Dr. Rupert Ecker has earned a respected name in this industry for his expertise in automated microscopy, tissue image cytometry, and advanced image analysis. With a strong foundation in cell biology and an unyielding commitment to innovation, Dr. Ecker co-founded TissueGnostics, a global leader providing cutting-edge solutions in biomedical research.

Revolutionizing Biomedical Research: The Journey of Rupert Ecker and TissueGnostics

Dr. Rupert Ecker’s academic pursuit began in the early 1990s, with a focus on cell biology at the University of Vienna. During this period, he became involved in a research project that involved investigating cell cycle regulators in renal carcinoma cells. As part of his work, he manually annotated cell shapes using an MS-DOS-based image analysis system, drawing circles with the mouse cursor, day after day. Eventually, this repetitive task caused him ligament inflammation, prompting Dr. Ecker to voice his frustration. He pointed out the stark contrast between the technological leaps being made in space exploration—like sending robots to Mars that navigate autonomously—and the slow, inefficient image analysis methods still being employed in biomedical research. His supervisor’s response was simple but transformative: “Well, change it!”

That challenge marked a turning point for Dr. Ecker, leading to the idea that would eventually form the basis for TissueGnostics. Nine years later—after earning his Master’s and Ph.D.—Rupert Ecker founded the company in April 2003. Initially based in Vienna, Austria, TissueGnostics quickly expanded to establish offices and subsidiaries worldwide, including in California, Massachusetts, the United Kingdom, Brazil, South Africa, China, Taiwan, India, and Australia. TissueGnostics has become a leading player in the biomedical research field, offering groundbreaking solutions that automate and enhance cellular analysis. The technology developed by the company empowers scientists across the globe to delve deeper into cellular biology, transforming the way we understand disease mechanisms. Dr. Ecker’s journey, from manually annotating images to founding a pioneering company, encapsulates the spirit of innovation that drives modern science. TissueGnostics continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, shaping the future of biomedical research.

Breaking Barriers in Biomedical Analysis: The Story of TG and Dr. Rupert Ecker

Since its founding, TissueGnostics (TG) has been at the forefront of introducing the concept of flow cytometry (FACS)—a technology that allows for the analysis of cellular sub-populations in suspension with single-cell accuracy—to microscopic tissue samples. While FACS had been widely used in research involving liquid tissues like blood and cell cultures, applying it to solid tissue samples posed a challenge. Conventional methods often required enzymatic dissociation, which sacrificed valuable histological context. Recognizing this limitation, Rupert Ecker and his team at TG developed the first commercially available solution for Tissue Image Cytometry, known as TissueFAXS. This innovative platform includes microscopy-based scanners and integrated image analysis software, allowing researchers to analyze tissue sections using a workflow comparable to FACS, regardless of whether they are dealing with brightfield or fluorescence samples.

TG’s TissueFAXS technology has revolutionized tissue analysis, bridging a critical gap in biomedical research. The company’s advancements, often referred to as “contextual tissue cytometry,” are designed to preserve the spatial and histological context of the samples being studied. Over the past two decades, TG’s products have been widely embraced by researchers worldwide, contributing to the rise of spatial biology as a leading trend in biomedical research. TG’s Image Cytometry Suite—comprising TissueQuest, HistoQuest, and StrataQuest—has been instrumental in this transformation. In addition, TG’s latest offering, the COLUBRIS All-In-One Tissue Cytometer, represents a culmination of continuous innovation, driven both by internal research and valuable customer feedback.

TG’s technologies have opened new possibilities for biomedical analysis, enabling researchers to delve deeper into the complexities of cellular biology and disease mechanisms. Dr. Ecker’s ongoing contributions to the field have positioned TG as a leader in scientific advancement, breaking down barriers and empowering researchers with the tools they need to make groundbreaking discoveries.

Empowering Scientific Discovery: Insights on TG’s Product Portfolio

The product portfolio at TG covers a diverse range of microscopic applications, from standard brightfield scanning and wide-field fluorescence microscopy to confocal fluorescence, multispectral imaging, multiplexing assays, live cell imaging, and Super Resolution techniques. These advanced tools are supported by powerful software applications that span cellular pattern recognition, Machine Learning-based classification, and Deep Learning-powered data mining.

