Track Record

Diagnostics and biosensors

Ithaka worked with Dr Sabine Bahn of Cambridge University to found Psynova Neurotech in 2005 to exploit her research into biomarkers for neuropsychiatric disorders. Initially appointed by the Cambridge University Proof of Concept Fund to develop a business plan, Paul Rodgers was subsequently appointed as non-executive director to lead the commercial and fund raising activities.
Over £5M of funding has been secured from investors, a corporate partner and an EU Framework 7 grant;
A corporate deal with a US company in 2008 has positioned Psynova to launch its first product, a diagnostic test for schizophrenia, in 2009; and
A pharmaceutical company collaboration is exploring the use Psynova’s proprietary biomarkers in drug discovery and development.

deltaDOT is an exciting, early-stage Life Science company, commercialising novel detection technology originating from Imperial College, London. The company has developed a capillary electrophoresis platform with multiple applications for the separation and characterisation of biological molecules and particles.
Ithaka was engaged by deltaDOT to support development of a commercial strategy for the technology platform and is now commencing a second phase of work to provide additional marketing and product management resources as the Company’s customer base grows.
Working closely with the Company’s R&D, Sales and Operations Teams, Ithaka has assisted with prioritisation of the applications for commercialisation and is now helping to strengthen product and customer support packages in partnership with the deltaDOT team.

Ithaka was engaged in 2001 by University of Cambridge Challenge Fund (UCF) to assess the commercial potential of a patent portfolio relating to sensor holograms. Ithaka evaluated the intellectual property (IP), assessed the technology and reviewed the market opportunities. The assessment led to a recommendation to form a company to exploit the IP.
Ithaka led the formation of Smart Holograms and Dr Rodgers served in a number of Board roles: interim CEO then as Non-Executive Chairman in 2003 and later as a Non-Executive Director until resigning in 2006.
Milestones achieved include:
- Funding of over £8M secured from a consortium of international venture capital funds, various grants and deals with five blue chip corporate partners;
- Recruitment of a senior management team, including CEO, Chief Technology Officer, Finance director, HR Director, and an experienced Non-Executive Chairman;
- The company now has over 30 employees and is currently commissioning a pilot manufacturing plant in preparation for its first product launch.

Expertise and experience