A HAMPSHIRE firm is hoping to break into the microscope market with its patented a pocket-sized digital microscope that displays high-resolution images on a mobile phone anywhere from the Amazon to Antarctica at a fraction of the price of the laboratory-based incumbents.

Hampshire start-up iolight, founded by Andrew Monk and Richard Williams, has proved its technology by selling 170 units to Bayer, the Eden Project, USDA and universities such as Cambridge, Berkeley, ETH Zurich and RMIT in Melbourne.

These users now carry out their analysis in the field, slashing costs and increasing scientific quality. ioLight is now seeking investors to scale the product to volume markets.

Andrew Monk said: “The product and market are now validated and we are ready to scale to volume manufacturing and global marketing.”

“Since launching in 2014 ioLight has raised £875k from two crowdfunding rounds and grants to deliver a pilot batch of microscopes. To date, the company has sold 170 of these. With volume production planned, we are now raising funding to deliver low-cost production and to add premium features demanded by current customers. By doing this we will be able to detect malaria and other blood parasites. There hasn’t been a better time to invest!”

The company will be among 70 innovators promoting its products and pitching funding at tomorrow's Venturefest event at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton

To find out more and to book tickets visit: www.venturefestsouth.co.uk.