Scottish business award for spectroscopy expert

D3 Technologies was honoured with the spin-out recognition award at the University of Strathclyde Enterprise Awards

D3 Technologies Ltd, a leader in Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS), and a subsidiary of world-leading metrology and spectroscopy company Renishaw plc, was honoured with a spin-out recognition award at the recent University of Strathclyde Enterprise Awards. The award recognised D3 for its work on trace detection used in drug development, forensic science and medical diagnostics.

A successful spin-out from the University of Strathclyde, D3 Technologies attracted the interest of Renishaw plc, which acquired a 75% interest in the newly formed company in July 2007. Part of the investment was then used by D3 to purchase the business and assets of the analytical business unit ("ABU") operated by Mesophotonics Limited, a spin-out company from the University of Southampton. The ABU develops and manufactures substrates used in SERS applications.

The Strathclyde Enterprise Awards aim to give recognition to some of Scotland’s smartest and most inventive businesses which have been supported by the University's enterprise network. At the awards ceremony hosted by stv presenter Debi Edward, nine awards were granted for projects as diverse as drug development, website creation, environmentally-sound kettles and coffee cups with adaptable handles.

Speaking about his company’s award, Professor Ewen Smith, D3’s CEO, said, “We are delighted to receive this award which recognises the work of all our team in developing improved DNA-based diagnostic tests to detect diseases, or the genetic predisposition to diseases. I would also like to thank the University of Strathclyde and Renishaw for their support and belief in the work of D3.”

Dr David McBeth, Director of Research and Innovation at Strathclyde, said: "The awards have been presented to give credit to the innovative, creative companies the University has advised and supported and to inspire others to follow their example.”

About D3 Technologies Ltd
D3 provides trace level detection solutions for applications including drug development, forensic detection, medical diagnostics, homeland security and general analytical chemistry.

The company's principal products are Klarite® substrates for Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) offering unparalleled levels of reproducibility and signal consistency enabling rapid detection to parts per billion level. The company has unique surface chemistry to maximise the potential of SERRS as a detection technique and is developing clinical diagnostic products with superior performance.

D3 formed around a team involving professors Ewen Smith and Duncan Graham, and Dr Karen Faulds from Strathclyde University Chemistry Department and life sciences entrepreneur Jim Reid. D3 is a subsidiary of Renishaw plc and a spin out from Strathclyde University.

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