Company Overview

Izon is a nanotechnology company focused on measurement, analysis and single particle control. Since commencement in early 2005, Izon has developed the science, hardware and software to fabricate and control dynamically resizable nanopores. These are a practical and cost effective means for the detection, characterisation and control of nanoparticles down to the molecular scale.

Izon’s nanopores can be opened, closed and changed in size in real time. The platform encompassing this technology is called SIOS (Scanning Ion Occlusion Spectroscopy).

Izon provides instrumentation and consumables for research uses. It is actively engaging worldwide in a number of research collaborations to develop new applications for the SIOS platform. Collaborations also target scientific discoveries enabled by this new technology. In due course out-licensing options will be available.

Izon’s ultimate goal is for its resizable nanopore platform to form the basis of widely adopted molecular diagnostic solutions. These will be medically useful, practical in application and economical. We expect them to be developed in collaboration with key partners.

Our Philosophy

Izon's philosophy is to be straightforward to deal with. Strong and positive relationships with customers and collaborators are seen as important aspects of the way Izon operates. We are constantly learning and developing as a company and, similarly, expect our technology platform and products to undergo constant develop for the benefit of all users.

Short Term Focus

Izon’s initial focus has been to move its technology out of its own laboratories and into the laboratories of its research partners and customers worldwide.
Originating in New Zealand, active collaborations have been established with Universities and Research Institutes in New Zealand, Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and the United States.

Projects include:

• Fundamental science around resistive pulse sensing and variable nanopores
• Virus counting and characterisation
• Nanoparticle size measurement
• Nanoparticle charge measurement
• Single biomolecule clamping
• DNA sequencing
• Molecular diagnostics
• Controlled dispensing of particles and biomolecules by count

Typically, collaborations involve supply of equipment, upgrades, consumables, research suggestions and confidential information by Izon. Research is performed jointly with access made available for guest researchers to Izon’s laboratory on the Otago University Campus, Dunedin, New Zealand. New IP for applications or new discoveries is shared.

Research instruments using dynamically resizable nanopores are now available for sale. Instrument sales are supported by the supply of consumables and upgrades of software.

A series of simple and effective SIOS based tools for applied use are being developed, with the qViro and qNano instruments being the first applied products available.
Significant in-house research continues on the development and applications of the SIOS technology platform.

Medium Term Focus

Izon’s medium term focus will be to develop active working commercial partnerships that take specific SIOS based solutions to the global market. These will be focused on high need areas, in particular sensitive molecular diagnostics targeted at:

• Infectious diseases requiring accurate information in minutes rather than days
• Biomarkers for early cancer detection and ongoing management
• Drug response measurement and management

Commercialisation of IP jointly owned with partners will take place in a variety of ways.

Long Term Strategy

Izon’s long term strategy is to have the unique features of the SIOS platform being used to solve a wide range of problems in human health and nanotechnology measurement. Izon will provide technical support, consumables and ongoing technology improvements. Licensing agreements will be easy for partners to work with and make the core technology widely available. Izon expects to continue with design and fabrication of apertures for the complete range of specific end uses.