Ilytica

Bringing diagnostics beyond the lab.

Ilytica is developing an image-based assay platform designed to bring lab-quality, quantitative biomarker testing closer to the patient.

Our approach combines detailed assay images with AI to distinguish meaningful signal from real-world noise.

Contact Ilytica Explore the technology
Darkfield microscopy of an assay, showing bright nanoparticle signals among blood cells and other sample features.
Ilytica turns images into answers.

The Problem

Care is moving closer to the patient.
Diagnostics have to follow.

From telehealth to care at home, healthcare is reaching people in new ways. Yet many diagnostic tests still require a separate visit, specialized equipment, and a centralized laboratory.

Moving testing beyond the lab means dealing with smaller samples, variable handling, and less controlled environments. Ilytica is developing assays that can better tolerate that variability.

The Technology

Separating signal from noise.

An assay image contains more than a test signal. It also reveals the cells, debris, and other interference that can affect a measurement.

Ilytica uses that richer picture to help AI distinguish biomarker signal from noise and produce a quantitative result. The platform is being developed to support multiple assays through a shared approach to chemistry, imaging, and analysis.

  1. Conceptual assay image containing nanoparticles, cells, and interference.
    01

    Capture the picture

    Image the assay in detail, preserving information about both the signal and its surroundings.

  2. Conceptual analysis highlighting assay signal among other sample features.
    02

    Distinguish the signal

    Use AI image analysis to distinguish biomarker signal from sources of interference.

  3. Conceptual illustration of selected signal represented as blue dots.
    03

    Quantify the result

    Translate the image analysis into a quantitative biomarker measurement.

Conceptual illustration of the image-based assay approach.

The Research

The peer-reviewed research behind the platform.

Foundational research demonstrates quantitative biomarker measurement using image-based assays and machine learning, including experiments in whole blood.

The Vision

Make diagnostics as simple as possible.

We’re developing a workflow that brings together a small sample, a compact reader, and a digital result—so testing can move closer to the point of care.

  1. Illustration of collecting a small blood sample from a fingerstick.
    Step 01

    Collect a small sample

    A simple collection step starts the process.

  2. Illustration of inserting an assay cartridge into a compact reader for incubation and imaging.
    Step 02

    Load the reader

    The reader incubates and images the assay.

  3. Illustration of a digital assay result displayed on a reader and a computer.
    Step 03

    Receive a digital result

    AI analysis turns the images into a quantitative readout.

Illustrations show the intended workflow and product concept.

The Team

A team built to rethink diagnostics.

Bringing together experience in assay science, machine learning, commercialization, and product design.

Will Rutter

Will Rutter MBA, MDes

CEO & Co-Founder

Strategy, product direction, partnerships, and company development.

LinkedIn
Darren McAffee

Darren McAffee PhD

CSO & Co-Founder

Scientific and technical development lead.

LinkedIn
Jay T. Groves

Jay T. Groves PhD

Chief Scientific Advisor & Co-Founder

Platform inventor and development advisor.

Berkeley profile

Key Advisors

  • Mickey Urdea PhD

    Science & Strategy

  • Bill Ferenczy

    Commercialization

  • Ian Gonsher MFA

    Product & Design

Contact Ilytica

Interested in
learning more?

hello@ilytica.com