Interview with Ekaterina Kukhtenko, CEO of VAir
Respiratory viral infections present a significant global health burden due to their high transmission rates, substantial annual mortality, and the stress they place on healthcare infrastructure. A large proportion of these infections go undiagnosed, increasing the risk of widespread outbreaks and future pandemics.
VAir is working on solving this problem and offers a high-precision, rapid diagnostic solution that enables early detection and containment, thereby limiting transmission and supporting effective public health responses.
In this edition, we interview the CEO of VAir, Ekaterina Kukhtenko to explore their the product and gain insight into how they are transforming the health tech industry.
Q: Could you briefly describe your career path so far?
I obtained my Bachelor of Science degree from ITMO University in St. Petersburg and also completed an Engineering degree in Biotechnology at SupBiotech in Paris.
I began my career in Info Chemistry Scientific Center, a public laboratory focused on biosensors and smart materials – an experience that sparked my lasting interest in these fields. I further expanded my expertise at BrainEver, a startup developing treatment for ALS, an incurable neurodegenerative disease. There, I had the opportunity to work autonomously on impactful preclinical research projects, which significantly deepened my knowledge and skills.
I bring a complementary, multidisciplinary background to research, with a broad education in engineering and biotechnology, allowing me to work at an intersection of multiple fields. This diverse expertise proved especially valuable when founding my startup , VAir, where we are developing a medical device for a breath-based diagnosis of viral infections. The project demands a deep understanding of biology, physics, and virology, as well as proficiency in mechanical and electrical engineering and the ability to source and integrate a wide range of materials.
Q: How did you decide to focus on respiratory viral infections? Did COVID play a role?
During my engineering studies at SupBiotech, I took part in an intensive 12-week course focused on the development of innovative projects. The program guided students through the process of refining an innovative idea, designing the first prototype, and obtaining initial laboratory results. This experience was instrumental in shaping VAir’s early concepts and proving their feasibility. However, at the time, I lacked the resources to pursue the project full-time.
This was also during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, when a lot of patients – especially the elderly with pre-existing conditions, were being diagnosed at later stages of the infection.
The problem of viral infections going undetected leads to over 4 million deaths annually, yet the issue does not receive enough attention given its scale.
It was all of these factors that convinced me to start a business specialising in respiratory viral infections.
Q: What was the initial vision for VAir?
The initial vision of the company was two fold. Firstly, to support the millions of people with respiratory infections each year, and secondly, to facilitate the life of health practitioners who are constantly at risk due to regular contact with sick patients. Recognizing this as a global challenge, we set out to develop a solution with an international impact.
At first, we debated whether to pursue this solely as a research initiative or to establish a startup. However, after engaging with both patients and healthcare providers, we came to fully understand the scope and urgency of the problem. Motivated by both scientific curiosity and real-world need, we committed to building a startup to drive meaningful change.
Q: Describe how the VAir product works
The VAir device is a compact, portable medical tool designed for easy use by healthcare practitioners. The device contains a tube through which the patient exhales, and internally houses a biosensor mechanism capable of detecting a panel of respiratory viruses. Our current focus includes COVID-19, RSV, and influenza.
Within 3 minutes, the device delivers results, indicating not only whether the test is positive or negative, but also quantifying the number of viral particles detected in the patient’s breath.
Q: What advantages does VAir offer compared to other methods of detection?
The two standard diagnostic methods currently in use – RT-PCR and rapid antigen tests – each have notable limitations. Our primary advantage over RT-PCR is speed. RT-PCR is a time-intensive, multi-step process that involves sample collection, transportation to a laboratory, laboratory manipulations, and result processing. In settings like pharmacies without immediate lab access, these delays can be significant.
Our device simplifies the process dramatically: patients simply breathe into a tube, eliminating the discomfort of swab-based sampling and enabling immediate, on-site testing. Compared to rapid antigen tests, our solution offers laboratory-level sensitivity—an essential feature for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, immunocompromised patients, and pregnant women, where diagnostic accuracy is critical.
Importantly, the VAir device operates without the need for additional equipment or complex procedures. It delivers results in under three minutes, offering a highly accessible and cost-effective diagnostic tool suitable for a wide range of clinical and community settings.
Q: What are the different roles involved in your daily work and what key aspects have your learned in terms of you working strategy?
Finalizing a product involves many interconnected aspects: research and development, product design, management of resources and finances, presentation skills, and — most importantly — ongoing discussions with healthcare practitioners, who are the end users and provide invaluable feedback. We also had to learn how to effectively manage our work with limited resources and a small team.
Finalizing a product involves many interconnected aspects: research and development, product design, management of resources and finances, presentation skills, and — most importantly — ongoing discussions with healthcare practitioners, who are the end users and provide invaluable feedback. We also had to learn how to effectively manage our work with limited resources and a small team.
In many deeptech startups, significant time and effort are invested in R&D before any user testing occurs — often leading to a product that is difficult or costly to adapt. Our approach is different. We prioritize collecting user feedback early and throughout the development process. By iterating based on this input at every stage, we ensure the product truly meets the needs of its users from the outset.
Q: How easy/difficult is it to get approval from regulatory bodies?
