NETPark’s Kromek Group secures near £5 million US Homeland Security deal

A technology firm behind apparatus used to foil terror plots has secured a near £5 million contract.

Kromek Group is working with the US Department of Homeland Security Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office.

Bosses say the contract will see the Sedgefield-headquartered company – known for its flagship range of wearable radiation detectors – research and develop technologies for a bio-detection system.

The firm has spent years crafting a benchtop machine capable of filtering the air and identifying known and novel pathogens.

• Sedgefield’s Kromek hails ‘enhanced foundations for growth’ after record revenues

Its deal has been awarded as part of a four-year programme, with Kromek expecting to receive more than £720,000 during the first year base period.

Arnab Basu [pictured, above], chief executive of Kromek Group, which was formed 20 years ago as a Durham University spinout, said: “This is our first biosecurity contract from the Department of Homeland Security, and underscores our belief that there are significant market opportunities in this area.

“Biological threats are an increasing priority for governments, particularly in light of the pandemic.

“The programme will be an important step in making the world safer from the threat of bioterrorism and other biological threats.”