MIP Diagnostics is a Bedfordshire-based developer of patented nano-scale molecularly imprinted polymers (nanoMIPs) that act as synthetic antibodies for biosensors and next-generation in vitro diagnostic tests. The company’s nanoMIPs are positioned as robust alternatives to traditional antibodies, offering high sensitivity and selectivity with reduced production costs. MIP Diagnostics spun out of the University of Leicester and is described as a market leader in Molecularly Imprinted Polymer technology. The business has a novel design and development process for producing nanoMIPs and is working toward industrialisation of the technology. Mercia described the company as in a rapid growth phase and plans to expand its team as part of its next steps. Financially, MIP Diagnostics completed a second-tranche investment round of £4.3 million, with Mercia increasing its fully diluted direct investment stake to 10.1%. MIP Diagnostics develops and manufactures Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs) and nanoMIPs—synthetic polymer alternatives to antibodies—used as affinity reagents for detection, purification and extraction. Its products are small molecules designed to bind specific target molecules and can be applied in point-of-care diagnostics, clinical and non-clinical IVD, healthcare, bioprocessing and sensor enhancement. The company emphasizes the robustness of MIPs: they withstand extremes of pH, seawater, high concentrations of organic solvents, are temperature resistant and have long shelf life at room temperature. MIP Diagnostics plans to use new funding to accelerate global expansion and to scale manufacturing capacity. The company also intends to build an in-house R&D team and invest in commercial resources to support growth. Founded in 2015 as a spin-out from the University of Leicester Chemistry Department, it is based in Bedfordshire, UK. MIP Diagnostics develops nanostructured molecularly imprinted polymers (nanoMIPs) intended to replace antibodies across applications from vaccines, medical research and diagnostics to oil and gas, food and environmental testing. Led by CEO Dr Adrian Kinkaid, the business is a University of Leicester spin‑out based in the East Midlands, UK. The company secured funding to expand operations, including new production facilities at Colworth Park, Bedfordshire. It plans to double its current five‑strong team by hiring four additional laboratory staff and a business development manager. MIP also intends to develop its own products to sell under licence. The recent financing supports both capacity expansion and product development efforts. MIP Diagnostics develops plastic antibodies (Molecular Imprinted Polymers) for a variety of applications and supplies the diagnostic, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and chemical research industries. The company was founded as a spin-out from the University of Leicester in March 2015 and is led by CEO Dr Adrian Kinkaid. It has secured significant blue-chip partnership deals. MIP Diagnostics received a £300k follow-on funding investment from Mercia Fund Management. The company will use the funds to build and scale its business. It has appointed Jim Reid as chair to provide commercial expertise.

Total raised

$15M

Funding rounds

4

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Feb 2022