13 October 2016
Kernel Capital is pleased to announce a £500k investment 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.
“It is great to see another Queens University spin-out thriving. Causeway Sensors is a prime example of the success that can be achieved from bringing a concept through the ‘Research to Commercialisation’ process. This investment will therefore help Causeway to develop the potential of its nanotechnology, and to grow and scale both nationally and internationally, while also stimulating the local economy and creating new employment opportunities in areas where Northern Ireland has world class leadership.”
Jayne Brady, Partner, Kernel Capital
“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.”
Dr. Bob Pollard, CEO, Causeway Sensors
“Invest NI’s suite of Access to Finance funds provides a continuum of support – from Proof of Concept to develop a product or service solution, through to supporting established businesses to invest in growth. Our Development Funds were specifically designed to help businesses like Causeway Sensors – local innovative companies that have the potential to grow in global markets. This latest investment demonstrates how important these funds are.”
William McCulla, Director Corporate Finance, Invest NI
“Causeway Sensors is a great example of Northern Ireland business creating value through pioneering technology. We look forward to working with the team at Causeway Sensors to support their growth plans.”
Odhran McNeilly, Business Advisor, Bank of Ireland UK
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.
For further information please contact:
Dawn Walsh, Kernel Capital.
Tel: +353 (021) 4928974
From Left: Jayne Brady, Partner, Kernel Capital; Dr. Bob Pollard, CEO, Causeway Sensors; William McCulla, Director Corporate Finance, Invest NI and Odhran McNeilly, Business Advisor, Bank of Ireland UK.
For more information:
Kernel Capital www.kernel-capital.com
Kernel Capital is an independent manager of the Bank of Ireland Kernel Growth Funds, comprising of £165m / €210m of funds raised through six separate venture capital funds in the years 2002, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2013 and 2015. These Funds are supported by Bank of Ireland, Invest NI, Enterprise Ireland, University of Limerick Foundation and NUI Galway Foundation. Kernel Capital is actively investing through the Bank of Ireland Kernel Capital Growth Funds targeting deal size for Kernel Capital’s element in the region of £0.5m to £2m in NI and €1m to €5m in the ROI, either as sole investor or larger deal size in syndication. These 10 year Growth Funds were raised in 2013 and 2015 and invest in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland respectively. Kernel Capital is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland and is MiFID approved.
About Causeway Sensors www.causewaysensors.com
Causeway Sensors specialises in the manufacture of scientific instruments for protein detection, opening pathways to detect a range of diseases. Advancements in disease diagnosis and drug development starts with research. Using a unique, patented gold nanostructure surface, Causeway Sensors have developed the perfect platform to study protein – protein interactions