WMIS names Free Bee International’s U-VET the 2026 Commercial Innovation of the Year

The World Molecular Imaging Society awarded Free Bee International’s U-VET platform at WMIC 2026 in Salt Lake City for its compact, open-architecture approach to multimodal imaging. The system is designed to combine PET, SPECT, CT and optical imaging in one platform, with potential to improve preclinical research and image-guided procedures.

Why it matters: - U-VET aims to make multimodal imaging more compact, flexible and accessible for preclinical research. - The platform is designed to support image-guided procedures during imaging, which could broaden how researchers study and intervene in biological processes. - WMIS recognized U-VET for combining multiple imaging technologies in one system with potential practical impact beyond the lab.

What happened: - The World Molecular Imaging Society named U-VET, developed by Free Bee International, the winner of the 2026 Commercial Innovation of the Year Award. - WMIS announced the award during the World Molecular Imaging Congress 2026, held Sept. 8–11 in Salt Lake City, Utah. - Freek J. Beekman, founder of Free Bee International and professor of applied physics at Delft University of Technology, presented U-VET at the congress. - The winner was selected by a live audience vote after finalists were chosen by the WMIS Board of Trustees.

The details: - U-VET stands for Ultra-Versatile Tomography. - The system integrates positron emission tomography, single-photon emission computed tomography, computed tomography and optical imaging in one platform. - The optical side includes bioluminescence and fluorescence tomography. - U-VET uses an open-architecture design meant to reduce space and workflow limits seen in conventional multimodal imaging setups. - The detector arrangement allows direct access to the imaging region from above. - That access supports ultrasound, stereotactic injections and biopsies during PET and SPECT acquisition. - The platform includes adjustable PET/SPECT detector spacing. - Researchers can change the imaging geometry to balance spatial resolution, sensitivity and accessible imaging volume. - Redesigned lightweight collimator components and compact optical integration add to the system’s flexibility.

Between the lines: - The award reflects growing interest in systems that merge multiple imaging functions without adding major infrastructure burden. - U-VET’s open design points to a shift toward research tools that are easier to adapt for different experimental workflows. - WMIS tied the recognition to WMIC 2026’s theme, Driving Discovery to Impact, underscoring the society’s focus on technologies that move from concept to practical use. - Free Bee International framed its work around developing imaging technologies and collaborating with industry partners to move scientific ideas into research and clinical practice.

What's next: - Free Bee International is continuing to promote its broader innovation programs in molecular imaging and radiopharmaceutical quality control. - The company also presented those programs in an industry-sponsored lunch session at WMIC 2026. - Free Bee International said U-VET is part of its effort to expand multimodal imaging capabilities and support new image-guided intervention applications. - More information is available on Free Bee International's website and WMIS. - The company also shared its industry-sponsored presentation on LinkedIn.