Supporting the development of a rapid COVID-19 test 

Stemnovate is a Cambridge based company, which has developed COVID-19 rapid testing technology that is accurate and faster than commercial alternatives.

In June 2020 the company also introduced a new, more accurate, method for testing at airports, schools and offices. The Stemnovate test kit had to run for one hour to confidently identify a positive COVID test, and since then the company had been working on reducing the detection time. Through the programme NPL’s Biometrology and Electronic & Magnetic Materials groups worked together with Stemnovate to identify a solution to increase the sensitivity of the COVID detection, significantly reducing the detection time.

The Stemnovate team are now able to detect the results within 10 minutes. This rapid detection is a game-changing technology for COVID-19 testing, in particular, for airport testing as it would allow passengers to be cleared as healthy before travel. The company intends to manufacture the kits at Babraham Research Campus and is now seeking support to scale up the operation. 

COVID-19 is a challenge for businesses and life, and we have a solution that is accurate, fast and scalable. We worked on a scientific technology that is measurable to set measurement standards and quality assurance at a fast turnround time and designed for manufacturing at a scale and speed. NPL provides the best support for SMEs for overcoming challenges in measurement and building highest quality products. The scientific team is fantastic to work with, and we will be working together to create products that have an impact in the real world

Dr Ruchi Sharma - CEO - Stemnovate