CE mark approval is required for medical devices to be commercialized in the European Union. The certification process involves a thorough audit and can take over one year from the time of application submission to the final decision.
In addition, obtaining reimbursement approval from social security systems can take an additional 3 to 4 months. Altogether, the full process — from regulatory approval to reimbursement — can take up to 18 months.
Q: What are some of the aspects you learned when starting a health tech company?
One of the main challenges is finding the right partners. Right partners provide more than just support — they offer guidance on funding, business strategy, networking, and marketing. Great technology alone isn’t enough; success also requires a clear, strategic vision to grow the business. These skill sets are highly complementary and essential for long-term success.
We were fortunate enough to get access to the École Polytechnique incubator, which has provided valuable support and resources during our early stages.
It’s also important to maintain focus on the broader mission of the startup, rather than becoming too narrowly concentrated on the immediate project. Keeping the bigger picture in mind helps ensure that short-term efforts align with long-term goals.
Q: What are the plans for VAir in the coming future?
Our immediate goal for this year is to finalize the prototype and conduct thorough testing in collaboration with healthcare practitioners. Their feedback on usability, practical challenges, and integration into clinical workflows is essential to refining the product.
In 2026, we plan to prepare for clinical trials by securing the right partners and funding. By 2027, we aim to launch the trials and submit our application for CE marking. Our target is to bring the product to market in 2028.
Looking ahead, our five-year plan includes expanding into the U.S. and other non-EU markets to broaden our global impact.
Q: Is VAir currently hiring?
Yes, we are hiring, you may find the job offers on our LinkedIn page.
Spotlight – Forum Labo Paris 2025
Young Researchers Challenge the Future of Scientific Collaboration
By Victor Kreis
From March 25 to 27, Paris Expo Porte de Versailles hosted Forum Labo, one of France’s premier trade shows dedicated to laboratory innovation. This year, Réseau Biotechno had the privilege of moderating the “Young Researchers Challenge” session, an engaging discussion on how the next generation of scientists is reshaping collaborative research.
The session, titled “Young Researchers Innovate Together: Disruptive Methods for Better Collaboration,” brought together three forward-thinking professionals who exemplify new paradigms in scientific teamwork:
- Romain Debiton (Eurofins) showcased a decentralized, network-based model that allows Eurofins laboratories to remain autonomous while benefiting from collective expertise. His case illustrated how horizontal collaboration within large organizations can boost responsiveness, quality, and innovation.
- Antoine Gedeon (Sorbonne University / JS-SFBBM) emphasized the responsibility of young researchers in addressing climate change. His advocacy for sustainable lab practices and structural reform highlighted the role of junior scientists as both innovators and agents of ecological transition.
- Thomas Landrain (JOGL – Just One Giant Lab) introduced a radically open and digital model of research. JOGL connects researchers, engineers, and entrepreneurs on a global platform, enabling the co-development of solutions to scientific and societal challenges. The initiative has already catalyzed hundreds of collaborative projects across health and technology.
This session revealed a critical insight: collaboration is no longer peripheral to science, it is becoming its core methodology. Whether through decentralized organizational models, environmentally conscious research culture, or open digital platforms, young researchers are redefining how knowledge is produced and shared.
At Réseau Biotechno, we believe these disruptive approaches are not just necessary, they are the future. Supporting such voices and creating platforms for exchange is at the heart of our mission: to build a more agile, inclusive, and impactful scientific community.
Our REAL of the month
The REAL section (for Read – Analyze – Listen) highlights our recommendations of the month.
What you can READ this month
Biotech potential set to soar with the help of digital technology, by Anthony King
Explore how integrating digital technologies is revolutionizing the European biotechnology sector, enhancing its efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness. Click here!
What you can ANALYZE this month
Chose France for Science platform is open, by National Research Agency
In a global context leading to an unprecedented wave of scientific mobility, France aims to position itself as a preferred destination for researchers wishing to continue their work in Europe. It is with this objective that the Choose France for Science platform was launched in April, offering universities, graduate schools, and research organizations the opportunity to apply for government co-funding to host international researchers. For more information and to apply, follow this link.
What you can LISTEN to this month
Biotech Career Coach, by Alok Tayi
The life science industry is moving at a pace like never before.This podcast takes a deep dive into technologies that are on the path to shaping the industry. Check it out here.
Special events this month
Réseau Biotechno is proud to renew our partnership with Eurasanté! We are partners of 3 events: BioFIT, MedFIT and MEDigIT. Join us in Strasbourg, on December 2nd and 3rd, 2025 and on December 8th for the digital meetings. Organised jointly for the second year running, BioFIT & MedFIT are business conventions dedicated to partnership innovation in the Life Sciences, MedTech and Diagnostic sectors. Don’t miss the 2nd edition of @MEDigIT Event, the European event fostering innovation in Digital Health, which will be held as part of MedFIT 2025!
Thanks to our partnership, take advantage of an unprecedented discount! For more information, and to receive your discount code, please get in touch with your contact in our organisation. Register as early as possible for the best price!
Discounts are always applied to the ‘regular’ fee except during the ‘late registration’ period. Discounts cannot be combined with other offers.