Technology enhancements and recent product announcement of the world’s first handheld mass spectrometer, M908, show the 908 Devices and UNC-CH collaboration bearing fruit.

Boston, MA -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/23/2014 -- 908 Devices, a pioneer of purpose-built analytical devices for chemical analysis, and research partners at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) continue to make waves on the analytical event circuit with revolutionary High Pressure Mass Spectrometry (HPMS) technology. Professor J. Michael Ramsey and his team from (UNC-CH) delivered a total of 12 presentations at this year's HPLC and ASMS conferences touting new performance breakthroughs in HPMS. These presentations demonstrate that the collaboration between the Ramsey group and 908 Devices continues to push the boundaries and capabilities of truly handheld mass spectrometry.

Numerous technology firsts were presented, including the successful demonstration of HPMS coupled with gas and liquid separation techniques, a critical milestone for applications in the life-sciences where sample matrices can be complex. With the use of an integrated capillary electrophoresis/nano-electrospray microfluidic chip the HPMS platform demonstrated rapid analysis of amino acids, peptides, and proteins. HPMS was also shown for the first time as an extremely compact and power efficient splitlessly-coupled detector for gas chromatography.

Several HPMS performance improvements presented at the conferences will have immediate benefit to the company's first product, M908, a rugged handheld mass spectrometry platform for safety & security applications. Enhancements to stretched-length ion traps (SLIT geometries) showed significantly higher sensitivity relative to cylindrical traps and can be incorporated in the current M908 handheld system. Also of specific importance to fieldable MS is the capability to operate the system in air with no added buffer gas – which is key to minimizing logistics burden. Presentations documented advances providing sub-amu resolution at pressures more than a thousand-fold higher than conventional ion trap mass spectrometers.

"There has been a remarkable shift in demand from very complex catch-all laboratory systems to purpose-built and user-centric analytical tools" said Dr. Christopher Brown, chief technical officer and co-founder of 908 Devices. "With our partners at UNC, 908 Devices is ideally positioned in the vanguard of this movement. The torrent of advances in HPMS will immediately benefit our current safety and security customers through product enhancements and new product opportunities, and it also opens doors to completely new opportunities in environmental, life-sciences and beyond. We are beyond being 'excited' by the possibilities that HPMS continues to deliver on."

The UNC-CH research team is led by Professor J. Michael Ramsey, the Minnie N. Goldby Distinguished Professor of Chemistry in UNC-CH's College of Arts and Sciences, with additional multiple appointments in the UNC-CH School of Medicine. Prof. Ramsey is also a co-founder of 908 Devices, a member of its Board of Directors and the Science Founder of Caliper Life Sciences. 908 Devices has exclusive license to a broad portfolio of patents developed by the research team at the University that contributes to the design and manufacture of simple-to-operate, ultra-compact chemical analysis tools.

"Our technical presentations outlined many of the achievements of the team here at UNC-CH to advance the performance of high-pressure mass spectrometry," said Prof. Ramsey. "We are focused on honing the capabilities of this truly unique technology and see a suite of practical applications for its implementation. It is equally exciting for the UNC-CH team to see 908 Devices pushing the capabilities of this technology in products that completely change the benchmarks for mass spectrometry portability and usability."

The first revolutionary product powered by HPMS technology was announced in March 2014. The M908 weighs less than 2 kg (4.4 lbs) and is battery powered for continuous operation in the field. It has been designed to meet commercial and military standards (MIL-STD-810G); which require repeated drops onto concrete and metal, storage and operation in extreme hot and cold conditions, and ingress protection to dust and water. The patented HPMS technology that powers M908 uses diminutive ion traps that measure less than a millimeter in critical dimensions and are capable of operation at 10,000 times higher pressure than those in conventional MS systems. This enables the use of small, rugged vacuum pumps, micro ionizers, detectors and efficient electronics.

To find out more visit http://www.908devices.com or email info@908devices.com.

About 908 Devices
908 Devices, a pioneer in purpose-built analytical devices, is bringing the powerful capabilities of mass spectrometry out of the confines of centralized laboratories. Award winning High Pressure Mass Spectrometry™ (HPMS) technology provides the platform for compact, personalized analyzers serving a range of industries including safety and security, life sciences, oil and gas, and beyond. Founded in 2012 by a proven team of industry and technology veterans, 908 Devices is based in Boston's Innovation District.

