Phaos Technology’s microscopy solutions recognised for Manufacturing Technology

The company exemplified excellence by clinching a trophy at the Singapore Business Review’s SBR National Business Awards.

Phaos Technology Pte. Ltd. has been recognised for Excellence in the Manufacturing Technology category at the 2024 SBR National Business Awards.

The accolade was given for the company’s Optonano 200+, the first optical microscope capable of seeing objects smaller than 200 nanometres (nm.), or 200 billionths of a metre.

Optonano 200+ can resolve objects as small as 137 nm, approximately 1.5 times smaller than what traditional optical microscopes can typically observe.

This instrument bridges a critical gap in the microscopy industry by providing a cost-effective alternative to far more expensive electron scanning and other super-resolution microscopes previously required to image sub-200 nm. objects.

“We are thrilled to receive this award,” said Phaos Chief Executive Andrew Yeo. “Optonano 200+ has filled a huge need in the microscopy market that has existed for many years. We believe that this instrument, along with our company’s other super-resolution optical microscopes, may find strong demand in a diverse range of industries, including semi-conductors, biomedical and life science, and advanced materials and nanomaterials, as well as amongst various government agencies.

“In fact,” said Mr. Yeo, “we estimate there may be thousands of entities around the world that could be potential customers for these products.”

Optonano 200+ has already catalysed a significant surge in Phaos’ sales, said the CEO, and propelled the company into a phase of rapid expansion, particularly within Southeast Asia. “We now project revenue growth in 2024 of about 140 percent over 2023,” he stated.

Established as a technology start-up with a three-person team in 2017, Phaos Technology has expanded its ranks to a current total of 27 professionals. Each one, said Mr. Yeo, is driven by the aim of establishing Phaos as a premier provider of optical microscopy solutions.

“This shared vision is rooted in a commitment to offering accessible solutions that significantly enhance lives, one project at a time. Since unveiling our flagship product in 2021, Phaos has not only expanded its product portfolio to include six innovative offerings but has also witnessed a steady year-on-year improvement in sales figures, indicative of our growing influence and market presence. This journey has been characterised by a relentless focus on research and development, culminating in the launch of Optonano 200+.”

Phaos's approach to addressing industry challenges — particularly the barrier posed by excessively feature-packed and prohibitively priced super-resolution microscopes — underscores its commitment to creating solution-focussed products that meet real-world needs, he added.

Looking forward, said the CEO, Phaos is poised to delve deeper into research and development, aiming to unveil new technologies and products that tackle the challenges inherent in adopting expensive technologies. The company's strategic focus on identifying industry pain points and delivering tailored solutions is poised, he predicted, to redefine the microscopy solutions landscape.

“This approach is exemplified by our collaboration on a biomedical project in Indonesia, aimed at decentralising cancer cell analysis services through cloud software capabilities. This venture not only expands Phaos' s product offerings but also facilitates our entry into new markets with solutions specifically designed to address local challenges,” said Mr. Yeo.

"As Phaos continues to expand its geographical footprint and product range, we remain steadfast in our mission to empower industries with accessible, cutting-edge microscopy solutions, heralding a new era of technological advancement and market leadership.”

Launched in 2016, the SBR National Business Awards honours local and homegrown companies in Singapore for outstanding projects that significantly contribute to Singapore’s economy.