Key Takeaways
- Oxford Technology has invested in Accelerated Diagnostics, a company developing ultra-rapid diagnostic technology capable of identifying infectious diseases directly on farms in as little as one minute.
- The platform identifies pathogens from simple saliva samples without laboratory-based PCR testing, with a target market launch in autumn 2026.
- An initial application is rapid detection of bovine tuberculosis in cattle, with the platform also adaptable for Newcastle Disease in poultry and other veterinary infections through pathogen-specific reagents.
- The investment, made through Oxford Technology's SEIS- and EIS-eligible funds, will extend the company's runway until 2027 and support its first commercial sales.
- Accelerated Diagnostics was founded by Dr Mana Saeed, an electrochemical biosensor specialist, and Andrew Wheeler, a healthcare entrepreneur with experience across the NHS, veterinary, and diagnostics sectors.
Oxford Technology Backs One-Minute On-Farm Diagnostics Platform
Oxford Technology has announced an investment in Accelerated Diagnostics, a company developing ultra-rapid diagnostic technology designed to identify infectious diseases directly on farms in as little as one minute. The company is building a low-cost testing platform capable of detecting pathogens from simple saliva samples within a minute, removing the need for laboratory-based PCR testing. The technology is targeting a market launch in autumn 2026.
Targeting Bovine Tuberculosis and Other Livestock Diseases
One of Accelerated Diagnostics‘ intended applications is the rapid detection of tuberculosis in cattle, an area where current testing methods can be costly, slow, and operationally difficult for farmers and veterinarians to manage. The platform is also being developed to detect a broader range of pathogens, with each disease identified using a pathogen-specific reagent. Beyond bovine tuberculosis, the system is being adapted for diseases including Newcastle Disease in poultry and a range of other veterinary infections.
While the company's initial focus is on veterinary markets — where the regulatory pathway is expected to allow faster commercial deployment — the underlying technology also has potential applications in human healthcare, including rapid infection identification and more accurate antibiotic prescribing support.
Investment Structure and Use of Proceeds
The investment from Oxford Technology comes through its latest funds, which take advantage of SEIS (Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme) and EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme) tax reliefs. The capital will extend Accelerated Diagnostics' runway until 2027 and is intended to support the company in achieving its first commercial sales.
Founders and Investor Perspectives
Accelerated Diagnostics was founded by Dr Mana Saeed, who completed her PhD in Electronic Engineering specializing in electrochemical biosensors, and Andrew Wheeler, a healthcare entrepreneur who has founded three previous businesses and brings connections across the NHS, veterinary, and diagnostics sectors.
“Accelerated Diagnostics is developing technology that could significantly improve how infectious diseases are detected in veterinary and, eventually, human healthcare settings. Fast, affordable, point-of-care diagnostics have the potential to improve outcomes, reduce costs, and support better disease control on a global scale. We are very excited to support the team as they advance the platform toward commercialisation,” said Lucius Cary, founder of Oxford Technology.
“Oxford Technology is an excellent fit for Accelerated Diagnostics. Their experience in supporting innovative science and technology businesses, combined with their long-term approach, makes them an ideal partner for our next stage of growth. This investment allows us to accelerate development of a portfolio of rapid diagnostic tests across both human and animal health. Our initial focus is on veterinary applications, working alongside government agencies and organisations in low- and middle-income countries where fast, affordable diagnostics can have a significant impact. We are particularly excited to be building the business within the North West's thriving biotechnology sector and working with partners who share our vision of making advanced diagnostics more accessible, practical and affordable around the world,” said Dr Mana Saeed, Co-Founder of Accelerated Diagnostics.
