Detect-ION is a Deep-Tech startup founded in October 2021 and develops sensors and systems in a dedicated state-of-the-art 4000 sqft laboratory located in Tampa, FL. We thrive in solving hard, high-value detection problems that require a multidisciplinary effort at the intersection of organic chemistry, biochemistry, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, vacuum technology, data analytics, low power electronics, system engineering and AI/ML algorithm to innovate the most pioneering sensing capabilities driven by mission-specific requirements from the US government and the industry.
It's founding team, previously at SRI International, has been a performer in the IARPA MAEGLIN and DARPA SIGMA+ CWMD programs to detect trace chemical signatures in ambient air for strategic intelligence collection and early warning systems, respectively . As a plus-up effort in the MAEGLIN program, the sensor system was successfully demonstrated on a US Air Force C-130 aircraft for real-time detection and quantification of chemical threats. Most recently Detect-ION supported DHS ChemBioTesting to detect chemical and biological threats inside the subway environment in New York City.
Detect-ION invests in high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) to facilitate its ongoing breath biomarker discovery and point-of-care breath diagnostics pilots.
From the ashes of SRI International’s CBRNE System Laboratory, Detect-ION is born!
Detect-ION inaugurates its first humble laboratory at USF Connect.
Detect-ION wins its first major contract to develop rapid breath diagnostics for US warfighters.
Detect-ION awarded a contract to lead a multi-organization team to develop aerosol threat detection capability for US Intelligence community.
Detect-ION expands operation to a 4000-sqft state-of-the-art laboratory in Tampa.
With a diverse technical background and a relentless "scientist-turned-entrepreneur" grit, Ashish founded Detect-ION in 2021 to solve hard CBRNE sensing problems. At Detect-ION, he is applying his 19 years of S&T experience and a proven CRAD track-record ($36M) in business development, technical execution and programmatic management to solve the next set of sensing challenges in the area of national security, environmental monitoring and health diagnostics. Ashish has a PhD in Electrical Engineering from University of South Florida and has developed a cross-domain expertise spanning across electrical engineering, mass spectrometry, gas chromatography, microfabrication, vacuum components and integration, system engineering and rigorous testing and evaluation of CBRNE sensors in real-world applications.
Bob comes to Detect-ION with a PhD in Analytical Chemistry and over 25 years’ experience in algorithm development, software engineering, and project management. Prior work experience emphasized image processing, computer vision, chemometrics and machine learning for a diverse range of applications such as threat detection, forensics, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and the biomedical field. Bob’s role at Detect-ION will leverage his chemical and algorithmic expertise to develop robust algorithms and software for the detection of volatile organic components via GC-MS data.
Spiros joined Detect-ION in 2023 as Senior Instrumentation Scientist and brings 23+ years of industry experience as an R&D scientist, program manager, and technical project lead. Throughout his career, he has developed innovative sensors and portable analytical instrumentation focused on the detection of trace CBRNE targets for national security. His experience with analytical instrumentation has provided techniques for rapid forensic assessment to reduce the timeline for investigations and has recently deployed sensors in real-world use for detection of fentanyl by law enforcement officers in the field. Following his main R&D interests and goals, Spiros has developed chemical sensing platforms that successfully translated to point-of-care use in diagnostic medicine. His breadth of experience with next generation chemical sensor technologies spans the earliest design phases to validation with live agent testing.
Jeff comes to Detect-ION with over 30 years’ experience in software architecture and project management; building real time embedded systems, big data near real time reporting systems, and cloud scalable solutions. Previous work experience emphasized remote target detection and tracking, large scale hydrology modeling, oceanographic sensors, and underwater mass spectrometry. Jeff’s role at Detect-ION will continue his work on miniature mass-spectrometers and the deployment of advanced AI to recognize compounds and threats. Jeff’s qualifications include a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering and a Master’s in Computer Science. Jeff owns a 78 convertible beetle, a 71 VW Bus and a 82 Westfalia Camper!
