Edinburgh's Chromacity: A Laser-Focused Leap into Healthcare and Sustainability

August 1, 2024, 4:56 am
Chromacity
Chromacity
DesignEnergyTechIndustryLifeOpticsProductQuantumResearchTechnologyWebsite
Location: United Kingdom, Scotland, City of Edinburgh
Employees: 11-50
Founded date: 2013
Total raised: $1.66M
In the heart of Edinburgh, a laser technology firm is making waves. Chromacity has secured over £1 million in funding, a shot in the arm for its innovative ultrafast laser technology. This investment comes from a trio of existing investors: Eos Advisory, Kelvin Capital, and Scottish Enterprise, along with support from the UK government. The money will primarily fuel the launch of Chromacity's latest product, the “920,” aimed squarely at the healthcare market.

Chromacity specializes in ultrafast, tuneable, compact, and affordable infra-red lasers. These lasers find their way into quantum applications, microscopy, spectroscopy, and advanced research. Until now, the company’s sales have largely been tethered to the university sector. But with the new healthcare-focused product, Chromacity is ready to cast a wider net.

The “920” is a game-changer. It’s designed for medical imaging, offering an affordable light source for diagnostics. It shines a light on collagen, the body’s fundamental building block found in skin, muscles, bones, and connective tissues. This laser can generate pulses as brief as 100 femtoseconds. To put that in perspective, a femtosecond is one quadrillionth of a second. Such brevity means minimal collateral damage to the samples being examined.

Imagine peering into living cells with a flashlight that barely flickers. That’s the essence of the “920.” It allows researchers to probe deeper, delivering early diagnoses for a range of medical conditions. This capability could revolutionize how we approach healthcare diagnostics.

But Chromacity isn’t stopping at healthcare. The company has also secured funding from the Innovate UK programme to develop a new monitoring instrument. This tool will leverage its infra-red laser technology to provide real-time measurements of greenhouse gases like methane, ethane, and ammonia. This initiative aligns with the global push towards net-zero emissions in agriculture.

The dual focus on healthcare and environmental sustainability positions Chromacity as a versatile player in the tech landscape. It’s not just about lasers; it’s about harnessing light to illuminate the path to better health and a cleaner planet.

Leadership is crucial in this journey. Julian Hayes has been appointed as the new CEO. With a background in technology businesses, including Gas Sensing Solutions and Power Photonic, Hayes brings a wealth of experience. He joins a board filled with industry veterans, including Robert Black and Richard Laming, who have extensive backgrounds in photonics and technology.

The excitement surrounding Chromacity is palpable. Investors are eager to see how the company will navigate new UK and international markets. The focus on biological imaging is particularly promising. As the healthcare sector increasingly embraces advanced technologies, Chromacity is poised to ride the wave.

Kerry Sharp, from Scottish Enterprise, highlights Chromacity as a beacon of innovation. The firm exemplifies how a company can scale quickly while maintaining a commitment to cutting-edge technology. This funding is not just a financial boost; it’s a validation of Chromacity’s vision and potential.

The implications of Chromacity’s advancements are profound. In healthcare, the ability to diagnose conditions earlier can lead to better patient outcomes. In agriculture, real-time monitoring of greenhouse gases can help farmers adopt more sustainable practices. The intersection of these two fields illustrates the power of technology to address pressing global challenges.

As Chromacity gears up for its next chapter, the landscape is ripe for disruption. The healthcare market is hungry for innovation, and the demand for sustainable practices is louder than ever. Chromacity’s lasers could be the key to unlocking new possibilities in both arenas.

In conclusion, Chromacity is not just a laser company; it’s a pioneer. With its new funding, innovative products, and a strong leadership team, the firm is set to illuminate the future of healthcare and sustainability. The journey ahead is bright, and the world will be watching as Chromacity takes its next steps. The firm is ready to shine, and its impact could be felt far beyond the borders of Scotland.