The technology also offers major potential in human healthcare, enabling rapid infection detection and targeted antibiotic prescribing

 Oxford Technology today announces an investment in Accelerated Diagnostics, a company developing ultra-rapid diagnostic technology capable of identifying infectious diseases directly on farms in as little as one minute.

The company is developing a low-cost testing platform designed to identify pathogens from simple saliva samples within one minute without the need for laboratory-based PCR testing. The technology (target market launch Autumn 2026) has the potential to dramatically accelerate disease detection while reducing testing costs and improving decision-making for farmers and veterinarians.

One intended application is the rapid detection of tuberculosis in cattle, where current testing methods can be expensive, time-consuming, and operationally challenging. The platform is also being developed to detect a wide range of other pathogens, with each disease identified through the use of a pathogen-specific reagent. In addition to bovine tuberculosis, the system can be adapted for diseases such as Newcastle Disease in poultry and a range of other veterinary infections.

While the company's initial focus is on veterinary markets, where the regulatory pathway is expected to allow faster commercial deployment, its technology also has significant potential in human healthcare, including rapidly identifying infections and supporting more accurate antibiotic prescribing.

The investment from Oxford Technology, whose latest funds take advantage of SEIS (Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme) and EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme) tax reliefs, will enable the company to extend its runway until 2027 and, all being well, to achieve its first sales. 

The founders of Accelerated Diagnostics are Dr Mana Saeed, who completed her PhD in Electronic Engineering and specialises in electrochemical biosensors, and Andrew Wheeler, a healthcare entrepreneur who has founded three successful businesses and brings extensive connections across the NHS, veterinary, and diagnostics sectors. 

Lucius Cary, founder of Oxford Technology, said of the investment: "Accelerated Diagnostics is developing technology that could significantly improve how infectious diseases are detected in veterinary and, eventually, human healthcare settings. Fast, affordable, point-of-care diagnostics have the potential to improve outcomes, reduce costs, and support better disease control on a global scale. We are very excited to support the team as they advance the platform toward commercialisation."

Dr. Mana Saeed, Co-Founder, Accelerated Diagnostics, added: "Oxford Technology is an excellent fit for Accelerated Diagnostics. Their experience in supporting innovative science and technology businesses, combined with their long-term approach, makes them an ideal partner for our next stage of growth.

This investment allows us to accelerate development of a portfolio of rapid diagnostic tests across both human and animal health. Our initial focus is on veterinary applications, working alongside government agencies and organisations in low- and middle-income countries where fast, affordable diagnostics can have a significant impact."

We are particularly excited to be building the business within the North West's thriving biotechnology sector and working with partners who share our vision of making advanced diagnostics more accessible, practical and affordable around the world."