ProtonDx

What ProtonDx does

ProtonDx Ltd is a London-based health technology company and Imperial College London spin-out founded in 2020 by Dr Jesus Rodriguez-Manzano, Prof. Pantelis Georgiou, and Dr Nicolas Moser. It develops portable, rapid molecular diagnostic platforms based on isothermal Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) chemistry combined with proprietary magnetic bead sample preparation, targeting point-of-care use in human health, animal health, and life sciences research without the need for laboratory infrastructure.

The company's commercial flagship is Dragonfly, a portable multi-pathogen diagnostic platform delivering sample-to-result in under 30 minutes using colorimetric LAMP detection. It is CE-IVD marked (June 2022) and UK CTDA-approved (February 2023) for a 5-in-1 respiratory panel (SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A/B, RSV, HRV) with reported 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity. The SmartLid product line (Viral and Blood DNA/RNA Extraction Kits) supplies proprietary magnetic key-and-lid nucleic acid extraction kits for Research Use Only, now powered by TurboBeads technology acquired in March 2024. The next-generation Lacewing lab-on-chip platform — handheld, battery-powered, with interchangeable cartridges and Bluetooth connectivity — is in development for malaria, dengue, AMR pathogens, and other indications.

ProtonDx monetises through hardware sales of the Dragonfly system and recurring consumable test panel revenue, SmartLid kit sales via quote, exclusive distribution partnerships (notably Katalyst Laboratories), licensing, and significant non-dilutive grant funding from Innovate UK, Defra/UKRI, SBRI, and CARB-X. Customers span elite sports organizations (Team GB, Team Scotland, UK Sports Institute, Team Finland), NHS Scotland, Tesco-supplying pig farms, African research institutions (MRC The Gambia, Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro in Burkina Faso), and life sciences laboratories. Co-founder Prof. Georgiou transitioned out of the CEO role in February 2024 to commercial operator Bob Enck, with co-founders continuing as CSO (Rodriguez-Manzano) and CTO (Moser).

Name

ProtonDx

Legal name

ProtonDx Ltd

Website

https://protondx.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

ProtonDx is a London-based Imperial College spin-out developing portable, rapid molecular diagnostic platforms (Dragonfly, Lacewing) and magnetic bead-based nucleic acid extraction kits (SmartLid, TurboBeads) for point-of-care use in human health, animal health, LMICs, and life sciences research.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Point-of-Care Molecular Diagnostics

NAICS

In-Vitro Diagnostic Substance Manufacturing (325413), Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516)

SIC

In Vitro & In Vivo Diagnostic Substances (2835), Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826)

akta.pro primary industry

Molecular Diagnostics (PCR/NAAT/NGS-based IVD) (HLAHAAAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Molecular Diagnostics (PCR/qPCR, NGS-based assays) (HLAAALAA), Rapid On-Site Environmental Testing Kits & Instruments (Lateral Flow, PCR, ATP Devices) (AFALAEAK)

Keywords

• Molecular diagnostics
• Point-of-care testing
• Nucleic acid extraction
• Isothermal amplification
• Lab-on-chip devices

Headquarters

HQ city

London

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Dragonfly Diagnostic System Sales: ProtonDx sells the Dragonfly hardware platform and associated test panels (single-use disposable detection kits). The system is CE-IVD marked and UK CTDA approved for sale in EU and UK markets. Recurring revenue comes from consumable test panel sales.
2. SmartLid Extraction Kit Sales: Sale of SmartLid Viral and Blood DNA/RNA Extraction Kits for research use. Kits include reusable magnetic keys and consumable components (lysis buffer, magnetic beads, enzymes, SmartLids, tubes).
3. Grant Funding: Non-dilutive funding from government bodies (CARB-X, Innovate UK, Defra/UKRI) for R&D projects targeting specific applications (pediatric LRTIs, porcine lung diseases, malaria).
4. Licensing and Distribution Partnerships: Exclusive distribution rights granted to partners like Katalyst Laboratories for specific market segments. Technology licensing for custom applications.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

ProtonDx develops and sells portable molecular diagnostic platforms and proprietary nucleic acid extraction kits for point-of-care use. Its flagship Dragonfly platform delivers PCR-equivalent multi-pathogen detection (respiratory viruses, malaria) in under 30 minutes using isothermal LAMP chemistry, while SmartLid kits provide rapid magnetic bead-based DNA/RNA extraction for research laboratories. The in-development Lacewing handheld lab-on-chip platform extends the offering to fully automated multi-pathogen cartridge-based testing.

