Recap of the KIDNEW Consortium Meeting in Grenoble, France

On March 27-28, the KIDNEW consortium gathered in the beautiful city of Grenoble, France, for a lively and productive meeting hosted by CNRS. This event brought together partners from Utrecht University, UMC Utrecht, Imec-NL, Imec-BE, Me-Sep, Optofluid Technology, and CNRS to share updates, exchange ideas, and strengthen collaborations—all with the shared goal of developing an implantable artificial kidney.

Pushing the Boundaries of Artificial Kidney Technology

The KIDNEW consortium is making exciting strides toward a fully implantable artificial kidney. At the heart of this effort are two key silicon-based components:

• A glomerular filtration module, designed to replicate the natural filtration process of the kidney.
• A tubule unit, featuring proximal tubule cells to enable selective reabsorption and improve biocompatibility.

On top of that, CNRS is leading the development of a long-term stable blood-compatible coating, a crucial element for ensuring safety and durability.

Engaging Discussions & New Collaborations

Each partner presented updates on their work, sparking great discussions and brainstorming sessions. The energy in the room was fantastic, with plenty of new ideas emerging and multiple follow-up meetings planned to strengthen collaborations across work packages.

One of the standout moments was the dedicated session on blood-compatible coatings, where a panel of four experts weighed in on future directions and possibilities. The session led to some great insights and fresh ideas to tackle this critical challenge.

Strengthening Connections – On and Off the Clock

Beyond the scientific discussions, the meeting was also a fantastic opportunity for team bonding. Group walks through the city, a scenic trip up the mountain for a breathtaking view, and of course, the amazing French cuisine all added to the experience. A huge thank you to Lionel and Larissa for being such wonderful hosts and for organizing the delicious dinners—truly a perfect way to unwind and experience the local flavors!

Looking Ahead

With new collaborations taking shape and plenty of momentum moving forward, this meeting was a big success. The KIDNEW consortium is well on its way to making groundbreaking advancements in kidney replacement therapy—stay tuned for more updates!