Cleveland-based IdentifySensors Biologics is developing Check4, a portable digital diagnostic platform that uses graphene-based printed biosensors to detect infectious pathogens and cancer biomarkers from saliva or blood. Founded by trauma surgeon and former NASA medical consultant Greg Hummer and data scientist Matthew Hummer, the company connects its electronic tests to cloud-based analysis rather than relying on conventional laboratory workflows. Its products remain under development and are not yet approved for sale.
Hememics Biotechnologies, IncHememics Biotechnologies develops graphene-based biosensors and antibody-screening systems, including its FAST™ reader and disposable multiplexed chips that assess antibody–antigen binding in less than an hour. Based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, the company also develops HemChip® platforms for portable, simultaneous detection of biological and chemical targets. Its founding team combines blood-platelet research with experience engineering graphene sensor hardware and software.GAITHERSBURG, MD
Prompt DiagnosticsBaltimore-based Prompt Diagnostics develops portable molecular diagnostic platforms that bring laboratory-quality PCR testing to the point of care, with results in under 20 minutes. Co-founded by biomedical engineer Alex Trick and Johns Hopkins professor Tza-Huei (Jeff) Wang, the company built its platform around magnetofluidic cartridge technology invented during Trick’s doctoral research. Prompt is applying that technology to infectious-disease testing, including work on HIV, syphilis, and drug-resistant gonorrhea in low-resource settings.BALTIMORE, MD
Advanced Biomimetic Sensors, IncFounded in 2006 by CEO Ellen T. Chen, Ph.D., Bethesda-based Advanced Biomimetic Sensors is a woman-owned small business developing medical diagnostic and monitoring devices built around nanobiomimetic, reagent-free sensing. Its work includes handheld systems for triple-negative breast cancer monitoring and blood-glucose testing, alongside the patented QSensing® platform for detecting proteins in human serum. The company’s technology has received National Innovation Awards in 2017 and 2018 and a National Defense Innovation Award in 2022.BETHESDA, MD
Kalix TechnologiesKalix Technologies develops portable molecular diagnostic systems that let farmers and veterinarians test animal, food, water, and agricultural samples on-site in about an hour. Based in Centerville, Ohio, the company combines PCR testing with automated analysis and cloud-based data tools, including a compact unit that can process up to 16 samples at once. Kalix was selected for the AgLaunch365 accelerator and received support through Ohio’s Third Frontier Technology Validation and Startup Fund.DAYTON, OH