University Spinout Named on Competition Watchlist

ChromaTwist, based at Birmingham Research Park, was named one of 32 university spinout companies identified as ones to watch in The Spinoff Prize 2020, organised by Nature Research and German science and technology company Merck KGaA.

A leader in large Stokes Shift fluorescent materials which are used in microscopy and imaging work, ChromaTwist was founded in December 2018 by University of Birmingham researchers Professor Jon Preece, of the School of Chemistry and Dr Alex Robinson, of the School of Chemical Engineering, with entrepreneur Mark Shepherd, after they and their PhD students discovered a new class of fluorescent materials, which can be utilised in bioimaging applications.  The company’s modular patented technology platform and know-how allows rapid material development based on application requirements.  Its materials are naturally suited for use in the biological and medical field, however, due to the adaptable nature of the chemistry there are numerous other possible applications.

ChromaTwist CEO Professor Jon Preece, of the University of Birmingham’s College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, said: “We are delighted to be recognised in this prestigious awards scheme.  It is an important milestone in the company’s development which was born from our research discovering new materials back in 2013.   

“It has been an amazing journey so far, in such a short time, and I would like to thank staff from across the University who have helped us on our way; in particular the University of Birmingham Enterprise team who helped us with our first patent filings and guided us through the funding process to win our first investment back in 2018, as well as individuals across the University who have been invaluable as advisors and collaborators on the biological aspects of using the fluorophores as bio-imaging agents.”

Jon, Alex and Mark have also previously worked together at another University of Birmingham spinout company Irresistible Materials, which develops products used in semiconductor manufacturing.