RME 2026 Insights: A strong opportunity for Upconverting Nanoparticles
Our R&D Scientist, Venla Saramäki and Sales Manager Veikko Wahlroos, participated in RME 2026. Read their key takeaways and highlights from the event.
The RME 2026 conference (June 8–10, Amsterdam) reinforced a clear industry direction: while speed remains a core strength of rapid diagnostics, the focus is expanding toward impactful, decision-driven insights, enabled by improved usability, portable formats, and AI-driven data analysis.
During the event, Venla Saramäki presented a poster on point-of-care testing for ovarian cancer using Upcon® upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) combined with a portable reader.
Her main takeaways from the event were:
Lateral flow evolution → a strong opportunity for Upcon® UCNP integration
RME 2026 showcased major advances in paper-based and lateral flow diagnostics, including:
- Multiplex lateral flow assays
- Advanced readout technologies with improved sensitivity and data integration
- Enhanced materials for signal amplification
However, many approaches still rely on traditional labelling technologies
Upcon® UCNP opportunity:
- Enable high-sensitivity lateral flow assays
- Support multiplex detection with distinct emission wavelengths
- Improve quantitative readout compatibility with portable readers
For Uniogen:
UCNP-based lateral flow tests can serve as premium POC solutions, combining simplicity with laboratory-level performance.
Diagnostics Move Beyond the Lab – Portability and Usability Drive Adoption
Another strong theme at RME 2026 was the importance of usability and deployment in diverse and demanding environments.
- Continued miniaturization of diagnostic devices
- Growth of portable and battery-operated reader systems
- Strong focus on user-friendly interfaces and simplified workflows
- Demonstrations of diagnostics in field conditions, including defense and emergency use
Performance alone is no longer enough—ease of use and reliability in real conditions are critical.
Upcon® UCNP opportunity:
- Enable robust, interference-resistant detection suitable for challenging environments
- Support portable reader systems with high signal stability and low background noise
- Support reliable performance across varying conditions
- Combine high sensitivity with ease-of-use in compact, field-ready formats
For Uniogen:
UCNP-based solutions can play a key role in meeting the growing demand for accessible, high-performance diagnostics both in healthcare and beyond.
According to Veikko Wahlroos the bottom line for Uniogen is that RME 2026 confirms that the future of diagnostics is, rapid, portable, quantitative and highly sensitive. UCNP technology sits at the intersection of all these trends.
