Kromek Group secures UKRI grant for AI-powered radiation sensor project

Kromek Group plc (AIM: KMK), a renowned developer in radiation and bio-detection technology solutions, has announced securing a significant grant of £1.3 million under the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Horizon Europe guarantee scheme. This funding is earmarked for their participation in the ambitious Intelligent Radiation Sensor Readout System (i-RASE) project, a pioneering initiative aimed at developing an advanced class of radiation sensors enhanced by artificial intelligence (AI).

The i-RASE project stands at the forefront of a collaborative effort between leading industrial and academic entities across Denmark, Germany, Norway, and Italy. Spearheaded by DTU Space, the consortium’s goal is to harness the capabilities of cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) alongside other cutting-edge technologies to fabricate a novel radiation detector. This detector promises to leverage the latest strides in AI technology to extract comprehensive incident radiation information, thereby elevating measurement precision and speed while optimizing energy consumption.

Scheduled to commence on March 1, 2024, and spanning 48 months, the project aims to revolutionize various radiation application domains including medical imaging, industrial inspection, space science instrumentation, and environmental monitoring. Such advancements could significantly impact the quality and efficiency of cancer and Alzheimer’s disease detection, industrial contamination identification, and aviation security, among others.

This initiative is part of the broader European Union’s Horizon Europe programme, which seeks to enhance collaboration and amplify the impact of research and innovation efforts in supporting EU policies and addressing global challenges. The UK’s association with this program through Kromek’s participation is facilitated by a £1.3 million contribution from UKRI on behalf of the UK government’s Department for Science, Innovation & Technology.

Arnab Basu, CEO of Kromek, articulated the importance of this collaboration, stating, “With the increasing prevalence of AI, Kromek has for several years been exploring the application of machine learning across its technologies, and has generated some significant IP in this area. This collaboration brings an opportunity to enhance our expertise by working with field-leading partners throughout Europe, and ultimately lead to improved capabilities of our products across our market segments.”

Kromek Group plc, headquartered in County Durham, UK, with manufacturing operations in the UK and US, is at the helm of innovation in the advanced imaging and CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) detection sectors. Their core technology, based on cadmium zinc telluride (CZT), is pivotal in advancing OEM customers’ abilities to detect critical conditions such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, ensuring safety in industrial and aviation settings, and bolstering homeland security against ‘dirty bomb’ threats.

The grant underscores the UK’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in the realm of scientific research and technological development. It also highlights Kromek Group plc’s pivotal role in advancing the field of radiation detection and bio-detection technology, setting a new benchmark for the integration of artificial intelligence in enhancing global safety and healthcare outcomes.

The UKRI grant awarded to Kromek Group plc for the i-RASE project represents a significant step forward in the integration of artificial intelligence into radiation detection technologies. By leveraging AI, Kromek aims to significantly enhance the performance and efficiency of radiation detectors, which could have far-reaching implications for medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and security. This project exemplifies the potential of collaborative research and innovation in addressing complex challenges and advancing technological frontiers.