Fuse Diagnostics has raised £1 million to scale manufacturing and commercialise its Flip platform for rapid, laboratory-quality molecular testing across multiple industries.

Funding to support Flip expansion

The Cambridge-based diagnostics company said the investment, led by The FSE Group alongside existing and new angel investors including Cambridge Capital Group, will support the commercialisation of its Flip molecular testing platform.

The funding will also be used to expand manufacturing capacity, advance assay development and support validation work with industry partners.

Fuse is developing rapid molecular tests for pathogens and contaminants in settings where testing may traditionally depend on specialist laboratories. Its target markets include life sciences research, bioprocessing, food safety, water quality, veterinary diagnostics and plant agriculture.

The company previously raised £1.6m in a 2024 seed investment round to develop rapid, low-cost diagnostic testing platforms.

Instrument-free molecular testing

The Flip platform uses molecular amplification technology in a disposable test format and is designed to provide a visual result without requiring dedicated laboratory instrumentation.

Fuse’s current product range includes Flip Mycoplasma, which is designed to detect mycoplasma contamination in cell culture, alongside tests under development for pathogens including Listeria and Legionella. Its wider portfolio also includes applications in food and drink, veterinary testing and other industrial settings.

Fuse said its technology combines rapid amplification with a simple test format intended to reduce the equipment and workflow requirements associated with centralised molecular testing.

Harry Lamble, CEO of Fuse Diagnostics, said: “This funding marks an important step in commercialising our Flip product platform and validating new assays with strategic partners across sectors where rapid, decentralised testing can make a meaningful difference.”

He added that the platform had been developed through scientific and engineering work to provide faster tools for detecting pathogens and contaminants.

Investment supports commercialisation

The latest investment is expected to support the next stage of Fuse’s development as it moves from platform development towards broader commercial use.

Cheryl Weeks, head of funds South East & East at The FSE Group, said: “The FSE Group is excited to support the scaling of Fuse’s technology, which has been designed to address sector-specific challenges and meet demand for rapid laboratory-quality diagnostic tests across multiple industries.”

She added that the company’s approach combines shared technology, manufacturing and commercial infrastructure across applications outside traditional healthcare settings.

Fuse’s website says its Flip tests can provide molecular amplification and visual results within minutes, with current applications spanning research, bioprocessing, food safety, agriculture and water testing.

The company said the new funding will allow it to expand its assay pipeline, increase manufacturing capacity and develop commercial partnerships as it works to broaden the Flip product range.