A Glasgow company at the forefront of pioneering technology that could transform the early detection and treatment of numerous life-threatening medical conditions has won a £1million contract.

Gilden Photonics of Clydebank have signed a deal with a multi-national life-sciences company to develop and manufacture a groundbreaking system which uses light to measure and analyse bodily fluids to detect abnormalities.

Gilden, which was launched just five years ago, is already a world leader in the development of hyperspectral imaging technology and the UK’s leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of cost effective and innovative optical spectroscopy solutions, components, turn-key instruments and OEM components.

Unlike the human eye, which is limited to visible white light, hyperspectral imaging collects and processes information from across the electromagnetic spectrum from ultraviolet to infrared. Every object or substance has its own unique ‘fingerprint’ in the electromagnetic spectrum, known as spectral signatures, which can help identify materials that make up a scanned object.

“The full details of the new contract are confidential but it is an exciting development for us,” said Dr John R Gilchrist, Managing Director of Gilden Photonics.

“It is great news for us and for Clydebank as we will have to employ more staff to work on this particular project.

“Gilden Photonics has already enjoyed spectacular growth since our formation five years ago and, together with other projects, this contract will enable us to double our workforce within the next six months.

“We recently moved into new premises and are just about to expand further adding another 2,500sq.ft for manufacturing along with research and development facilities.

“We are proud to be based in an area of Scotland which has a long and distinguished history as a centre of technological advances and manufacturing. Prestigious contracts like the one we have just secured will help put Clydebank back on the hi-tech radar”.

Hyperspectral imaging has been around for a few years but the technology has remained largely untapped. It can be used in dentistry to detect tooth decay without drilling or x-rays, to test the quality of food and drink, help farmers search out weeds and pests, assist with homeland defence and crime detection.

“We have developed the technology and made it economically viable to be used by a number of industries to identify and measure materials, whether it’s counterfeit alcohol, damaged human tissue or the consistency of a loaf of bread, said Kevin Lynch, Sales Director of Gilden Photonics.

Earlier this year Gilden Photonics was instrumental in the establishment of the first ever Hyperspectral imaging centre at the University of Strathclyde co-sponsored by the University’s Bridging the Gap Initiative.

The centre, the first of its kind in the world, will provide a central location where the basic technology of hyperspectral imaging is available to any and all businesses and researchers to help advance Scotland as a leader in the field.

"Scottish Enterprise has worked closely with Gilden Photonics since its inception, which has included assistance with locating to their current premises, innovation support and help to grow their business internationally,” said Bill Hamilton, an account manager at Scottish Enterprise.

“The news of their first £1 million contract is a fantastic achievement and we are absolutely delighted for John Gilchrist and his team. It is testament to their hard work, ambition and strong leadership and we will continue to work closely with this truly global company to help them grow their business further."

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For further information please visit www.gildenphotonics.com or call Peppercorn PR on 0845 217 8757.