DNA Medicine Institute based in Cambridge is one of 10 top teams building a Trekkie 'tricorder' device as part of the $10 million Qualcomm Xprize Challenge.
The goal of the $10 million Qualcomm Tricorder Xprize contest is to jump-start the development of a portable broad-spectrum diagnostic device that can flag 16 different conditions and track vital signs in patients who don't have access to clinics and laboratory facilities. According to the contest rules, the device must weigh less than five pounds.
DMI launched in Cambridge in 2004 and has been developing a portable device that detects analyses in a tiny sample using a focused light beam. The company has collaborations with NASA and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and is led by Cambridge resident Eugene Chan, who is also a physician. Perhaps no accident, 'space medicine' is also one of the company's specialities, according to its website.
The next phase of the contest will involve testing the devices about a year from now. The final round of judging will take place in 2016.
The Xprize Foundation announced the full list of contenders who advanced to the final round today.
Image via DNA Medical Institute
Nidhi Subbaraman writes about science and innovation for BetaBoston. Email her at nidhi@betaboston.com. Follow Nidhi on Twitter - Google+
