NERD

NERD (Next Generation Diagnostics) is a cross-border project connecting research, healthcare and business across Lombardy, Italy, and the Swiss Canton of Ticino. Led by Bio4Dreams S.p.A., it aims to advance precision oncology by bringing together regional expertise and infrastructure, strengthening diagnostic capabilities, supporting technology transfer and training specialist professionals.

At the heart of the initiative is a diagnostic platform designed to characterize how tumors respond to targeted drugs at the molecular level. Its research focus includes BMP4 in glioblastoma and prostate cancer, with intended users including research centers, hospitals and companies engaged in research and development.

NERD also offers education and practical skills development for students, researchers, laboratory staff and healthcare professionals. Programs include a first-level Master’s in Molecular Pathology, doctoral minicourses, researcher exchanges and planned summer schools in bioinformatics and scientific entrepreneurship. Training spans molecular biology, advanced diagnostics, bioinformatics and the translation of research into applications.

To help research reach the market, the project maps innovation stakeholders and organizes roadshows connecting startups, academic spin-offs, incubators, investors and technology transfer offices with market needs.