RedKnight is delighted to announce it has supported VTEC Photonics Ltd with its successful application to the Defence and Security Accelerator’s (DASA) Rapid Detection of Toxic Gases competition. The success secures VTEC non-dilutive grant funding to continue the development of a compact, robust, and versatile multi-gas sensor to allow groundbreaking hazardous gas threat detection for defence and security applications.

The increasing need for rapid and reliable detection of toxic gases in public spaces demands innovative solutions that prioritise both accuracy and a swift response. VTEC will leverage cutting-edge technologies, including advanced laser spectroscopy, photonic integrated circuits (PICs), and micro-optics. The technology will enable simultaneous detection of a wide range of hazardous industrial chemicals, and other security-sensitive substances within a single, field- deployable device, with the potential for adaptation to detect other critical threats. Mr Jan Mink, CEO of VTEC Photonics said, “This innovation offers unprecedented advantages for security personnel. By providing real-time, multi-threat detection capabilities, VTEC’s sensor will significantly enhance situational awareness, leading to faster and more informed decision-making in critical situations. The ability to identify dangerous substances immediately translates to enhanced safety in high- risk environments. Additionally, eliminating the need for multiple single-purpose sensors streamlines operations, reducing logistical burdens and increasing personnel efficiency. ”

The DASA Rapid Detection of Toxic Gases competition sought proposals to enable the rapid detection of toxic gases to protect public spaces from chemical threats, a need that VTEC’s project directly addresses. The ultimate goal of the project is to deliver a solution that goes beyond incremental improvements. VTEC envisions a field-deployable, potentially wearable, sensor system that empowers those who protect societies security by providing continuous, real-
time threat identification, ensuring maximum protection in complex and dynamic operational scenarios.

Current technologies often suffer from delayed response times, lack of specificity, and an inability to monitor multiple threats simultaneously. VTEC’s spectroscopic sensor combats these limitations by offering real-time gas detection with precise identification capabilities. Its multi- laser design ensures versatility, empowering security forces to respond to diverse threats. Additionally, VTEC’s focus on miniaturisation results in a portable solution ideal for field
deployment enabling deployment in diverse environments vital for defence and security, such as sensitive public buildings, transportation hubs, and even open-air events. This has the potential to rapidly screen crowds for gas threats, offering enhanced security measures in potentially high- risk locations.