Leiden-based startup to accelerate development of RapiDetect™ CT/NG, a power-free, ambient temperature nucleic acid test to improve access to diagnostics worldwide.
Leiden, The Netherlands – 25 September 2025. Rapidemic BV (“Rapidemic”), a molecular diagnostic company based in Leiden, The Netherlands, announced today that it has received a $2,7 million USD grant from the Gates Foundation. The grant will support the development of RapiDetect™ CT/NG, the company’s unique platform technology for ultrarapid, power-free molecular diagnosis of infectious diseases. The first test is under development for the detection of the highly prevalent sexually transmitted infections Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections in under 15 minutes. The project underscores Rapidemic’s commitment to expanding access to affordable, high-quality diagnostics for infectious diseases worldwide.
Sexually transmitted infections such as Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae affect more than 370 million people each year, where women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are disproportionally burdened by these infections. Many of these communities lack access to laboratory facilities and reliable power sources, making timely diagnosis and treatment a challenge. By providing a simple, portable, and rapid molecular test that can operate at ambient temperature without electricity, Rapidemic’s platform has the potential to transform point-of-care testing and expand access to care.
“This investment is a major milestone for Rapidemic and a strong endorsement of our mission,” said Violette Defourt, founder and CEO of Rapidemic. “Our vision is to democratize molecular diagnostics by making them available anytime, anywhere, without the need for complex infrastructure. With funding support from the Gates Foundation, we can accelerate the development of RapiDetect™ CT/NG and move closer to ensuring that millions of people, particularly in low-resource settings, gain timely access to life-saving diagnostic tools.”
With this funding, Rapidemic will focus on advancing its molecular platform toward clinical implementation. The company’s priorities include further optimizing its ultrarapid assay for reliable DNA amplification at ambient temperature and laying the foundation for a scalable, cost-effective manufacturing process. In parallel, Rapidemic will begin preparing for clinical verification of the technology, ensuring it is ready to make an impact in real-world healthcare settings.
About Rapidemic
Rapidemic BV is a Dutch-Danish diagnostic startup founded in Leiden, The Netherlands, in 2021. The company develops ultrarapid molecular diagnostic tests that are reliable power-free and user-friendly. Its mission is to expand global access to high-quality diagnostic and preventive outcomes for patients anyplace, anywhere, anytime. For more information, visit www.rapidemic.com.
Media Contact
Violette Defourt
Rapidemic BV
Email: violette@rapidemic.com
Phone: +32 474766874
Website: www.rapidemic.com
