The MonoDiaL proof of concept programme has successfully moved innovative monolithic diamond Raman lasers, demonstrated during the ERC starting grant DiaL, closer to market. The market analysis undertaken as part of this programme identified lasers for photoacoustic imaging, particularly of the vasculature, as the most important potential market, in terms of both commercial and societal impact. The performance levels achieved during the DiaL were then extended to the levels identified in the market analysis as being desirable for photoacoustic imaging. In addition, the wavelength coverage was extended from the yellow to the orange, which the market analysis suggested would increase market size by extending imaging functionality. In parallel to these market-driven technical developments, an EU company was identified as the best candidate to partner with in order to take this product to market. Based on stakeholder discussions, drawing in particular on specialist market knowledge (for example from industry and experts in clinical engineering from the UK National Health Service), the specifications were honed to match the potential market and a package was pulled together to allow for further funding (via an application to the UK government’s innovation agency Innovate UK). At the time of writing, further work is required to secure the necessary industry financial support to leverage the grant application. This is ongoing with funding (£10k) from the UK EPSRC’s Impact Accelerator Account programme.