Media Contact:
Alyssa Ludvino
Tel: + 1.978.427.1026
Email: alyssa@908devices.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Boston, MA -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/23/2014 -- 908 Devices, a pioneer of purpose-built analytical devices for chemical analysis, announces the successful completion of performance testing for the M908 handheld mass spectrometer. MRIGlobal, a not-for-profit leading contract research and test facility for government and industry, carried out testing at its independent test facility in Kansas City. M908 performance was tested using chemical warfare agents (CWA) and simulants, toxic industrial compounds (TICs) and environmental pollutants. The evaluation concludes 'The device routinely performed at or exceeded expectations for all test categories.'

M908, the world's first handheld mass spectrometer, is designed for chemical detection and identification of solids, liquids and vapor targets at trace to bulk quantities. Engineered to provide civilian users, first responders, and military teams with unique capabilities in hand, M908 is set to transform the way chemical and explosive hazards are controlled at the point of need.

Consisting of 12,000 test cases across 15 chemical targets and interferents, test reports show favorable performance against Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) defined protocols with 1-second analysis times. Detection rates in the presence of up to 75% humidity and in the presence of high concentration interferents (JP8, AFFF, antifreeze, cologne and Windex) showed low ppb detection limits with 95% confidence limits.

"This evaluation is a milestone for M908 that further validates performance in the challenging circumstances our customers face every day", says Kevin Knopp, co-founder and chief executive officer at 908Devices. "As expected, the M908 demonstrated solid performance through a series of difficult tests providing rapid results and actionable answers."

Utilizing the unique proficiency of high-pressure mass spectrometry™ (HPMS), M908 expands the first responder tool kit adding deep chemical, explosive and precursor material identification and detection capabilities beyond traditional tools. The selectivity of mass spectrometry allows M908 to detect trace quantities of critical targets amongst the myriad of interferents that plague other less sensitive technologies.

Since it's release in March 2014, M908 has received excellent initial feedback from the response community. This groundbreaking technology was recently recognized by the scientific industry winning The Analytical Scientist Innovation Award in 2013 by demonstrating the impact a small, simple and robust mass spec device will have for first responders as well as chemical identification and detection applications more broadly.

Learn more about M908 at http://www.908devices.com or email info@908devices.com.

See M908 in action at http://www.908devices.com/videos/.

About 908 Devices
908 Devices, a pioneer in purpose-built analytical devices, is bringing the powerful capabilities of Mass Spectrometry out of the confines of centralized laboratories. Award winning High Pressure Mass Spectrometry (HPMS) technology provides the platform for compact, personalized analyzers serving a range of industries including safety and security, life sciences, oil and gas, and beyond. Founded in 2012 by a proven team of industry and technology veterans, 908 Devices is based in Boston's Innovation District.

Media Contact:
Alyssa Ludvino
Tel: + 1.978.427.1026
Email: alyssa@908devices.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

M908 delivers unprecedented threat identification for actionable intelligence in the field

Boston, MA -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/11/2014 -- 908 Devices, a pioneer of purpose-built analytical devices for chemical analysis, is delighted to introduce M908™, the world's first and only handheld tool utilizing high-pressure mass spectrometry™ (HPMS) for trace-level chemical detection and identification. Engineered to provide civilian users, first responders, and military teams with unique capabilities for material analysis, M908 is set to transform the way chemical and explosive hazards are controlled at the point of need.

Emergency responders require dependable detection and analysis capabilities that can keep pace with the ever-expanding list of chemical and explosive threats of today. For the first time, emergency responders can now rely on the power and sensitivity of mass spectrometry (MS) for fast chemical detection, identification and continuous incident monitoring directly in hand, at the point of action.

Environmentally hardened to commercial and military standards, such as MIL-STD-810G, M908 weighs just 2.0kg (4.4lbs), is battery powered and designed for effortless operation in full personal protective equipment (PPE). M908 delivers multimode detection and identification for the most extreme hazards and critical threats. From trace to bulk materials in liquid, solid and vapor form, M908 provides mission-critical actionable intelligence at the push of a button. Alerts are provided in seconds with rapid clear down time between measurements and low false alarm rates providing trusted performance for immediate action in the field.