Product overview

ProtonDx offers a portfolio of rapid molecular diagnostic platforms and nucleic acid extraction products for human health, animal health, and life sciences research. The core Dragonfly platform provides portable, rapid, multi-pathogen molecular diagnostics using isothermal LAMP technology with colorimetric detection. SmartLid kits (Viral and Blood variants) provide proprietary magnetic bead-based nucleic acid extraction for research use. The Lacewing platform is in development as a handheld lab-on-chip system with interchangeable cartridges. TurboBeads, acquired technology, powers the SmartLid extraction kits. The Dragonfly Respiratory Test Panel (5-in-1) and Dragonfly Malaria Test represent specific assay panels. All products emphasize portability, rapid results (under 30-45 minutes), and point-of-need deployment without laboratory requirements.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Dragonfly: Portable, rapid, multi-pathogen molecular diagnostic platform for point-of-care testing. Detects multiple respiratory pathogens including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, RSV, and rhinovirus in under 30 minutes.
• SmartLid
• LyoLAMP
• TurboBeads
• Lacewing

Products and services

• Dragonfly Molecular Platform Portable, rapid, multi-pathogen molecular diagnostic platform using isothermal LAMP chemistry with colorimetric detection to deliver PCR-equivalent sensitivity and specificity in under 30 minutes. Sample-to-result workflow is supported by a companion mobile app for guided workflow, automatic result capture, and data management, with no calibration, maintenance, or benchtop equipment required.
• Dragonfly Respiratory Test Panel Single-use disposable multiplex panel for simultaneous detection and differentiation of SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A, Influenza B, RSV, and Human Rhinovirus from a single respiratory swab on the Dragonfly platform, delivering PCR-equivalent results in under 30 minutes.
• Dragonfly Malaria Test Molecular test for detection of malaria parasites from finger-prick blood samples on the Dragonfly platform, validated for detecting asymptomatic carriers in field settings in The Gambia and Burkina Faso.
• SmartLid Viral RNA/DNA Extraction Kit Research Use Only kit using the proprietary SmartLid magnetic key and lid technology to extract viral RNA and DNA through Lysis, Wash, and Elution steps without centrifugation or extensive pipetting.
• SmartLid Blood DNA/RNA Extraction Kit Research Use Only kit for rapid extraction of DNA and RNA from whole blood samples using SmartLid magnetic bead technology, capable of lysing and purifying nucleic acids from viruses, gram-negative bacteria, gram-positive bacteria, and certain parasites. Sold as a Starter Kit (12 reusable magnetic keys plus refill components) with a separate Refill Kit for ongoing use.
• Lacewing Lab-on-Chip Platform Handheld, battery-powered diagnostic platform in development using microfluidic technology and interchangeable cartridges for multi-pathogen detection, combining sample homogenization, ultra-pure nucleic acid extraction, and label-free microchip-based electrochemical molecular detection. Connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth for data analysis and reporting, targeting malaria, dengue, aspergillus, SARS-CoV-2, and bacterial pathogens.
• TurboBeads Magnetic Bead Technology High-performance superparamagnetic bead technology acquired by ProtonDx to power the SmartLid extraction kits, delivering ultra-fast nucleic acid isolation for research-use workflows.
• Solvent-free Wash Buffer Research product for nucleic acid extraction workflows, designed to minimize environmental impact and complement the SmartLid and TurboBeads platforms.
• LyoLAMP Life sciences product line in the ProtonDx Life Sciences portfolio, focused on molecular amplification reagents for research applications.

