When every hour counts
PhAST Diagnostics is a biotech and medical technology company based in the Boston area that specialises in the rapid detection of antibiotic resistance.
Founded in 2017, the start-up combines artificial intelligence, computer vision and single-cell imaging to analyse pathogens using microfluidic systems. And it does so in just 90 minutes instead of the usual one to three days. An approach that will not only transform laboratories but also save lives.
When PhAST was looking for a development partner, the company set out clear requirements: Development and manufacturing under one roof, proven expertise in optics and microfluidics, and a partner that works collaboratively. BIT not only met these requirements: in the selection process against several competitors, BIT stood out by offering a shorter project timeline within the same budget. For a start-up facing clear time-to-market pressure, that was the decisive factor.
Why complexity is no reason to give up
What had seemed fully thought through on paper turned out to be a work in progress at our first joint meeting. The cartridge concept – the device’s core technology, encompassing all microfluidic processes – was considered finalised. However, it became apparent at the start of the project that the concept still needed to be drawn up from scratch.
At that moment, it was clear: the assumptions on which the project had been built no longer held true. The project had been launched on completely false premises. Yet instead of abandoning it, BIT deliberately took the driver’s seat: acting as a mediator between PhAST and the cartridge developer, and as an experienced partner capable of guiding its clients through even the most difficult processes.
The key challenge to be resolved was maintaining the balance between the cost of the cartridge and that of the device. After all, the more functionality is incorporated into the cartridge, the cheaper the device becomes – and vice versa. Managing this conflict of objectives, both technologically and strategically, became the core task of the collaboration. Despite the complexity, which only became fully apparent as the project progressed, BIT adhered to the agreed framework and fostered deep, lasting trust through a high degree of transparency.
Our services at a glance:
- Feasibility
- Full System Development
- Integration and Verification Testing
- Rapid Prototyping
- Project Management
Crossing the finish line together
BIT-CTO Dr Konstantin Christour still clearly remembers one sentence from back then: at the first meeting with the cartridge developer, they said: “Well, given the complexity of the optics, we’ll have to see if anything’s even possible.” And it was possible.
When the first working prototype of the device – produced using sophisticated 3D printing in record time – was placed on the table, the reaction was clear: PhAST was thrilled. In that moment, everything changed. A challenging collaboration had turned into a genuine partnership.
In June 2026, the news everyone had been waiting for arrived: approval in the United States had been fully granted. A major success for a client with innovative technology and this truly novel approach. BIT is proud to have been part of that journey.
“Innovation with absolute commitment to the goal was not just a promise, but a reality put in practice – grounded in collaboration as equals.”