Portable. Immediate. Life-saving.
Real-time poisonous compound detection for the environments that matter most
About nanosense
Sensing the Invisible. Delivering Safety. Safeguarding Lives.
NanoSense has developed a patented, handheld optical sensor that detects volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semi-volatile compounds (SVOCs) and pathogens in real time — without the bulk, cost or complexity of traditional laboratory equipment.
Where today’s gold-standard Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) equipment weighs 240kg, costs upward of £50,000 and requires specialist training, NanoSense puts the same detection capability in the palm of your hand.
Founded in 2013, our technology is patented across the UK, US, Europe and Japan, and has been demonstrated to leading healthcare and government institutions worldwide.
1
Handheld and portable
Same size as an iPad. No lab, - etc.
2
Immediate Results
Analysis delivered in real time. No sending samples away. No waiting days for answers.
3
Multi-compound detection
Device can selectively identify individual compounds and pathogens of interest in complex mixtures across all applications.
4
Globally Patented IP
Proprietary nanotechnology protected in the UK, US, EU and Japan.
5
Proven Performance
Independently tested and proven by National Physical Laboratory UK.
OUR SOLUTIONS
One platform. Five critical industries.
HEALTHCARE
BreathInsight
Early cancer detection from a single breath.
AVIATION — CASS
CabinSense
Aircraft cabin air quality — detected instantly.
PUBLIC HEALTH
ViruSense
Virus detection without the wait.
MILITARY & SECURITY
ChemSense
Chemical agent detection in the field.
WORKPLACE & PUBLIC SAFETY
EnviroSense
Continuous ambient safety monitoring.
The Technology
The NanoSense sensor replaces a 240kg laboratory instrument with a 164g handheld device — delivering the same compound identification in real time, anywhere.
Takes the Mass out of Mass Spectrometry.
Device Specifications
Weight
164 g
Form factor
Patents
UK · US · EU · Japan
1
Compound-specific coatings
Each nano-coating layer is engineered to bind specifically to target VOC or SVOC molecules. Multiple coatings allow simultaneous multi-compound screening.
2
Optical interference detection
When target compounds bind to the coating, the optical interference pattern of the layer changes in a measurable, compound-specific way — no wet chemistry required.
3
Onboard signal processing
Pattern changes are analysed in real time by embedded software. Compounds are identified within seconds and results displayed directly on the device.
BreathInsight: a gamechanger in cancer detection
The world’s first portable, breath-based VOC and SVOC compound detector for early cancer detection.
AVIATION — CASS
The air at 35,000 feet may not be as safe as you think.
Aircraft cabin air is bled directly from jet engines. When seals fail, toxic organophosphates enter the cabin — with no sensor to detect them.
MILITARY & SECURITY — CHEMSENSE
In the field, a second's delay can be the difference.
Nuclear, biological and chemical, NBC threats require instant detection. Legacy CBRN equipment is heavy, expensive and slow. ChemSense puts lab-grade compound identification in a soldier’s hand.
ENVIROSENSE - WORKPLACE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Health-risk events happen. Don't let them go undetected.
PUBLIC HEALTH — VIRUSENSE
The next pandemic is not a question of if but when.
Covid-19 cost the world 6.7 million lives and $28 trillion. The lesson was clear — early detection is the only answer. ViruSense delivers real-time virus detection without the wait.
Our Team
Who is behind NanoSense?
David Newman
CEO
Background: David Newman, a seasoned entrepreneur with a robust background in electronic, electromechanical, automotive, and heavy engineering, leads the commercial aspects of the company.
Experience: His experience spans over a decade in military service and another decade learning international business realities. He has a proven track record in various industries, including telecoms, advertising, and IT.
Roles and Contributions: David is responsible for the day-to-day management, marketing strategies, commercial due diligence, project creation, and managing the IP portfolios. His leadership is pivotal in steering the company towards commercial success.
Prof. J. Ramsden
Chief Scientist
Background: Honorary Professor of Nanotechnology at Buckingham University, UK, Prof. Ramsden brings a wealth of knowledge in nanotechnology and optical fibre sensors.
Qualifications: With a doctorate in chemical physics and extensive research experience, he has authored over 200 research articles and co-invented three patents.
Roles and Contributions: As the Technical Director, Prof.
Ramsden oversees the scientific and technical development of the company’s products, ensuring they are at the forefront of the industry.
Mark Gilmore
COO
Background: A founding Director of Viridis Navitas Capital Partners Ltd, Mark brings over two decades of experience in senior and executive sales management and operations.
Experience: His diverse experience ranges from IT start-ups, FTSE 500 companies, VCs and PE with an unparalleled track-record in delivery.
Roles and Contributions: Mark’s role encompasses managing sales and operations. He plays a crucial role in driving the company’s growth and ensuring operational excellence.
Steven Strauss
CFO
Steven is a Chartered Accountant and Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Steven manages tax and finance for the NanoSense Group of Companies.
Tom Benzie
Head of Product Development
Background: With nearly 36 years in the aerospace industry, Tom Benzie has specialised in engineering systems for both human and equipment conditioning.
Expertise: His passion for ensuring aircraft passenger safety aligns with the company’s goals in the aviation sector.
Roles and Contributions: Tom leads the application development of the technology, particularly in the aviation sector, bringing valuable industry insights and technical expertise.
Adam Bishop
Commercial Director
Background: Adam is a commercial innovator with a strong technical foundation in Physics with Medical Applications (QEC, London University) and early experience in the emerging data communications industry.
Experience: He has held commercial roles at GEC Plessey and British Telecom and later built his own ventures in sub-sea cables, data centres and the water industry, repeatedly using disruptive technology to challenge monopolies in complex global markets.
Roles and Contributions: Adam has developed and led new commercial operations in technically and contractually complex environments worldwide and, for the past decade.
Trevor Stanley
Experience: His career spans brand management at Glaxo, a 20-year tenure at Molnlycke, and leadership roles at Draeger Medical Devices and IDX Systems International, later acquired by GE Healthcare. He has also held senior roles with Quest Diagnostics, Axellis, Milliman, and Hearst Corporation.
Roles and Contributions: Trevor has led startups to revenue generation, secured venture capital investment, and most recently directed international sales and marketing operations for a Nasdaq-listed medical device company.
Humberto Goyen
Strategy & Marketing Director
Expert in strategy and business development at startups, scaleups, and enterprises in over 55 countries. A former consultant with top-tier firms Booz Allen Hamilton and Strategy& (PWC).
Ready for a Gentler Approach to Early Detection?
A quick NanoSense test could bring clarity when you need it most. Start a conversation.