Amplifold

Amplifold is redefining rapid diagnostic performance by combining DNA origami nanotechnology with the simplicity of lateral flow immunoassays. Lateral flow assays are essential to global diagnostics because they work without instruments and deliver results in minutes, but their sensitivity has always been limited by basic chemistry and visual readouts. Amplifold overcomes this limitation by embedding precisely folded DNA nanostructures into the test architecture.
DNA origami is a nanoscale engineering method in which DNA strands are folded into defined three dimensional shapes that act as programmable scaffolds. In diagnostic applications, these scaffolds can carry many reporter particles at once and dramatically amplify weak biological signals. In practical terms, this allows a rapid test to detect targets that would otherwise remain invisible. In Amplifold’s platform this translates into up to a hundred fold higher sensitivity while preserving the affordability, robustness and manufacturability of standard strip based tests.This approach moves lateral flow technology into a performance range that was traditionally associated with laboratory systems. It represents a meaningful expansion of what point of care diagnostics can reliably measure across areas such as infectious disease, oncology and decentralised testing.

The Amplifold team
Amplifold originated in the nanoengineering laboratory of Professor Tim Liedl at LMU Munich, where the founding team transformed DNA origami from an elegant scientific concept into a reliable nanoscale engineering toolbox. The technology has been validated in peer reviewed work including a Nature Communications publication. Co founders Dr Maximilian Urban and Dr Enzo Kopperger lead the company, supported by a multidisciplinary group spanning physics, engineering and diagnostics. The team will be complemented by Dr Federico Bürsgens, an experienced executive in in vitro diagnostics who will join as CEO in 2026.

Our investment rationale
Amplifold is a strong fit for XISTA’s investment focus on life science innovation and deep tech engineering. It combines a fundamental scientific advance with an immediate and very large application space. The ability to elevate the performance of existing lateral flow assays without changing manufacturing processes creates a clear and scalable entry point into the diagnostics market. For XISTA, the strength of this opportunity lies in three elements: a breakthrough nanoscale mechanism that delivers real analytical gains, a format that is already familiar to clinicians and patients, and a team capable of translating complex science into manufacturable products. This aligns with XISTA’s mission to support science driven companies that can scale internationally. From XISTA’s viewpoint, as stated by Dr Stephan Huber, Amplifold brings world class DNA nanotechnology directly into a diagnostic format that requires no behavioural change from users.  The financing round includes both XISTA Science Ventures and Matterwave Ventures. Matterwave brings long experience with industrial technologies, which complements the diagnostic and scientific angle of the opportunity. Together the investors provide a balanced and supportive setup for the next stage of company growth.