908 Devices Acquires NIRLAB AG to Expand Narcotics Detection Capabilities
What to Know
- NIRLAB AG's handheld device analyzes over 400 drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamine, THC, and CBD, in seconds, supporting real-time decision-making in the field.
- The acquisition includes a $15 million upfront payment, with potential additional payments up to $8 million based on performance milestones over 20 months.
- NIRLAB's technology is cloud-connected and includes a mobile app, enabling seamless updates and data management for law enforcement agencies worldwide.
BURLINGTON, Massachusetts -- 908 Devices announced it has completed the acquisition of NIRLAB AG, a Switzerland-based company specializing in handheld narcotics detection technology powered by near-infrared spectroscopy.
According to the company, the acquisition expands its field chemical analysis portfolio and strengthens its position in narcotics detection for law enforcement agencies. NIRLAB AG develops AI-powered, cloud-connected handheld devices designed to identify narcotics in seconds during patrol and investigative operations.
The NIRLAB handheld device is designed to analyze more than 400 commonly encountered drugs, including cocaine and methamphetamine, either directly or through thin plastic bags and glass containers. The company said the device delivers results in seconds to support real-time operational decision-making in the field.
In addition to identifying substances, the technology can quantify drug purity in mixed samples and analyze cannabis concentrations, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) percentages. According to the company, the platform has been used in more than one million analyses and includes a mobile application, cloud connectivity, and a subscription-based update system.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the NIRLAB team to 908 Devices. Our combination creates a powerful end-to-end workflow advantage for our law enforcement customers,” said Kevin J. Knopp, CEO and co-founder of 908 Devices. “From fast, simple screening to trace-level analysis to detection of a broad range of substances, we offer a comprehensive solution for field-based chemical identification.”
NIRLAB co-CEOs Florentin Coppey and Matteo Delbrueck said the acquisition is expected to expand the company’s reach within global law enforcement markets.
“We are excited to join 908 Devices and bring our NIR technology to a global audience,” Coppey and Delbrueck said in a joint statement. “Combining our proven technology platform with 908 Devices’ market leadership, commercial infrastructure, and complementary product portfolio creates a powerful opportunity to better serve law enforcement agencies worldwide.”
NIRLAB AG was founded in 2021 as a spin-out of the University of Lausanne, which is known for forensic science research. The company is headquartered in Lausanne and employs 15 people.
According to the announcement, the acquisition includes an upfront payment of $15 million, consisting of $13 million in cash and $2 million in 908 Devices common stock. The agreement also includes up to an additional $8 million in company stock tied to performance milestones over the next 20 months.