RigiTech deploys AirBridge accross France

In a major milestone, Swiss startup RigiTech is partnering with Biogroup to deploy an inter-laboratory drone delivery network across the country. Biogroup is the biggest laboratory service provider in France, and one of the top 5 groups in Europe, and thus represents a major partner for RigiTech's healthcare logistics technology. The startup has been working closely with them for the last 2 years, refining its solution to meet the needs of their lab networks and the industry as a whole, while navigating the regulatory frameworks required to enable its operations. 

On October 21st, Biogroup carried out the first test flights of RigiTech’s solution for transporting biological samples by drone. These tests are part of the deployment phase of a first secure air route between two designated Biogroup – Oriade-Noviale laboratory sites in the Nord Isère department. The final objective is to create a network linking all peripheral laboratories to their main central laboratory using a network of AirBridges, which are fully-automated aerial drone delivery routes.

“Through this 6-month test phase the objective is to prove the reliability of this new method of transporting biological samples and to demonstrate its value for patient care. Our ambition is to deploy a complete network to connect all our central laboratories to their peripheral sites, in order to strengthen our geographical coverage and our proximity to patients,” comments Dr Bernard Berlioz, Quality Director of Biogroup – Oriade-Noviale.

For the medical biology sector, shortening the time to deliver results is a major challenge, especially in emergency situations where every minute counts. The speed with which biological samples (blood, urine, saliva, etc.) are transported from the place where the sample is taken to the place where it is analysed is crucial for proper treatment. For the first time in France, Biogroup aims to create a regular air route for the transport of these samples by drone in partnership with the Swiss start-up RigiTech. This innovative solution will reduce transport time and allow results to be delivered much more quickly – especially in the most remote areas where diagnostics services are difficult to access. Today, biological samples are transported by car.

RigiTech set to open new routes in Europe

Contacted by Startupticker.ch, RigiTech Cofounder and CEO Adam Klaptocz explains that this partnership will enable his startup to operate a first inter-laboratory network between some of Biogroup sites in 2022 as the first phase of a nation-wide deployment across their different laboratory networks. Speaking of the steps to come, the CEO says: “This will represent one of the first routes of its just-released Eiger drone delivery platform, although not the only one. We will also be launching routes in Switzerland and in Denmark with our other partners.” As part of its go-to-market phase RigiTech will be closing its seed funding round in December.

(ES)