Mode Labs Secures £3M Investment to Transform Chemical Sensing.
Oxford, UK – 16/04/2025 - Mode Labs have developed a new chemical sensing platform that will deliver plug-and-play laboratory measurement capabilities in the field, with 10,000x increased sensitivity, 6x longer deployments, at 10% of the cost of existing solutions.
A spinout from the University of Oxford based at Begbroke Science Park in Oxfordshire, Mode Labs builds on over 15 years of research at Oxford’s Departments of Chemistry and Materials. The founding team includes Professor Claire Vallance (Chemistry) and Professor Jason Smith (Materials), alongside CEO Dr Dean James and Head of Engineering Dr Daniel Miles-Barrett.
From left to right: Dr Daniel Miles-Barrett (Head of Engineering), Dr Dean James (CEO), Prof. Claire Vallance (Technical Director)
Their patented platform technology can be expanded to measure almost any analyte in liquid, with applications across water quality monitoring, wastewater treatment, aquaculture, and security markets. Using technology originally designed for quantum computing, Mode Labs’ technique uses 1,000x less chemical reagent and 400x less power than existing systems, enabling long-term deployment of robust miniaturised devices in even the most challenging of locations.
Left: Prof. Jason Smith showing a 3x3mm microcavity substrate. Right: Laser light enters and reflects in the microcavity, interacting with the fluid sample.
With tightening environmental regulations driving demand, Mode Labs have identified a key market opportunity in real-time water monitoring. The Environment Act 2021 (s.82) mandates the installation of 40,000 multiparameter chemical sensors across England and Wales by 2035 to monitor and provide immediate feedback on the chemical emissions of combined sewer overflows. Globally, more than one million sensors will be needed for each major pollutant.
Having successfully validated their proof-of-concept devices in both laboratory and field trials, this £3M investment will enable Mode Labs to scale its engineering team, productise the existing prototypes, and bring its first products to market – focusing initially on Total Phosphorus and Ammonia monitoring of rivers and streams.
“This investment will unlock access to precision chemical monitoring for anyone, anytime, anywhere. With low-cost plug-and-play devices we can deliver clear and concise measurement data where it is needed most. Working with our customers, our mission is to protect the environment and human health by monitoring and reporting changes to our ecosystems in real-time, allowing for immediate intervention.”
The funding round was led by Oxford Science Enterprises, in conjunction with UOIF (University of Oxford Investment Fund), and GK Goh Ventures. The investment was facilitated by Mills & Reeve, providing expert legal, investment and IP advice, alongside Oxford University Innovation, the University’s technology transfer office.
“Though critical across many industries, measurement of chemical parameters has historically required prohibitively high capital investment, a significant ongoing maintenance burden, and complex technical training. Mode Labs’ unique approach will allow users to unlock the true value of real-time chemical data at a fraction of the cost.”
