Challenge
Electronic company engaged Oxford Oracle to identify Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that serve as biomarkers of human mental state, for which the company had developed a sensitive Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) sensor technology.
The Oracle's Solution
Oxford Oracle identified over forty research projects globally that had identified potential biomarkers and provided a summary of these to the client. Five projects were mutually agreed upon for detailed analysis. A global consumer electronics company with an established healthcare business engaged Oxford Oracle to identify Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that serve as biomarkers of human mental state e.g. Happiness, anxiety stress. The company had developed a sensitive Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) sensor technology which they were interested to develop into a wearable consumer device to monitor emotional wellbeing. There is a significant body of research involving Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) biomarkers of conditions such as diabetes, various types of cancers, gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases, however, investigating biomarkers of mental state is at a very early stage of development. Nevertheless, Oxford Oracle identified over forty research projects globally that had identified potential biomarkers, providing a summary of these to the client including molecular structure, physical properties, detection method, associated mental state, presence in breath, sweat, etc. Five projects were mutually agreed for detailed analysis from which the client ultimately selected two; Oxford Oracle then facilitated initial meetings between the client and the lead researchers of each to explore opportunities for collaboration.
Consequential Impact
Ultimately, two projects were selected and Oxford Oracle facilitated initial meetings between the client and the lead researchers of each to explore opportunities for collaboration.