
Unlocking the Deep Brain
Minimally invasive holographic endoscopes for neuroscience in motion
NEUROGATE is funded by the European Innovation Council as an EIC Transition Project under Horizon Europe.

About the Project
NEUROGATE is an innovation project developing the world’s most advanced holographic endoscopes — hair-thin optical tools that enable minimally invasive, high-resolution imaging of neuronal activity and structural connectivity at the subcellular scale in the living brain.
This novel tool aims to transform neuroscience by enabling chronic in-vivo monitoring of vitally important brain processes at the microscopic level in both healthy and diseased states, with broad applications in research and medicine in the future.

Technology
Holographic Endoscopy: Utilising precise modulation techniques and advanced algorithms to deliver light in a highly controlled manner through the complex media of a single multimode fibre, holographic endoscopes facilitates in-vivo imaging across any location within the brains of animal models, allowing for the monitoring of neuronal signalling and changes in structural connectivity at the subcellular level

This technology can be utilised while the organism engages in sensory processing, cognition, and behaviour, as well as during the manifestation and progression of diseases. It represents a ground-breaking advancement that surpasses many of the limitations inherent in current state-of-the-art instruments. Unlike traditional optical systems, the holographic endoscope employs a hair-thin multimode optical fibre, which transports light in an immensely complex and seemingly random manner. Through methods of digital holography, this complex flow of light can be, however, experimentally quantified (calibrated) and subsequently controlled (shaped), effectively transforming the fibre into an ultra-thin, unprecedentedly long ‘magnifying glass’ capable of reaching any tissue depth without significantly compromising tissue integrity. The most advanced holographic endoscopes to date were developed under the EU funding and are currently undergoing commercial transfer through the incorporated spin-out venture DeepEn.
Approach
By combining academic research, technological innovation and business expertise, the NEUROGATE partnership seeks to push the boundaries of neuroimaging and make the holographic endoscope a widely available and transformative tool for neuroscience and beyond. With the successful execution of the proposed work, we aim to provide the neuroscience community with a new tool capable of chronic monitoring of structural connectivity and signalling activity across all brain regions in behaving animals, and their evolution in both health and disease.
The NEUROGATE consortium envisions transforming holographic endoscopes into powerful, minimally invasive tools for research and medical applications, with plans to make them globally available. By executing a strategic plan of action within technological and business development work packages, the consortium aims to maximise the impact of holographic endoscopy, with a particular focus on intellectual property creation, protection, and transfer.

Features

Neuronal signalling and structural connectivity

Freely moving animal models

Chronic Imaging of extended time periods
Consortium
Partners: The consortium for the NEUROGATE combines world-leading expertise and a track record of significant achievements in holographic endoscopy and neuronal imaging.
Name: LEIBNIZ-INSTITUT FUER PHOTONISCHE TECHNOLOGIEN E.V.
Address: Albert Einstein Strasse 9, 07745 Jena, Germany
Type: Research Organisation
Website: www.leibniz-ipht.de

Name: DeepEn GmbH
Address: Hans-Knoell-Strasse 6, 07745 Jena
Type: SME
Website: deepen-imaging.com

Name: USTAV PRISTROJOVE TECHNIKY AVCR VVI
Address: KRALOVOPOLSKA 147, 612 00 BRNO
Type: Research Organisation
Website: www.isibrno.cz

Name: VIB VZW
Address: SUZANNE TASSIERSTRAAT 1, 9052 ZWIJNAARDE – GENT
Type: Research Organisation
Website: vib.be

News
EIC-Transition project NEUROGATE kicks-off in May 2025
In May 2025, the NEUROGATE project officially launched under the prestigious European Innovation Council’s EIC Transition programme (Grant No. 101213906). Bringing together a multidisciplinary consortium of four partners—DeepEn, the Leibniz Institute of Photonic...
We’re Hiring – Photonics Scientists (m/f/d)
🚀 We’re Hiring – Photonics Scientists (m/f/d)📍 Jena, Germany | Full-timeDeepEn is a spin-off company from Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology that develops minimally invasive microendoscopes for neuroscience applications. Using holographic light control, we...
DeepEn GmbH Secures Seven-Figure Seed Round and Prestigious EIC-Transition Grant for Novel Holographic Endoscopes
DeepEn GmbH, a pioneer in holographic endoscopy technology, has successfully closed a seven-figure seed financing round from the investors bm|t, MBG Thüringen, and Sparkasse Jena-Saale-Holzland. This investment will accelerate the development and commercialisation of...

The Partners of the NEROGATE consortium are proud that this project is funded by the competitive European Innovation Council through an EIC Transition Grant (Agreement No. 101213906). The programme supports cutting-edge innovation, helping to validate breakthrough technologies and advance them from the lab into real-world applications, while also supporting the development of investment-ready businesses. The project runs from 1 May 2025 for three years. The total funding is EURO 2.5 million.
DeepEn was founded in 2024 is a research transfer spinoff from Leibniz-Institute of Photonic Technologies
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