It was announced today that Kernel Capital has invested £500k in Causeway Sensors, a spin-out from Queens University Belfast (QUB).
Founded by fellow QUB Academics Dr. Robert Pollard, Prof. Robert Bowman and Dr. John Nelson, the company have developed novel nanostructured chips for sensing applications accompanied with a reading device for the detection and measurement of various proteins (antibodies).
Causeway Sensors is focussed on the global biosensor industry which is expected to reach over $22 billion by 2020.
The Company’s pioneering technology has emerged from 10+ years of research in Queens University which was partly supported by Invest NI via a R&D Grant.
The capability to sense the presence of low levels of proteins and their interactions means that Causeway’s technology can be used as a diagnostic instrument across multiple applications including the detection of early-stage cancer and other diseases, food security and drug discovery.
Causeway Sensors will use this investment to commercialise its technology, with an initial focus on the growing area of medical diagnostics.
The Bank of Ireland Kernel Capital Growth Fund (NI) was designed to help SMEs in Northern Ireland to accelerate their growth.
Invest Northern Ireland has committed £15 million of funding to this fund which is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund under the EU Investment for Growth and Jobs Programme 2014-2020.
CEO of Causeway Sensors, Dr. Bob Pollard today commented, "We are delighted to secure investment from Kernel Capital through The Bank of Ireland Kernel Capital Growth Fund. This investment is a great confidence boost for Causeway Sensors and will allow us to expedite our growth plans to commercialise and scale our technology. Together with continued support from both Kernel and QUBIS, the company is focused on delivering on our innovation roadmap."
Source: www.businessworld.ie
