Ionica Sciences

Ionica Sciences was established in 2013 to apply spectroscopic approaches to detection of biologically relevant targets, including pathogens, hormones or other indicators of disease. Leveraging the chemical, spectroscopic and biochemical expertise of the cofounders, Ionica aims to develop platforms that will facilitate development of inexpensive assays for use in point of care settings without the need for lengthy preparation times, extensive instrumentation, or significant training of operators. The co-founders of Ionica Sciences have a combined 40 years of research experience, working in the areas of chemistry, vibrational spectroscopy, molecular biology, and biotechnology, and applying these fields to the development, optimization, and product engineering of novel biological and chemical detection systems. The cofounders have extensive experience in winning US federal Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) grants in their previous position. Bringing in $30 million in funding from Phase I and Phase II programs, projects run by the co-founders have resulting in numerous detection methods for biological and chemical targets. One such Phase II effort, the development of a prototype for rapid detection of halogenated organic compounds in drinking water for the US Air Force, was deemed a SBIR “success story”. This success has carried over into their efforts at Ionica Sciences, which is currently focused on a DARPA funded development effort for detection and quantitation of biologically relevant molecules at pg/ml levels, the first of many anticipated efforts employing the company’s spectroscopic and biotechnological expertise. In collaboration with researchers in biological detection and spectroscopic methodologies at Cornell University and the City College of New York, Ionica Sciences anticipates bringing an FDA approved assay based on this approach to market within 3-5 years.