Diagnostics and monitoring

Turning complex diagnostic science into robust, real-world devices

We live and breathe diagnostics and continuous monitoring. For decades, our teams have advanced the capabilities of regulated medical devices, from the world’s first digital pregnancy test to continuous glucose monitors used today.

CC’s experts blend the science, engineering, design and industrialisation needed to turn ambitious ideas into real products. We span assay enzymes, optics and sensing physics through to disposable plastics, electronics, software, user experience and design for manufacture. This unrivalled breadth gives us a unique systems-wide view that lets us tackle the hard stuff. What challenges can you throw at us?

Fee for service

We mostly work on a fee-for-service basis. This gives you flexibility and control, while removing uncertainty around pricing. We work open-book, so you can see how money is turned into progress.

Communicative and open

We communicate openly, take ownership of the problem and care about the outcome. It’s a rare but powerful combination: as trust deepens, decisions get faster, teams work more openly and progress accelerates.

IP ownership

This is very simple. You own the IP of specific innovations developed during your project. We simply retain ownership of our underlying tools, methods, and broader expertise.

Phased derisking

We work in bite-sized phases, giving clear visibility of progress and milestones. Our teams tackle the biggest risks first, learning fast and focusing energy where the greatest breakthroughs are possible.

How we work

Leverage user research, expert insight, and market intelligence to uncover high value innovation opportunities for your business.

Create robust, user centred concepts through multidisciplinary collaboration and leveraging our world-leading technical expertise in emerging fields.

Develop scalable solutions, with our deep expertise and trusted suppliers, navigating technical complexity via our proven and compliant development process.

Rigorously test and validate designs with in house facilities and regulatory compliant processes that ensure safety, performance and approval readiness.

Provide ongoing optimisation, change management, and regulatory compliance to sustain performance and supply chain resilience.

Our expertise

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Science

Physics

Thermodynamics modellingOptimising heat for safer, more efficient systems
Fluid dynamicsUnderstanding flow to improve performance and reliability
RF and electro-magneticsEnabling wireless communication, sensing and power transfer
Acoustics & ultrasonicsUsing sound for sensing, imaging and diagnostics
QuantumUnlocking next-generation sensing and computing technologies
MEMSMiniaturised systems enabling precise sensing and actuation
Multiphysics modelling including digital twinsSimulating complex systems to predict real-world behaviour
AerosolsUnderstanding particle behaviour for inhalation and transmission control

Biology

Novel assays and transductionDetecting biological signals with high sensitivity
Engineering biologyDesigning biology for diagnostics and therapies
Microbiology and infectious diseasesUnderstanding microbes to fight disease
MicrofluidicsPrecise fluid control for diagnostics and lab-on-chip systems
Rational ligand designCreating molecules that target biology precisely
Molecular biologyEngineering biological systems at the molecular level
BioprocessingScaling biological production for reliable and efficient output
PhysiologyApplying human biology insights to device and therapy design

Chemistry

Material scienceEngineering materials for high-performance applications
Functional materialsCreating materials that actively perform and respond
Polymer formulationDesigning polymers with tailored properties
Inkjet printingPrecision deposition for advanced manufacturing
ElectrochemistryPowering reactions for sensing and energy systems
AnalyticalGenerating insights through advanced measurement techniques

Engineering

Mechanical engineering

Assembly and test rigsBuilding systems to validate performance and reliability
Tolerance analysisEnsuring designs perform reliably within real-world variation
MiniaturisationReducing size while maintaining performance and functionality
RoboticsAutomating complex tasks with precision and control
Prototyping and buildRapidly turning ideas into tested physical solutions
MEMS design, build and testCreating miniature devices for sensing and actuation
SimulationTesting and refining designs in virtual environments
Design for manufacturing and assemblyEnsuring designs are practical and cost-effective to build

Electronics & embedded systems

Analogue & mixed-signal electronicsBridging physical signals and digital processing systems
Embedded firmware developmentControlling devices with reliable, real-time software
Hardware design & buildDeveloping robust electronic systems from concept to product
ASICs developmentCustom silicon for high-performance, low-power applications
Novel silicon architecturesInnovative chip designs for next-generation performance
MiniaturisationShrinking electronics for portable and implantable devices
Ultra-low power consumptionExtending battery life for always-on systems
FPGA & high-speed digital designEnabling fast, flexible processing for data-intensive applications
Embedded AI & edge processingBringing intelligence directly onto devices

Software & digital engineering

Embedded software developmentBuilding software tightly integrated with hardware systems
Medical software (up to Class III) incl SAMDDelivering clinically compliant software for medical use
Cloud & connected platformsConnecting devices and data through scalable platforms
Cybersecurity & secure architecturesProtecting sensitive systems and data end-to-end
AI & machine learning systemsTurning complex data into actionable insights
Human–machine interfaces (HMI)Designing intuitive interaction between users and technology

Connectivity, RF and communications

Implanted devicesEnabling safe, reliable performance inside the human body
Wireless system architectureDesigning robust, scalable wireless systems
RF & antenna designOptimising wireless performance across devices and environments
Cellular & satellite connectivityConnecting devices anywhere with reliable communication
Radar & RF sensingDetecting and interpreting signals from the environment
Wireless power transferPowering devices without physical connections

