Delivery of 10,000 units of D3S to DARPA

RNS Number : 8895M

Kromek Group PLC

19 October 2016

 

19 October 2016

Kromek Group plc

("Kromek" or the "Company")

Kromek Completes Delivery of 10,000 units of D3S Detector to DARPA

Awarded the prestigious Institute of Physics Innovation Award for 2016, specifically for the development of intelligent radiation-detection networks

Further to the announcement on 22 February 2016, Kromek (AIM: KMK), a radiation detection technology company focusing on the medical, security and nuclear markets, is pleased to announce that it has successfully completed the delivery of an initial 10,000 personal radiation detectors (D3S) in support of DARPA's SIGMA programme.  

SIGMA Programme Next Steps

The SIGMA programme is aimed at preventing attacks involving radiological "dirty bombs" and other nuclear threats in the US and globally. It has successfully developed and demonstrated a network of smartphone-sized mobile devices (Kromek's D3S) that can detect the tiniest traces of radioactive materials.

Earlier in the year, DARPA conducted a successful demonstration at one of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's major transportation hubs - the largest of its kind to date. During the month-long test, the system provided more than a 100-fold increase in ability to locate and identify sources of radiation as compared to currently installed systems. Additionally, SIGMA has been refining the algorithms for improving the radiation-sensing technology in its devices based on experience in more than 10 real-world deployments and exercises with local, state, federal and military units. A large-scale test deployment of detectors is being planned for Washington, D.C., later this year.

Looking ahead, as announced by DARPA recently, it is planning to demonstrate SIGMA's full city and regional-scale, continuous wide-area monitoring capability in 2017 and to transition the operational system to local, state and federal entities in 2018.

Dr Arnab Basu, Chief Executive Officer of Kromek, said: "We are proud to be part of the successful SIGMA programme which has sought to increase radiation detection capabilities while lowering the costs, in order to network an unprecedented number of advanced detectors and provide a comprehensive, dynamic and automated overview of the radiological environment. We look forward to participating in the roll out of the programme in Washington D.C. and elsewhere to make the cities of the US able to detect and counter the threat of dirty-bomb attacks from international as well domestic terrorists.

"As we announced earlier in the week, it is also pleasing to know that our success in the SIGMA programme has resulted in Kromek being awarded a contract by a different US defence agency to produce a ruggedised handheld radiation detection device to be used for military applications in the US and globally."  

Institute of Physics Innovation Award 2016

The prestigious Institute of Physics ("IOP") has recognised Kromek as part of their 2016 Business Innovation Awards, which celebrate high-growth businesses in the UK and Ireland that are succeeding through physics-based innovation. The award was presented to the Company last night at a parliamentary reception at the Palace of Westminster, where Kromek provided a demonstration of its capabilities to a range of MPs, peers, policymakers, business leaders and acclaimed physicists.  

Kromek received an Innovation Award for the Company's development of wireless handheld radiation detectors, in recognition of its success in bringing a new physics-based product to market that has had a transformative effect resulting in increased turnover and jobs.

President of the IOP, Professor Roy Sambles, offered his congratulations to the winners, and commended them on their fantastic achievements. "This year's winners all provide excellent examples of the way in which physics can improve and protect lives while also forming an invaluable part of the UK economy.

"Physics and physicists have vital roles to play in solving many of the challenges that the UK faces today.

"Together they lead to the development of innovative technologies that boost productivity and drive economic growth, provide advances in security and communications, improvements in energy production and use, and underpin healthcare technology."

Enquiries

Kromek Group plc
Arnab Basu, CEO Derek Bulmer, CFO	[phone]
Cenkos Securities plc
Bobbie Hilliam (NOMAD) Julian Morse (Sales)	[phone]
Luther Pendragon Ltd
Harry Chathli, Claire Norbury, Alexis Gore	[phone]

About Kromek Group plc

Kromek Group plc is a UK technology company (global HQ in County Durham) and a leading developer of high performance radiation detection products based on cadmium zinc telluride ("CZT").  Using its core CZT technology, Kromek designs develops and produces x-ray and gamma ray imaging and radiation detection products for the medical, security screening and nuclear markets.

The Group's products provide high resolution information on material composition and structure and are used in multiple applications, ranging from the identification of cancerous tissues to hazardous materials, such as explosives, and the analysis of radioactive materials.

The Group's business model provides a vertically integrated technology offering to customers, from the growth of CZT crystals to finished products or detectors, including software, electronics and application specific integrated circuits ("ASICs").

The Group has operations in the UK and US (California and Pennsylvania), and is selling internationally through a combination of distributors and direct OEM sales.

Currently, the Group has over a hundred full time employees across its global operations. Further information on Kromek Group is available at www.kromek.com.

 

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