Sedgefield’s Kromek is developing a new system that can detect Covid-19 in the air after receiving major Government funding.
The business is working on adapting its current technology so that it can automatically detect all airborne viruses, including coronavirus, which could improve the Government’s track and trace efforts. The project has received £1.25m backing from Innovate 海角视频.
Once fully developed, Kromek plans to deploy the new technology in busy areas, such as airports, hospitals, shopping centres, and entertainment venues.
Kromek is well versed in developing detection equipment for the medical, security, and nuclear markets, and its equipment has already been used to protect public officials in high profile events. Its radiation detection equipment has been used to protect President Donald Trump during his visits to Europe.
Initially the new technology will be used to rapidly test for the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19.
The tests will run automatically and will not require analysis by trained individuals of lab specialists.
Dr Arnab Basu, CEO of Kromek, said: “We are very pleased to have received backing from 海角视频RI and Innovate 海角视频 to progress the deployment of our solution for the detection of airborne Covid-19.
“Our system can augment the Government’s test and trace system by enabling early identification of potential exposure to the virus while supporting the safe return of visitors to public spaces like mass transport, retail outlets and entertainment venues.
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“We also believe that the continuous monitoring with our system, which can test for a wide spectrum of viruses as well as mutations of Covid-19, has significant potential for protecting against the outbreak of pandemics in the future.”
News of Kromek’s research was revealed at the same time as the firm released its results for the six months ending October 31 2020.
The accounts showed that the company’s turnover fell to £4.58m during the period, down from £5.3m a year earlier. Kromek’s operating loss also widened from £2.3m to £3.1m.
The firm’s business activity had been hit by the coronavirus pandemic, but it added that trading began to improve in September and October as business patterns began to return to normal.
Dr Basu said: “Looking ahead, the positive momentum seen in the last two months of the first half has continued into the second half of the year with increasing detector shipments. The renewed level of activity within our customer base is underpinned by the commercial traction Kromek has demonstrated in recent years in winning multiple, high-value contracts and we are excited about our new opportunities in the bio-security market.
“As a result, we expect to see significant growth in second half revenue compared with H1 2020/21 and the board continues to look to the future with confidence and optimism.”