology.
• 2018: Winner of Empresa con Futuro, awarded by the College of Engineers of Catalonia.
• 2018: Winner of Caja Ingenieros, award for technological innovation.
• 2020: Seal of Excellence for Hydro-S3DP, awarded by the European Commission.
• 2021: Cajamar Innova Accelerator, selected for a high-impact programme.
• 2021: Solar Impulse Label, for its contribution to sustainability.
• 2019–2020–2021: Anti-Superbugs PCP Programme, a highly competitive European programme in which Sens Solutions has won all phases of the tender.
• 2020: DigiCirc Bioeconomy: European funding for validation in the detection and identification of pathogens in agri-food: Conducted at La Unión Corp., Almería.
• 2021: InChildHealth, European funding for the industrialisation of AMR technology, validated in primary schools.
• 2023: CircInWater, European funding for the validation of E. coli detection and identification in reclaimed water.
• 2024: SinergicEIC, European funding for the industrialisation of the biofilm sensor.

• Silvia Gómez (CEO and Founder): chemist specialised in advanced spectroscopy, with extensive experience in developing sensors for biomedical applications during her PhD at the Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), and strong business training (MBA, Master’s in Financial Management, Ignite – Judge Business School, Cambridge).
• Marck Collado (CTO): telecommunications engineer with over 20 years of experience in technological development, cybersecurity, and IoT infrastructures. Responsible for the technological architecture of the products, ensuring they are innovative, robust, and meet high standards of security and efficiency.
• Raquel Obregón (R&D Director): PhD in Analytical Chemistry, specialised in optical sensors and biomarker detection. Leads scientific validation and excellence in the development of new solutions.
• Vincent Jamier (Project Manager): PhD in Chemistry with extensive experience in European nanotechnology and biotechnology projects. Coordinates strategic innovation and growth initiatives.
• Nicolas García (CFO): economist with more than two decades of experience in financial planning and investment structuring. Optimises the economic sustainability of the business.
• Erica Cantadori (Accounting & Microbiology): hybrid profile in financial management and microbiological sciences, key for budget control and alignment with scientific requirements.
• Ibone Lallana (Marketing & Communication): expert in brand positioning, scientific dissemination, and public relations. Leads the external communication strategy.
• Tarik Beaulieu (Marketing & Communication): graduate in Communication with a specialisation in bilingual technical and digital content. Strengthens the company’s visibility and international presence.

Market Analysis

Infection control represents a critical challenge in the global healthcare context, both due to its impact on public health and the associated economic implications. Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) affect approximately 4.3 million patients annually in hospitals across the European Union and the European Economic Area (EU/EEA), according to data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). These infections not only extend hospital stays, but also increase morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs.
Among HAIs, diseases such as Legionnaires' disease have shown a significant increase. In 2021, more than 10,700 cases of Legionnaires' disease were reported in the EU/EEA, with an associated mortality rate of 6.6%. This rise highlights the need to implement effective systems for monitoring and controlling pathogens in hospital and community settings.
The global infection control market is experiencing significant growth. It is estimated to reach $473.18 billion by 2034, driven by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.63% starting in 2025. This growth is attributed to factors such as the increase in surgical procedures, rising concerns about HAIs, and the adoption of advanced disinfection and sterilisation technologies.
In this context, innovative solutions enabling early detection and continuous monitoring of airborne and waterborne pathogens are essential. The integration of technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), advanced spectroscopy, and artificial intelligence in monitoring devices represents an effective response to emerging market demands. These solutions not only improve patient safety but also optimise hospital resources and reduce costs associated with HAIs.
In summary, the infection control market represents a significant opportunity for the implementation of advanced technologies that effectively address current challenges in the prevention and control of nosocomial and community-acquired infections.

Business Model and Growth Strategy

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Financial Projections

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Pre-money valuation

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The Expert's Opinion

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SDGs Activated by the Project

 
By funding this project you can support the implementation of the following SDGs:
 

 
Why these SDGs?

• SDG 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
• SDG 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
• SDG 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
• SDG 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
• SDG 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
• SDG 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.
• SDG 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
• SDG 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns to protect the environment and human health.
• SDG 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

Become a protagonist of the future and sustainable development by funding this initiative!

