Nucleic acids (including deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA and ribonucleic acid or RNA) are found in all cells and viruses. Nucleic acid amplification tests are increasingly used to facilitate detection of the DNA or RNA associated with bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens even when present in very small quantities. However, they are still relatively complex and expensive for widespread use in point-of-care (POC) rapid diagnostic systems. IPANEMA has formed a large network of multidisciplinary expertise to rapidly realise the potential of paper-based microfluidic platforms. With partners in Europe, the US, and third countries that includes SMEs and academics, IPANEMA is working on several different technologies that can be integrated with smart phones for sophisticated yet cost-effective and easy-to-use POC diagnostics.