Radiation detection firm Kromek wins $1.99m contract with US Department of Defense

A radiation detection technology company, which as a research base in Huddersfield, has secured its first contract for biological-threat detection by an agency of the US Department of Defense.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has awarded the $1.99m contract to Kromek to work over a twelve-month period.

Kromek is to develop a proof-of-concept device for a vehicle-mounted biological-threat identifier.

This system will be capable of identifying the pathogens used in any biological attack, with an aim of enabling a quicker response and reduced harm to people and the environment.

The new system aims to extend the existing SIGMA network for biological threats as part of DARPA’s new SIGMA+ initiative.

This project expands the application of Kromek’s technology to include biological-threat detection and builds on its work with DARPA in nuclear-threat detection using the D3S product family.

Following the initial twelve-month period, the contract could potentially be extended to a multi-year contract for the development of a fully deployable system.

Dr Arnab Basu, CEO of Kromek, said: “As the SIGMA programme has begun transitioning to the US Department of Homeland Security, DARPA is turning its focus to add the next generation of biological-threat detection systems.

“We are delighted to be awarded this additional contract from DARPA, as it expands our relationship with them and broadens our expertise into biological threat detection, adding to our radiological and nuclear threat detection capabilities.”

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