IRIC - Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer

Published on October 29, 2025

Madline Sauvage, a doctoral student in molecular biology, and Professor Delphine Bouilly, Director of IRIC’s Design and Application of Electronic Nanobiosensors Research Unit, are recipients of a Pierre-Péladeau grant. Their start-up, SensÈn, whose mission is to make a clinical difference for breast cancer patients, won the second prize of $50,000 at the 27th edition of the competition. These grants, offered since 1999, aim to support the next generation in all fields of study in starting businesses, developing business plans, and developing products and markets.

The ambition to make a difference

The idea for SensÈn came about during Madline Sauvage’s doctoral project in Delphine Bouilly’s laboratory. “After seven years of research, I realized that there was a significant technological need to improve breast cancer monitoring tools,” says the student. “In 2025, breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in women! I therefore wanted to take science out of the lab to have a direct and concrete impact on patients.”

To achieve this, the two scientists took the plunge into entrepreneurship. “This approach gives us an opportunity to translate our research into real medical advances for people,” says Delphine Bouilly. “That’s what interests me about this adventure.”

Small sensors for personalized monitoring

The researchers will declare “mission accomplished” once they have developed a product that can be used in a clinical setting. Their goal? To develop miniature electrical sensors that enable personalized monitoring of breast cancer, providing medical teams with information so they can intervene at the right time and more easily adapt treatments.

“Our goal is to improve the care pathway for patients going through this difficult experience,” explains Professor Bouilly. “Ideally, we would like all affected women to be treated and cured as effectively as possible.”

“Our ambition is to make SensÈn a global benchmark for breast cancer monitoring,” adds Madline Sauvage.

Support that will serve as a springboard

The recognition they receive from the Pierre Péladeau Grant is invaluable: it boosts confidence and motivation, and gives SensÈn great visibility. “Even though we are just starting out, we feel that we are making an impact in the community because what we do is relevant and addresses a real need,” explains Delphine Bouilly. “It’s encouraging!”

For Madline Sauvage, this grant also opens doors to the future: “The Pierre Péladeau Grant will allow us to continue developing SensÈn.”

“On a more personal level, the experience of being a professor and thesis supervisor is very rewarding,” adds Delphine Bouilly. “It’s a great opportunity for a doctoral student, who is moving from discovery to value creation through entrepreneurship.”