Fiber Resolution Targets for Optical Nano and Microscopes (FiRsT)

Microscopes are the windows to everything small in our world. They are indispensable in pharmaceuticals, hospitals, life sciences, material sciences, and even education. With recent advances, microscopes can now visualize structures as small as tens of nanometres. But the smaller we go, the blurrier the line between what we see and what is true. To ensure accurate observations, scientists need resolution targets—calibration tools that confirm what the microscope shows is real. Fiber Resolution Targets (FiRsT) are the first-of-their-kind tools that not only assess resolution, but also key optical properties such as refractive index (RI) and fluorescence. In this project, we are developing functional prototypes covering a wide RI range and incorporating fluorescence, supported by extensive laboratory optimization. During this period, FiRsT has moved far beyond proof-of-concept. Our patent has now been published, securing our intellectual property position. We presented the technology at international conferences, on social media, and through our technology transfer network, resulting in strong visibility and community engagement. Through these activities, we attracted overwhelming interest from seven international companies across the EU and US, who engaged directly with us to provide feedback and validate our problem–solution fit. In addition, two companies approached us proactively with potential licensing discussions. One of the companies performed its own market and customer analyses and independently confirmed that FiRsT addresses a high-demand need among both microscopy developers and end users. We also refined our business model, recognizing that FiRsT can be developed into a portfolio of products, each addressing different aspects of the patent. This creates the opportunity for multiple non-exclusive licenses, ensuring broader adoption while maximizing impact. Going forward, we will continue iterative refinements based on end-user input, mature our prototypes into a commercial-ready portfolio, and prepare the ground for licensing with established industry partners. FiRsT is now positioned as a transformative tool for the next generation of microscopy calibration.