Cyclomics secures an exclusive worldwide license from Oncode to Sturgeon software, technology, and IP, enhancing its Epinn platform for rapid DNA methylation–based cancer classification

Cyclomics BV, a pioneer in cancer diagnostics technology, today announced that it entered into a licensing agreement with Oncode Institute to obtain worldwide exclusive rights to Sturgeon software, technology and IP. This agreement marks an essential step towards bringing Cyclomics’ Epinn software for ultra-rapid cancer classification to routine clinical practice.

Sturgeon was originally developed by Cyclomics’ co-founder Prof. Dr. Ir. Jeroen de Ridder, Oncode Investigator at the University Medical Center Utrecht, in collaboration with Dr. Bastiaan Tops at the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology. The technology represents a groundbreaking artificial intelligence driven diagnostic method that enables ultra-fast molecular classification of central nervous system (CNS) tumors during surgery. Sturgeon leverages nanopore sequencing and deep learning to deliver tumor classification results in as little as 20–40 minutes as opposed to 2 weeks for standard diagnostics, significantly accelerating clinical decision-making in the operating room.

“This agreement marks a major step forward in bringing cutting-edge AI-driven diagnostics from the research setting into routine clinical practice,” said Dr. Wigard Kloosterman, CEO at Cyclomics. “Sturgeon has demonstrated the ability to fundamentally change how neurosurgeons approach tumor resection, and we are excited to scale this technology globally, including other centers and tumor types.”

The Sturgeon technology was first described in a landmark publication in Nature, and highlighted in news outlets such the National Geographic and the New York Times. The method has already been successfully applied in real-time surgical settings, highlighting its clinical utility and translational potential.

In 2025, the University Medical Center Utrecht and Cyclomics entered into a collaboration to advance development of Sturgeon and other classifiers with the goal of enabling routine clinical application of the technology. To achieve this, Cyclomics has developed its proprietary clinical software solution Epinn, a click-and-play app which provides a front-end to any methylation-based cancer classification model and enables real-time data reporting and seamless integration with Oxford Nanopore Sequencing, as well as other methods for detecting DNA methylation, such as Illumina EPIC arrays.

Under the terms of the agreement, Cyclomics obtains exclusive global rights to further develop, commercialize, and deploy Sturgeon and related software solutions for other cancers, including integration into its proprietary Epinn software platform. The agreement encompasses both the core intellectual property and the translational software stack required for real-time clinical application.

Through this exclusive license, Cyclomics aims to expand the clinical application of Sturgeon beyond CNS tumors, integrate the technology into scalable diagnostic workflows and enable global deployment across hospitals and diagnostic laboratories.

“Sturgeon originated from the Oncode Institute ecosystem, which connects leading cancer researchers, clinicians, and data scientists across the Netherlands. For us, this agreement represents a key step in its strategy to ensure that publicly funded cancer research leads to meaningful societal and clinical impact,” said Dr. Harma Feitsma, Business Developer at Oncode Institute. “Cyclomics’ expertise in translating genomic technologies into robust clinical solutions makes them the ideal partner for delivering Sturgeon technology to patients and clinicians worldwide.”

About Cyclomics B.V.

Founded in 2018 as a spin-off from UMC Utrecht, Cyclomics specializes in the intersection of bioinformatics, genomics, and machine learning. The company was founded by Prof. Dr. Ir. Jeroen de Ridder, Dr. Wigard Kloosterman, and Dr. Alessio Marcozzi after winning the Health Holland Venture Challenge. The company has been backed by funding from Oncode Bridge Fund, private investors and Myosotis Investments, and has collaborated with Oxford Nanopore Technologies through a long-term collaboration and licensing agreement.

About Oncode Institute

Oncode Institute is a Dutch cancer research and innovation organisation dedicated to accelerating breakthroughs in cancer research and translating them into impactful diagnostics and treatments. It brings together leading researchers across the Netherlands and drives the translation of discoveries into clinical applications and patient benefit.

Media contact:

Wigard Kloosterman (wigard@cyclomics.com)

Cyclomics B.V.

Science Park 301

1098XH Amsterdam

The Netherlands