Periodic Reporting for period 1 - CompactDating (A compact radioisotope dating device for rapid sample analysis)
Reporting period: 2017-10-01 to 2018-09-30
The CompactDating ERC POC grant funded a project consisting of two work packages. In the first we researched the industrial scalability of techniques developed in the FNPMLS ERC Consolidator grant for the purpose of radiocarbon dating. A small scale prototype was designed and constructed. In particular, a bespoke ion source capable of delivering intense beams of carbon ions was developed. The project also looked at other effects such as the removal of nitrogen from the gas injected into the ion source through cryogenic techniques. The second work package within the project was focussed on the development of a cogent business plan to take forward to the next stage. The ERC POC has enabled detailed market analysis to be conducted and IP assessment. Several key conferences and meetings were attended by the early career researcher and PI, this activity helped open early conversations with potential customers and investors. Through this activity we identified a route to market through establishing a spin-out company to initially operate an analysis service and eventually develop a product. This route will use the analysis service to validate the methodology and enable customer funding to support further growth. As part of the project IP was identified and the due diligence for a new patent to be submitted to the UK patent office was carried out. The ERC POC grant activity directly contributed the successful application for the STFC-CERN incubator award, which will start in 2019. A new company Artemis Analytical Ltd has been established to further develop this innovation.