About us
LSPR is a privately-owned Swiss deep-technology startup company founded in 2013. The name LSPR stands for Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance, denoting a nanooptical physical effect that serves as the fundamental basis of the company's technology. In 2019, LSPR embarked on the development of its SEQMET technology with the aim of enhancing DNA sequencing by making it faster, more precise, and affordable for a wider audience.
Think Label Free
LSPR's motto Think Label Free highlights a key element of its solution. The SEQMET technology adeptly manages DNA without the need for labels and eliminates the necessity for any reagents. Consequently, the technology features the lowest consumable cost, making it notably more affordable.
Team
LSPR’s team comprises professionals with diverse backgrounds and expertise in nanooptics, nanofabrication, software engineering, computational electromagnetics, computational quantum-electrodynamic, ab initio molecular dynamics, and innovation management.
Board
Dr. Dimitris Kalias, a Greek-Swiss entrepreneur with a Ph.D. in organic chemistry, has built a successful career in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and biotech industries. Having founded VIO Chemicals AG and led various companies, he brings a wealth of experience.
Residing in Switzerland, Dr. Kalias, fluent in multiple languages, possesses deep knowledge of the instrument industry. His interest in LSPR stems from its alignment with his expertise in life sciences.
As President at LSPR, Dr. Kalias aims to secure substantial investment for a new prototype instrument, propelling LSPR into prominence in DNA sequencing instruments.
Dr. Benedikt Oswald is a Swiss entrepreneur and CTO, Founder, and Board Member at LSPR AG since 2013. Dr. Oswald’s career includes senior roles in cutting-edge research, notably as a Senior Research Scientist at Paul Scherrer Institut and Senior Research Associate at Heidelberg University.
With a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and a Dipl. El. Ing. ETH, Dr. Oswald combines academic excellence with practical skills. His leadership extends beyond technology, drawing from 22 years of military experience, including 9 years as a captain of a mechanized howitzer battery.
Dr. Oswald brings a unique skill set to LSPR, encompassing clean room nano-fabrication, nano-optic design, electron beam lithography, and a strong publication record. His diverse expertise positions him as a key player in driving LSPR's technological advancements and strategic growth.
Dr. Dierk Beyer, a German entrepreneur holding a Ph.D. in Organic and Polymer Chemistry, currently serves as a partner leading Life Sciences at Quarton International, which was acquired by Cowen Inc. Additionally, he holds the position of Managing Director and Board Member Europe at Cowen.
Dr. Beyer brings extensive professional experience to LSPR, derived from his previous roles as a Founding Partner at TransAct Advisory Services, a Principal at Boston Consulting Group specializing in Health Care, and a Laboratory Head overseeing Research and Development for polymer emulsions at Clariant Germany.
In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Dr. Beyer is a seasoned board member, having served as a Member of the Board and Advisory for Nyquist, a Member of the Board of Directors for Biotecnol, the Chief Business Officer for Instraction, and a Strategy and M&A Advisor for Scymaris. His diverse background and expertise make him a valuable asset to the LSPR team.
Dimitris Metaxas-Trikardos is a member of the Board of Directors at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and is currently the Vice Chairman of the Audit & Risk Committee.
Based in Luxembourg, he also provides independent, professional director services to funds and investment vehicles, and is committed to a limited number of mandates and to close engagement with clients. Mr. Metaxas-Trikardos has spent the past 22 years working in the financial services sector and has experience in governance and regulatory issues, compliance and operational matters across a wide range of corporate structures and jurisdictions.
For several years he held various positions with investment banks in London, originating and structuring capital markets transactions for financial institutions and corporates. He has a Master’s in Finance from London Business School and he received his B.A. in Mechanical Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens, while he conducted his Diploma work at ETH Zurich in Nuclear Engineering.