Quantifiable outcome

• Detected >95% of all malaria infections, including 95% of cases undetectable by microscope or lateral-flow devices
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Katalyst LaboratoriescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 9 January 2023Strategic partnership granting Katalyst exclusive rights to distribute Dragonfly multi-pathogen detection system in specific client segments including film and TV production industries. Katalyst focuses on providing disruptive diagnostic solutions for operational continuity.
• Imperial College LondoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProtonDx is a spinout company founded by researchers from Imperial College. The company maintains deep collaboration with Imperial's Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Department of Infectious Disease, Centre for Antimicrobial Optimisation (CAMO), and Bio-inspired Technology labs. Dr Jesus Rodriguez-Manzano serves as Associate Professor and Deputy Director of CAMO.
• IMPACT-Farm Alliance (UK Agri-Tech Centre, Ceva, Pilgrim's Europe, Imperial College)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLarge R&D Partnership grant from Innovate UK Farming Innovation Programme to advance Lacewing for AMR and pig disease diagnostics. The alliance includes UK Agri-Tech Centre, Ceva (animal health), Pilgrim's Europe (pork producer), and Imperial College London researchers.
• PACE-AMR ProgrammecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProtonDx was selected for the PACE-AMR programme to adapt Dragonfly for rapid urinary tract infection (UTI) testing. PACE-AMR is a high-impact initiative dedicated to accelerating antimicrobial resistance innovations.
• TescomajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDragonfly won the 2025 Tesco Agri T-Jam competition. As part of the prize, Dragonfly will be deployed in trials on up to 50 Tesco-supplying farms. Includes mentoring from Tesco's Sustainable Agriculture team and membership of Agri-TechE.
• Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium (MTEC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProtonDx became a MTEC member to join the mission advancing medical solutions for military personnel and civilians.
• Digital Diagnostics for Africa NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner71-member interdisciplinary network from 23 organizations across 11 countries working to re-imagine healthcare models in Africa through digital diagnostics. Co-led by Professor Georgiou and Dr Rodriguez-Manzano from ProtonDx along with Imperial College colleagues.
• Virtual DoctorsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr Daniel Grace from Virtual Doctors evaluated Dragonfly during the Livingstone Revisited Expedition in Zambia. Virtual Doctors provides telemedicine to remote healthcare clinics.
• Scientific Exploration Society (SES)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSES, a British grant-giving charity dedicated to exploring and conserving the planet, backed the Livingstone Revisited Expedition that included Dragonfly diagnostic evaluation.
• POCT-for-ScotminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPOCT-for-Scot Ltd completed an independent service evaluation of Dragonfly for point-of-care settings across Scotland NHS.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Cepheid: Cepheid (a Danaher company) markets the GeneXpert system, the gold-standard point-of-care molecular diagnostics platform used widely in hospitals, clinics, and reference labs. It is the most direct competitor to ProtonDx's Dragonfly in the rapid multiplex molecular POC space.
• bioMérieux (BioFire): bioMérieux's BioFire FilmArray is a leading syndromic molecular diagnostic panel platform deployed in clinical settings. It competes directly with Dragonfly in multi-pathogen respiratory testing and represents the entrenched incumbent ProtonDx must displace.
• Molbio Diagnostics: Molbio Diagnostics (TrueNAT) is an India-based POC molecular diagnostics platform with strong adoption across LMICs for TB, HIV, and infectious disease screening. It is one of the closest peers to ProtonDx in combining portable molecular diagnostics with global-health deployment.
• OptiGene: OptiGene is a UK-based molecular diagnostics company specializing in isothermal LAMP amplification technology. It is one of the closest technological peers to ProtonDx, with overlapping LAMP-based detection chemistry used in agricultural, veterinary, and human health applications.
• Cue Health: Cue Health developed a connected, portable molecular diagnostic cartridge platform for at-home and POC use. It is a direct competitor in the portable molecular POC space, particularly relevant for consumer-grade and decentralized testing models ProtonDx targets.
• Eiken Chemical: Eiken Chemical is the originator of LAMP (Loop-mediated isothermal amplification) technology and a leading Japanese diagnostics manufacturer. It is the foundational technology peer for ProtonDx's core isothermal amplification chemistry and a relevant comparator in clinical LAMP diagnostics.
• Visby Medical: Visby Medical develops single-use, instrument-free PCR diagnostic devices for rapid infectious disease testing. Its handheld PCR platform directly parallels ProtonDx's goal of bringing laboratory-grade molecular diagnostics to truly portable point-of-care settings.

Broad incumbents

• Abbott (ID NOW): Abbott's ID NOW is a rapid isothermal (and rapid PCR) molecular platform for point-of-care infectious disease testing. As a division of diversified diagnostics giant Abbott, it competes with ProtonDx in CLIA-waived POC settings with broader respiratory and infectious disease menus.
• QuidelOrtho: QuidelOrtho (formed by Quidel-Ortho Clinical Diagnostics merger) offers broad rapid diagnostics across immunoassay and molecular platforms including Sofia and Triage. It competes with ProtonDx in respiratory POC testing as a larger diversified incumbent.
• IDEXX Laboratories: IDEXX is the global leader in companion-animal diagnostics and a major player in livestock and water testing. It is a relevant comparable for ProtonDx's animal-health expansion (porcine lung disease, AMR diagnostics) where it sets the standard for veterinary POC testing.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/ProtonDx
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/protondx

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about ProtonDx