TG’s technology is renowned for delivering a “WOW” effect among users, as researchers frequently express amazement at the precision and capabilities of TG’s products. This “WOW effect” is a key driver for TG’s R&D team, which strives to provide not just functionality but inspiration to its users. TG’s impact on scientific research is substantial, having contributed to over 2,700 scientific studies across nearly 70 countries, with around 800 peer-reviewed journal articles published. These studies range from basic research to clinical applications, with many groundbreaking discoveries made possible by TG’s technology.

Customers consistently praise TG’s exceptional global support, which reinforces the company’s motto: “Precision that Inspires.” This commitment to excellence extends throughout the organization, ensuring that TG consistently meets both its internal standards and the expectations of its customers.

Fostering Collaboration and Multi-Disciplinary Skills

Dr. Ecker credits much of TissueGnostics’ success to its foundation in research and collaboration with academic institutions. From the beginning, TG has thrived on academic partnerships, participating in over 20 national research collaborations in Austria and engaging in numerous EU-funded projects, including Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Networks and COST Actions. These partnerships have been instrumental in shaping TG’s technological innovations and global influence.

Dr. Ecker attributes his ability to found and expand TG to his diverse skill set, which spans biology, software engineering, business, leadership, and scientific communication. While he acknowledges that it’s impossible to be an expert in every field, he emphasizes the importance of multi-disciplinary knowledge for emerging leaders. He believes that understanding different disciplines and knowing one’s limitations is essential for driving successful collaboration and innovation. As CEO, Dr. Ecker fosters a culture of trust, encouraging self-motivation and responsibility among employees. He values results over micromanagement and focuses on empowering his team to contribute meaningfully to the company’s success.

Charting New Horizons: TissueGnostics’ Global Expansion

Reflecting on TG’s first two decades, Dr. Ecker sees the company’s journey as one of constant evolution. Initially focused on financing and global growth, TG is now entering a new phase marked by diversification in both technology and market reach. TissueGnostics has already established a strong presence in Europe, North America, and Asia, and is now expanding into new regions such as South America, Africa, India, and Australia.

As TG continues to expand, the company remains dedicated to its core mission of providing advanced solutions for automated microscopy, tissue image cytometry, and high-end image analysis in scientific research. TG’s focus on precision and innovation will drive its future expansion efforts, solidifying its position as a global leader in biomedical research technologies.

Celebrating Major Milestones

TissueGnostics and Dr. Ecker have received numerous accolades over the years, including the Science2Business Award in 2011 from the Austrian Chamber of Commerce. This award was granted for a collaborative project with the Medical University of Vienna and underscores the importance of partnerships between academia and industry in driving scientific innovation.

Additionally, TG has been a key participant in approximately two dozen major EU-funded collaborative research projects, with a success rate of 10 funded initiatives. This includes prestigious programs like the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Networks, which reflect TG’s commitment to advancing biomedical research and fostering international collaboration.

In recognition of his contributions to the scientific community, Dr. Ecker was awarded an adjunct professorship at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Australia. This honorary title is a testament to his expertise and leadership in the field.

Navigating the Entrepreneurial Journey: Words of Wisdom

Dr. Ecker offers valuable advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and founders, emphasizing the importance of focusing on one’s areas of expertise rather than following mainstream trends. While technological advancements can be exciting, he notes that raising funds and overcoming organizational challenges can be equally demanding.

For those venturing into entrepreneurship, Dr. Ecker advises prioritizing passion and strengths, as working in a field one loves will bring greater satisfaction and resilience. Ultimately, success comes from pursuing endeavors that align with one’s skills and interests, rather than being forced into areas dictated by external trends.

As he reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, Dr. Ecker encapsulates his advice succinctly: “Focus on what you are best at, whether it is mainstream or not, because you can only win in a field you love working in, rather than being forced into one.”