Free Bee International Wins 2026 Commercial Innovation of the Year Award

CULVER CITY, CA, UNITED STATES, October 22, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Free Bee International, a company founded in 2023 by Freek Beekman, PhD, has been recognized for its groundbreaking U-VET (Ultra-Versatile Tomography) multimodal imaging platform. The World Molecular Imaging Society (WMIS) awarded the company the 2026 Commercial Innovation of the Year Award at the World Molecular Imaging Congress (WMIC 2026) held in Salt Lake City, Utah, from September 8 to 11.

U-VET stands out for its compact design and innovative architecture, integrating multiple imaging technologies such as positron emission tomography (PET), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), computed tomography (CT), and optical imaging, including bioluminescence and fluorescence tomography, into a single, unified system. This approach addresses the challenges of integrating multiple modalities into a single platform, such as laboratory space constraints, equipment accessibility, and workflow flexibility.

One of the key innovations of U-VET is its open-architecture design, which provides direct access to the imaging region from above. This design allows for additional procedures such as ultrasound, stereotactic injections, and biopsies during PET and SPECT acquisition, thereby expanding opportunities for integrated imaging and image-guided research. The platform also features adjustable PET/SPECT detector spacing, allowing researchers to modify imaging geometry to balance spatial resolution, sensitivity, and accessible imaging volume according to their experimental needs. Redesigned, lightweight collimator components and compact optical integration further enhance the system's versatility and ease of use.

The recognition of U-VET reflects the theme of WMIC 2026, "Driving Discovery to Impact," highlighting the role of technological innovation in advancing molecular imaging research and translating scientific discoveries into practical applications. Free Bee International's approach emphasizes developing new imaging technologies and collaborating with industry partners to bring scientific concepts into research and clinical practice. During the congress, the company also presented its broader innovation programs during an industry-sponsored lunch session, showcasing its work in molecular imaging and radiopharmaceutical quality control.

The award underscores the company's commitment to improving patient care and medical research through innovative imaging technologies. Free Bee International's U-VET platform is poised to expand preclinical research capabilities and support new applications in image-guided intervention, making significant strides in the field of medical research.