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Four teams of researchers from the University of Twente and Radboudumc will get the opportunity to combine their expertise to match unmet clinical needs with technological solutions. During an online Granting meeting on Wednesday, 22 October 2025, they received a grant of 80k€ each from the Twente University Radboudumc Opportunities (TURBO) program.
TURBO is a key initiative within HealthTech Nexus the strategic partnership between Radboudumc and the University of Twente. Below is a summary of the four projects and their main applicants. In the next months, we will share stories of the 4 projects in this TURBO2026 call.
Projects
1. Surgical VideoAI - Automation of video-based surgical skill assessment in rectal cancer
Estefania Talavera Martinez, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science, Department of Computer Science, Research group Data Management and Biometrics (EEMCS-CS-DMB), University of Twente
Frans van Workum, Department of surgery, Surgical oncology, Radboudumc
Surgical performance is paramount for good outcomes of surgery. Surgical performance can be measured reliably from surgical videos using competency assessment tools (CATs), but the most important drawback is that this is a time-consuming task that has to be carried out by surgical experts.
Although computer models have been shown to be able to quantify certain features (e.g. length of a procedural phase), there have been no attempts to use AI to analyse features that directly underlie the CAT scores. Tissue tension is a critical but currently unmeasured factor during surgery, directly influencing surgical safety and patient outcomes. Traditional force-sensing solutions are expensive, invasive, or impractical in minimally invasive and robotic procedures.
This project proposes an innovative, AI-driven framework to estimate organ tension directly from surgical video. By leveraging recent advances in foundation models, motion estimation, and biomechanical priors, the researchers will develop a multimodal system capable of identifying tool-tissue interactions that signal tension.
Proxy labels derived from tool motion and image strain will be used to train the model in a data-efficient and scalable manner. The project addresses a pressing clinical need and paves the way for future grant proposals in surgical robotics and intelligent decision support systems.
2. Synovium-on-chip Engineered for Nociceptive Exploration in OsteoArthritis (SENSE-OA)
Marcel Karperien, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of BioEngineering Technologies, Research group Developmental BioEngineering (TNW-BET-DBE), University of Twente
Martijn H.J. van den Bosch, Department of Rheumatology, Research Program Chronic Inflammatory Diseases, Radboudumc
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability affecting over 500 million people globally and 1.5 million in the Netherlands, with pain as most debilitating symptom. This OA pain is largely driven by synovial inflammation where immune cells and stromal cells release factors that activate sensory neurons. However, the neuro-immune mechanisms underlying OA pain remain poorly understood. Current models lack the translational relevance, limiting effective therapies development.
To address this gap, the researchers will develop a proof-of-concept neurocompetent synovium-on-chip (SoC) model to study neuro-immune interactions and facilitate therapy development and evaluation. Building on their established SoC model, they will integrate somal compartments and microchannels for neurite ingrowth to mimic sensory innervation of the synovium. Using SH-SY5Y-derived nociceptive-like neurons, they will optimize differentiation protocols to promote neurite outgrowth in intima and subintima compartments of the SoC and ensure stable cell phenotypes in all compartments. They will functionally validate neuronal activation using gene expression and calcium imaging following stimulation with neurostimulants and neurotrophic factors.
This proof-of-concept model will serve as foundation for an OTP proposal focused on refining chip architecture, enhancing cellular complexity, and integration additional joint tissue modules, to build a robust and translationally relevant joint-on-chip platform for OA research and therapeutic innovation.
3. CARE: Continuous Monitoring to EnhAnce post-operative in childREn after colorectal surgery
Arlene John, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science, Department of Electrical Engineering, Research group Biomedical Signals and Systems, (EEMCS-EE-BSS), University of Twente
Floris T.J. Ferenschild MD, Department of surgery, Radboudumc
The CARE project aims to develop a proof-of-concept for the early detection of complications in neonates/children (0-2 years) who have undergone colorectal surgery through unobtrusive continuous monitoring of vital signs. In the broader picture, this can lead to the development of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs in paediatric patients, which are lagging behind compared to the adult population. In adults, ERAS has proven to improve patient outcomes through early mobilisation and early discharge, but it relies on obtrusive tests (blood tests, imaging, etc., not suitable for children) to ensure patient safety.
Continuous monitoring will help narrow this gap in paediatric care by using wireless sensors to measure vitals. The goal of the researchers is to correlate trends in patient vitals, measured through wireless sensors, to complications or normal recovery. This will act as a pilot to enable the early detection of complications in paediatric surgical patients. They aim to assess the soft impacts associated with using wireless sensors through focus groups with all stakeholders.
This project aligns with the vision of the University of Twente, which is "high tech-human touch," as well as with Radboudumc’s goals in continuing and developing its unique position as 1/6 paediatric surgical units in the Netherlands.
4. An Additively manufactured, Minimally invasive, Patient-specific, multi-material impLANt for management of anKle cartilage injuries (AMPLANK)
Athena Jalalian, Faculty of Engineering Technology, Department of Design, Production and Management, Research group Advanced Manufacturing, Sustainable Products and Energy Systems (ET-DPM-AMSPES)
Dennis Janssen, Department of Orthopaedics, Radboudumc
Ankle cartilage injuries predominantly affect the young and active population (<65 years old) with socio-occupational implications and significantly impair their daily activities. This imposes a substantial economic burden on both families and society, a significant workforce shortage on top of the current labour shortage of the Dutch industries, and a huge load on the Dutch healthcare systems, prolonging the current long waiting lists. Nevertheless, there is a big treatment gap for young patients. They face difficult decisions of either living with the pain and consequences of the injuries a little longer to stay in the workforce or undergoing too aggressive treatments that substantially limit their physical activities.
The researchers aim to develop a novel treatment solution that allows the young patients to resume their socio-occupational functioning. Their solution is an additively-manufactured, minimally-invasive, patients-specific, multi-material ankle implant (AMPLANK). AMPLANK is the beginning of a new treatment era becoming reachable given the capability of additive manufacturing processes in production of complex shapes with multiple materials, their better understanding of ankle imaging and biomechanics, and the knowledge of ankle surgeries generated over the last decade. In this TURBO project, they produce a proof-of-concept for attracting partners and increasing the chance of landing external grants.
TURBO program
The TURBO program is part of HealthTech Nexus, the strategic partnership between Radboud University Medical Centre (Radboudumc) and the University of Twente that is at the interface of medical technology and healthcare. The TURBO program aims to improve health and healthcare through the development of new diagnostic methods and innovative therapies for diseases that are currently difficult to diagnose or treat effectively.
The ‘Twente University Radboudumc Opportunities’ program was launched in 2017 and has since then awarded 36 grants to stimulate new collaborations between the UT and Radboudumc. The research teams will use this seed funding to prepare a joint grant application aimed at securing substantial external follow-up funding.
For more information, see the websites of the TURBO program at Universiteit Twente (TechMed Centrum) or Radboudumc.