Robotics, automation and control

Surgical roboticsEnhancing precision and outcomes in surgical procedures
Physical AICombining AI with real-world sensing and actuation
Motion control & precision actuationDelivering accurate, controlled movement in complex systems

Optics & photonics

Laser systemsDelivering precise energy for sensing, imaging and treatment
Integrated photonicsShrinking optical systems onto powerful microchips
OptoelectronicsCombining light and electronics for advanced systems
Emitters & detectorsGenerating and detecting light with precision
Modulators and switchesControl light for high-speed data transmission
Sensing and positioningDelivering precise detection and spatial awareness
Data commsEnabling fast, reliable data transfer
SimulationModelling optical systems to optimise performance before build

AI / Digital

First principles AI developmentBuilding AI models from the ground up
Edge computeProcessing data locally for speed, privacy and reliability
LLM buildCreating large language models tailored to specific needs
Regulatory approved implementationsDeploying AI that meets regulatory and clinical standards
Hallucination free image enhancementImproving images with reliable, artefact-free AI
Digital platformsEnabling scalable data-driven services and ecosystems

Design

Industrial designCreating products that balance usability, aesthetics and function
Digital UI/UX designDesigning intuitive and engaging digital experiences
Instructions for use (IFU)Communicating safe and effective product usage clearly
Design for manufacturing and assemblyDesigning products for efficient manufacturing and assembly
Service & system designDesigning seamless end-to-end user and system experiences
Prototyping & formative assessmentRapidly testing concepts with real users

Manufacture

Novel process developmentCreating new manufacturing approaches for complex products
DFMAOptimising designs for scalable, cost-effective production
Prototype and pilot manufactuingBridging early prototypes to scalable production
Manufacturing partner selection & qualificationChoosing and validating the right manufacturing partners
Production optimisation and scale-upImproving efficiency as production volumes grow
Technology transferMoving innovations from development into production environments
Automation & manufacturing systemsStreamlining production with automated systems
Supply chain & manufacturing strategyDesigning resilient and cost-effective supply chains

Human factors / User research

User insight researchUnderstanding user needs to inform better solutions
Preliminary analysisIdentifying early risks, needs and opportunities
Concept evaluationTesting ideas to identify the strongest solutions
Formative evaluationsIterating designs based on user feedback
Validation testingConfirming products meet user and regulatory needs
Clinical trial supportSupporting clinical evidence generation and validation
Post-market surveillanceMonitoring product performance after launch

Regulatory, quality & commercialization

Regulatory & compliance

Medical device complianceEnsuring products meet regulatory requirements
SaMD regulatory frameworksNavigating regulations for software-based medical products
Regulatory strategyPlanning efficient paths to regulatory approval

Quality assurance

Design assuranceEnsuring designs meet regulatory and quality standards
Risk managementIdentifying and mitigating product and patient risks
Verification and validationConfirming products meet specifications and user needs

Commercial & market

Market researchUnderstanding markets to inform product decisions
Product positioningDefining clear, compelling product value propositions
Go-to market strategyPlanning successful product launch and adoption

From ideation to creation

Enabling liquid biopsy at scale

A liquid biopsy platform that combined precision fluidics, intuitive workflows, and robust system design to enable reliable isolation of rare circulating tumour cells.

Bringing digital PCR to life

Developed the fully integrated instrument behind a pioneering digital PCR platform, combining automation, microfluidics, optics, and user-centred design to transform breakthrough science into a practical system.

GenAI powered CGM development

Developed generative AI and advanced sensing algorithms that synthesise realistic patient and sensor data, improving glucose prediction accuracy, robustness to variability, and extending sensor lifetime.

The world's first digital pregnancy test

Custom optics, electronics, and sensor design transformed a laboratory concept into a globally successful diagnostic product, delivering breakthrough performance at an accessible cost.

Powering next-generation testing

Delivering the first FDA-authorised at-home COVID-19 test through advanced digital immunoassay, enabling large-scale public health response.

POC kidney function test

Transformed a complex laboratory assay into a low-cost, automated diagnostic system through innovative cartridge design, ambient-stable reagent storage, and elegant sample handling automation.

Engineering high-performance diagnostics

Developed a novel measurement engine and system architecture that doubled testing throughput, combining optics, microfluidics, thermal control, electronics, and software into a seamless diagnostic platform.

CGM strategy and next-generation product development

Combined market insights, user research, technology scouting, and product development expertise to help diabetes-care leaders accelerate their CGM innovation strategy.

Continuous blood gas and electrolyte monitoring

Development of an in-line, continuous arterial blood gas, glucose and electrolyte monitoring system for use in the ICU – the system included a microfabricated, multi-analyte sensor, custom ASIC and touchscreen monitor.

Our facilities

All under one roof

From molecular biology and chemistry laboratories to human factors suites, connected health environments, rapid prototyping workshops and advanced engineering test facilities, our multidisciplinary HQ brings the capabilities needed to develop breakthrough medical technologies together in one place.

By combining world-class facilities with experts in science, engineering, design and regulation, we can move seamlessly from early research and proof of principle through to development, verification and scale-up, accelerating innovation while reducing risk.