Some cancers have always hidden in the dark

Until now.

ACE

Cancer Detection Without Compromise

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Advanced Contrast Enterprises

Cancer Imaging
Without Compromise

Revolutionizing Cancer Detection Through Non-Radioactive Multimodal Imaging

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3–5cm
Imaging Depth
0
Radiation Required

National Hellenic Research Foundation
Athens, Greece

About ACE

Collaborative Science for Breakthrough Medicine

Advanced Contrast Enterprises S.A. (ACE) is a pioneering biomedical technology company transforming cancer detection through next-generation non-radioactive multimodal imaging contrast agents.

A spin-off of the National Hellenic Research Foundation, ACE combines world-class polymer science, nanotechnology, and optical physics to deliver safer, more accurate, and radiation-free diagnostic imaging.

Built on a foundation of polymer chemistry and bioimaging expertise, ACE's work is powered by a collaboration-driven model — drawing on the strengths of world-leading institutions, including the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), to accelerate the path from discovery to clinic.

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Our Mission

Enabling earlier, more precise cancer diagnosis — without compromise

ACE's platform harnesses conjugated polymer nanoparticles (CPNs) and polymer-lipid nanoparticles (CP-LPs) capable of dual-mode imaging — combining the structural precision of photoacoustic imaging with the molecular sensitivity of fluorescence imaging. This means doctors can see both anatomy and molecular activity in real time, all without harmful radiation.

Technology

Seeing Cancer With New Precision

Current diagnostic tools either lack molecular clarity or rely on harmful radiation. ACE's proprietary platform solves both — simultaneously.

The Problem

Existing Imaging Falls Short

  • MRI/CT: excellent structure, poor molecular detail — often toxic or radioactive agents required.
  • PET/SPECT: molecular data, but limited resolution, expensive, and inherently radiation-based.
  • No single modality offers both structural anatomy and real-time molecular activity.
The ACE Solution

One Agent, Two Imaging Modes

  • Dual imaging: photoacoustic + fluorescence for complete diagnostic insight.
  • Zero radiation: harmless near-infrared light (NIR-I and NIR-II).
  • Targeted accuracy: antibody-conjugated nanoparticles seek cancer-specific markers.
  • Real-time surgical visualization: precise tumor removal while preserving healthy tissue.

How ACE Works

1
Infuse

ACE contrast agents are administered by intravenous infusion prior to imaging or surgical procedures.

2
Attach

Antibody-conjugated nanoparticles circulate and bind selectively to cancer-specific surface markers.

3
Illuminate
Tissue

Near-infrared light (NIR-I/NIR-II) activates the contrast agents — no radiation, no harm to tissue.

Imaging Technology

ACE nanoparticles emit bright near-infrared fluorescence when excited, enabling real-time tumor margin delineation during surgery with sub-millimetre precision.

  • Imaging depth: 1–2 cm (intraoperative)
  • Sensitivity: picomolar detection threshold
  • Wavelength: NIR-II (1000–1700 nm)
  • Ideal for: intraoperative guidance, margin detection
  • Ionising radiation: none
Real-Time Guidance

Live intraoperative fluorescence for precise tumor margin delineation during surgery.

Nanoparticle Platform

Conjugated polymer nanoparticles engineered for selective tumour targeting and optical performance.

Zero Radiation

Harmless near-infrared excitation replaces radioactive tracers — safe for repeated use.

Multimodal Fusion

Single-agent dual output — photoacoustic depth imaging and fluorescence surface mapping, simultaneously.

Research Partners

A Global Network of Scientific Excellence

ACE operates within a consortium of leading European research institutions, each contributing specialist expertise to our translational pipeline.

01
Greece
National Hellenic Research Foundation

Research partner and polymer synthesis contributor.

02
Germany
Heidelberg University / DKFZ

German Cancer Research Center — world-leading oncology institute with deep expertise in molecular imaging and translational cancer research.

Research partners map

Contact

Get In Touch

Whether you are a research institution, pharmaceutical partner, or investor, we'd welcome a conversation about collaboration.

Headquarters

Advanced Contrast Enterprises, Inc.
295 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10017, USA

Phone

+1 646 554 0071

Email

info@acecontrast.com

Thank you — we'll be in touch shortly.