Benefits of Air Monitoring Devices

The devices manufactured by Sens Solutions are designed to reduce the impact of hospital-acquired infections, one of the greatest challenges in today’s healthcare sector. It is estimated that around 3,500 people die each year in Spanish hospitals due to infections acquired during their stay, which represents not only a human tragedy but also a huge healthcare and energy cost.

By providing continuous, real-time monitoring of air quality, Sens Solutions’ devices aim to prevent these infections, improving hospital safety and significantly reducing unnecessary hospitalization days. According to projections, the use of these devices could prevent up to 20 days of prolonged stay per affected patient.

From an energy perspective, this reduction in hospital stays represents a considerable saving. According to the Spanish Society of Health Executives (SEDISA), the energy expenditure per patient in a hospital amounts to 3,000 kWh per month. Therefore, each hospital day avoided would save approximately 100 kWh, and if 20 days of prolonged stay are avoided, the cumulative saving would amount to 2,000 kWh.

Nationwide, preventing hospital infections of this magnitude would result in a reduction in annual energy consumption of 7,000 MWh in Spain. Although this figure may seem surprisingly high, it should be noted that Spanish hospitals account for 2.4% of the country's total energy consumption. The widespread application of this technology could lead to a 0.12% decrease in the energy consumption of hospitals throughout the country.

Furthermore, the use of Sens Solutions’ devices is not limited to the hospital setting. In the educational context, where the devices are being used to monitor air quality in school classrooms, it is estimated that, without intervention, around 0.1% of children contract infectious diseases that require hospitalization, with an average stay of 30 days.

The ability to prevent infections in these environments not only represents a clear advantage in terms of healthcare safety and the saving of hospital resources, but also contributes to improving educational continuity and reducing absenteeism. This enables students to maintain regular attendance, thereby enhancing academic performance and diminishing the negative impact of prolonged illness-related absences.

The Solar Impulse Efficient Solution Label

Sens Solutions has received the prestigious Solar Impulse Efficient Solution Label for its Hydro-S3DP solution, the system that enables online analysis of bacterial biomass in water, detecting pathogens in real time. (Link to the Foundation’s website and the label)

The Solar Impulse Foundation identifies and certifies the following Environmental Benefits:

• Reduction in Biocide Use: Hydro-S3DP can reduce the use of biocides by up to 100%, promoting more sustainable practices and decreasing the release of harmful chemicals into the environment.
• Energy Efficiency: Under hard water conditions, the system can reduce the energy consumption of cooling towers by up to 88%, optimising performance and lowering the carbon footprint.
• Extended Equipment Lifespan: By minimising corrosion and other adverse effects, the lifespan of cooling towers can be extended from the usual 5–8 years to 25 years, reducing the need for frequent replacements and associated waste.

The Solar Impulse Foundation is a non-profit organisation founded by Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg in 2003, known for their historic solar-powered flight around the world in 2016. Its mission is to identify, assess, and promote innovative solutions that are both sustainable and economically viable, with the goal of accelerating the transition toward a clean economy.
One of its main initiatives is the Solar Impulse Efficient Solution Label, a certification that recognises products, services, or processes that combine high environmental performance with economic profitability. This label is awarded after a rigorous evaluation process carried out by independent experts, who assess the technical feasibility, environmental benefits, and economic incentive for the client of each solution. The evaluation process follows strict criteria and is internationally recognised, having been endorsed by various institutions, states, and cities around the world.

The awarding of this label to Sensing Solutions validates the effectiveness and sustainability of its technology, positioning it as an innovative solution that addresses environmental challenges while delivering tangible economic benefits.

Environmental Benefits of the Project

Based solely on the previously calculated value of 7,000 MWh of annual energy savings, this would be equivalent to:
 

Saving 1,810 tons of CO2 emitted into the atmosphere each year.		Planting 301,000 trees, enough to cover an area equivalent to 590 football fields		Avoiding the emissions of 2,105 cars every year.

 
These are the effects and benefits you will contribute to with your investment!