Spotlight On: Create your Product – How do we create your product and integrate it into your supply chain? With Mike Roberts

Q: What is your academic and professional background?

I studied biomedical material science at the University of Manchester, where I applied the use of materials into medicine. For example, biosensors for disease diagnosis. I then completed a PhD in carbon nanomaterials and subsequently a post doctorate placement.

Afterwards I joined a diabetes company and then a new diagnostics start-up, where I helped launch a range of assay sensor products.

When I first heard about Gii, I realised the potential of the material in real-world applications. There was a clear opportunity to bring it to market and accelerate medical diagnostics and I wanted to be part of it.

Q: Can you describe your current role at iGii?

I’m a Principal Engineer, where I support product development, manage scaleup and oversee the production of Gii-based products.

My role is currently focused on ensuring that we can manufacture our Gii-material at volume, through designing our next generation of fully automated machines and ensuring that our end-to-end supply chain is optimised. It’s all about making sure that what we produce is scalable and integrates seamlessly into our customers’ supply chains.

While I work more behind the scenes rather than in a direct customer-facing role, I’m always available to answer any questions about the process.

Q: What do you find most exciting about the work you do?

There’s a wide variety to the role and I lead and support on different products. My personal passion is bringing new products to market, such as fast and accurate diagnostic healthcare and smarter and cleaner energy solutions enabled by Gii.

Q: How do you collaborate with other teams or departments?

I work closely with the R&D team and the development engineering teams to ensure products are on track and ready to deliver for our customers.

Q: What skills does iGii have across the business that really stand out?

The technical know-how across the business is impressive. There are multiple people with PhDs who are genuinely interested and capable in realising the potential of Gii.

Q: What trends or innovations in your field are you most excited about?

Veterinary diagnostics is a major focus area for us. Indeed, my partner is a vet, and so it’s exciting to see how Gii will shake up this area – providing a lower-cost, sustainable diagnostic test with more precise outcomes than the current market options.