Precise control over material composition is crucial in the pharmaceutical, petrochemical, and semiconductor industries. Traditional chemical structure analysis methods often struggle to accurately identify the nature of materials used in these industries and control processes. This leads to waste, higher costs, safety risks, and regulatory issues.
Raman spectroscopy, a powerful analytical technique, addresses these industrial challenges by providing more detailed molecular insights. It enables real-time, noninvasive monitoring and rapid identification of chemical compositions without the need for extensive sample preparation.
However, the widespread adoption of Raman spectroscopy is limited by high equipment costs, the need for a specialized personnel to interpret complex data, and sensitivity to environmental conditions like temperature and vibration.
Despite these challenges, Startups like Gekko Photonics are developing more affordable, robust, and accessible solutions with advances in miniaturization, cost reduction, and user-friendly software to address these adaptation barriers.
In an interview with Robert Stachurski, CEO of Gekko Photonics, we delve into the story behind the company, its innovations, and the journey of making complex technology like Raman Spectroscopy user-friendly for a broader audience.
This interview is part of our exclusive Scouted By GreyB Interview series. Here, we talk with innovative startups in multiple industries and showcase their technologies to the world.
Author Note: Our researchers discovered startups making innovative and sustainable advanced materials to help other industries. Click on the link to learn more about them.
“90 % of startups fail because you underestimated some factors. Focusing on one approach without challenging your vision is risky for the startup. You need to watch what is happening on the market all the time and react.”
– Robert Stachurski
Robert Stachurski is a seasoned deep-tech entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in executive roles within high-tech industries, particularly in consumer electronics, healthcare, and IT. He has provided strategic guidance to over 100 SMEs and corporations globally, focusing on innovation development, R&D, and project management. As a founder and advisor to multiple innovative startups, Stachurski has earned recognition in the industry, including winning 1st place at Collision Toronto 2020 for the best tech startup pitch and the MIT Enterprise Forum CEE contest for startups. He was also a nominee for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2020 and was named one of the most creative entrepreneurs by Brief magazine.
Want to know more about Gekko Photonics’ Raman spectroscopy products and technology? Watch Robert Stachurski’s conversation with us.
Overview: Gekko Photonics’s Raman Spectroscopy Technology and Products for Industrial And Personal Uses
Gekko Photonics specializes in advanced Raman spectroscopy solutions (photonic technologies) and addresses critical challenges in the pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and materials science industries.
Founded in 2019, the deep-tech photonics startup has developed a proprietary miniature Raman spectroscopy platform (Spectrally) that is affordable and robust for industrial applications. This technology enables real-time, non-invasive measurements for quality control and process optimization.
In addition to its core Raman spectroscopy platform, Gekko Photonics offers specialized products like a non-invasive glucometer (GlucoActive), which leverages Raman spectroscopy for painless glucose monitoring. It also provides a Nourica device designed for pre-screening health biomarkers through sweat and skin analysis.
Combining advanced algorithms with customizable hardware, Gekko Photonics makes cutting-edge spectroscopic technology accessible to industries for more precise material analysis across various sectors.
“The idea is to make this Raman Spectroscopy Technology widely available for any kind of sector while it was, till this moment, dedicated only to 1 % of the scientists.”
– Robert Stachurski
Short on time?
Here are key highlights from the discussion.
Highlights from the conversation with CEO Robert Stachurski
What inspired the name Gekko Photonics? Is there a story behind it?
The name Gekko Photonics is inspired by the very first laser we constructed. Lasers have been central to our work since our founding in 2018, particularly in photonic solutions. It reflects our commitment to utilizing laser technology as the primary energy source for our measurements, although our focus has since expanded to detectors.
Can you explain the significance of Raman spectroscopy in industrial applications?
Raman spectroscopy is one of the most accurate measurement methods, focusing on chemical bonds rather than atoms. This distinction is crucial for industries like polymer production, where understanding and controlling polymerization processes is essential. However, Raman spectroscopy’s high cost and complexity have traditionally limited its use in academic and R&D settings. At Gekko Photonics, we’ve developed a more compact, affordable platform allowing real-time, non-invasive measurements, making this technology accessible to a broader range of industries.
How did Gekko Photonics overcome the challenges of making Raman spectroscopy more user-friendly?
The main challenges were reducing the size and cost of the equipment and simplifying the data interpretation process. While smaller sensors have been available for over a decade, their high cost and the need for custom software and expert personnel have made them inaccessible to most industries.
We overcame these challenges by developing a modular platform that quickly adapts to different industrial needs.
We reduced costs and complexity by focusing on specific substances rather than a broad spectrum. This eliminates the need for specialized knowledge to interpret complex spectral signals, allowing even non-experts to use the technology effectively in industrial settings.
Can you discuss the importance of patents in your industry and your approach to intellectual property?
Patents are crucial in our field, not just for protecting our innovations but also for signalling to the market that our solutions are robust and reliable. However, in deep tech, revealing too much through patents can expose our methods to competitors. While we patent certain aspects of our hardware, much of our competitive edge comes from proprietary algorithms developed over years of research, which we protect as trade secrets.
What are the future plans for Gekko Photonics?
Our immediate goals include scaling our industrial sales globally, particularly in the U.S. and Asia, and establishing regional subsidiaries. On the medical front, we’re focused on completing the certification of our non-invasive glucometer and securing licensing agreements with major medical companies. We also plan to go public next year, providing the capital needed to fund future R&D projects and expand our product offerings.
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Meet our Interviewer – Vikas Jha, AVP, Solutions at GreyB
Vikas Jha is an experienced tech consultant focusing on Intellectual Property Consulting. With expertise in diverse domains like Telecom, Navigation, and Medical Devices, he helps clients navigate innovation challenges. His ability to bridge technology, innovation, and leadership makes him a valuable resource in the evolving tech landscape. Vikas has been featured on CNBC for his insights on next-gen technologies like space tech.
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Authored By: Naveen Kumar, Marketing
