Kromek awarded first biological contract by DARPA

10 December 2018

Kromek Group plc

("Kromek" or the "Company")

Kromek awarded first biological-threat detection contract by the US Department of Defense

DARPA-sponsored project to develop a system that will identify the pathogen used in a biological attack

Kromek, a worldwide supplier of detection technology focusing on the medical, security and civil nuclear markets, is pleased to announce that it has been awarded its first contract for biological-threat detection by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency ("DARPA"), an agency of the US Department of Defense.

The contract, which is worth $1.99 million over a twelve-month period and commences immediately, is to develop a proof-of-concept device for a vehicle-mounted biological-threat identifier. This project expands the application of Kromek's technology to include biological-threat detection and builds on the success of the Company's work with DARPA in nuclear-threat detection using the D3S product family. Following the initial twelve-month period, the contract could potentially be extended to a multi-year contract for the development of a fully deployable system.

The project aims to develop a next-generation vehicle-mounted system capable of rapidly identifying the pathogens used in any biological attack, enabling a quicker response and reduced harm to people and the environment. The new system will reduce the detection and pathogen identification time significantly compared to current systems. The completed system aims to extend the existing SIGMA network for biological threats as part of DARPA's new SIGMA+ initiative.

Dr Arnab Basu, CEO of Kromek, said: "As the SIGMA programme has begun transitioning to the US Department of Homeland Security, DARPA is turning its focus to add the next generation of biological-threat detection systems.

"We are delighted to be awarded this additional contract from DARPA, as it expands our relationship with them and broadens our expertise into biological threat detection, adding to our radiological and nuclear threat detection capabilities."

About Kromek Group plc

Kromek Group plc is a UK technology Group (global HQ in County Durham) and a leading developer of high-performance radiation detection products based on cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) and other advanced technologies. Using its core technology platforms, Kromek designs, develops and produces x-ray and gamma-ray imaging and radiation detection products for the medical, security screening and nuclear markets.

The Group's products provide high-resolution information on material composition and structure and are used in multiple applications, ranging from the identification of cancerous tissues to hazardous materials, such as explosives, and the analysis of radioactive materials.

The Group's business model provides a vertically integrated technology offering to customers, from radiation detector materials to finished products or detectors, including software, electronics and application specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

The Group has operations in the UK and US (California and Pennsylvania), and is selling internationally through a combination of distributors and direct OEM sales.

Currently, the Group has over one hundred full-time employees across its global operations. Further information on the Kromek Group is available at www.kromek.com