Figura Analytics

Figura Analytics, a spinout from Loughborough University, is a nanotechnology company focused on revolutionizing liquid analysis for various industries, with an initial focus on the drinks market. The company was founded in 2021 by chemistry researchers Dr. Mark Platt and Dr. Rhush Maugi, following years of developing the underlying technology. Nick Whitehurst joined as CEO in 2020 to lead the commercial strategy and spinout process.

The firm’s core offering is the Figura Analyser, which utilizes a patented nanopore technology platform to characterize, identify, and quantify particles in liquids. This technology employs microfluidics, sensors, resistive pulse sensing, and software algorithms to provide detailed data on a liquid sample within minutes, a significant time reduction compared to traditional methods that could take days. The platform generates a 'digital fingerprint' of the liquid, enabling rapid detection of contaminants and abnormalities, which helps manufacturers improve product consistency, accelerate product release, and save costs.

The business model combines a testing service for manufacturers with the future sale of its hardware and software solution. Since its incorporation in January 2020, Figura Analytics has secured funding from investors including SFC Capital, Innovate UK, and a syndicate of angel investors, raising a total of $1.5M. The company is headquartered at the Advanced Technology Innovation Centre on Loughborough University Science & Enterprise Park (LUSEP).

Keywords: nanopore technology, liquid analysis, particle characterization, contamination detection, drinks industry, microfluidics, resistive pulse sensing, quality control, food technology, nanotechnology