"M908 was designed to overcome limitations of existing trace detection tools and to help address the expanding needs of our customers", says Dr. Kevin J. Knopp, co-founder and chief executive officer at 908 Devices. "We wanted to provide something really unique – a simple, rugged device that fills some very large gaps in capabilities, that does not burden a user with maintenance and logistics, and at the same time provide tremendous value with the ability to evolve to meet tomorrow's threats and challenges. We've done just that with M908."

Until now, the powerful capabilities of mass spec have been primarily confined to the centralized laboratory because of cumbersome size and weight, fragility and complex operation requiring highly trained experts. 908 Devices' development of patented HPMS utilizing micro-scale ion traps, unique on-board algorithms and integrated software enables M908 to operate in the field with unprecedented levels of selectivity and sensitivity in the parts-per-billion (ppb).

Independently tested with a wide range of chemicals and live chemical agents, M908 has also received excellent initial feedback from the response community. M908's speed of detection and low false-positive rate, as well as the compact and lightweight form are its defining attributes. This groundbreaking technology was recently recognized by the scientific industry winning The Analytical Scientist Innovation Award in 2013 by demonstrating the impact a small, simple and robust mass spec device will have for safety and security and chemical detection applications more broadly.

To find out more about M908 visit http://www.908devices.com or email info@908devices.com. You can also follow us on Twitter at @908devices and on LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/908Devices.

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908 Devices is delighted to announce that M908, the world’s first and only handheld high pressure mass spectrometer for first responders in safety and security and HAZMAT applications, has been voted first place winner in The Analytical Scientist Innovation Awards 2013.

Boston, MA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 12/19/2013 -- 19 December 2013: Boston, MA: 908 Devices, an innovator in point-of-need chemical analysis, is delighted to announce that M908, the world's first and only handheld high pressure mass spectrometer, has been voted first place winner in The Analytical Scientist Innovation Awards 2013. The awards select a single winner and recognize a short-list of the top 15 advances from across the broad field of analytical sciences. Showcasing the wide range and level of progress across the industry, the awards include diverse breakthroughs as 3D Gas Chromatography systems, live cell RNA detection innovations and new laboratory MS platforms. In singling out 908 Devices' initial product, the award demonstrates the impact small, simple and robust mass spec analysis will have for first responders in safety and security and HAZMAT applications today as well as the future transformative impact HPMS will have on a range of research and industrial applications.

The TASIAs recognize products that enhance sample preparation, separation, identification, qualification or analysis and contribute to making the world safer and the diagnosis of disease more effective. Nominations were submitted by the readers of The Analytical Scientist and the shortlist was selected by a panel of three independent experts and the publication's editorial team. 908 Devices was named #1 from the short-list, which included advances from Thermo Fisher Scientific, Bruker Corporation and Waters Corporation.

Commenting on the technologies recognized in the 2013 TASIAs, editor of The Analytical Scientist Rich Whitworth said, "limits of detection are the benchmarks of safety, and fast, accurate clinical diagnostics save lives – in other words, what we measure today, we can improve tomorrow."

M908 is a chemical detection tool that is handheld, battery operated and ten times smaller and lighter than any other commercial mass spectrometer device. 908 Devices' revolutionary High Pressure Mass Spectrometry (HPMS™) technology enables M908 to operate much closer to atmospheric pressures than conventional MS systems using patented, micro-scale ion traps in a package designed for MilSpec ruggedness and reliability. HPMS™ technology combined with M908's unique, integrated algorithms provides the selectivity to detect and identify hundreds of target threats with low false alarm rates and single second sensitivity at low ppb levels - actionable intelligence with push button operation. Weighing 3.75lbs, M908 is purpose built for the detection and identification of trace levels of chemical weapons, toxic industrial chemicals (TICs), explosives and drugs in safety and security applications. Currently completing successful field trials and third party testing, M908 is scheduled for general availability in 2014.

CEO of 908 Devices Dr Kevin J. Knopp commented on the results of the awards, "We are delighted to have had our technology recognized in these awards. Our customers within the safety and security market need accurate, reliable and actionable intelligence in detection of chemical and explosive threats. Addressing that need, we have harnessed the powerful capabilities of mass spectrometry into a truly handheld device that will dramatically change the way these threats are detected and identified. Beyond safety and security our HPMS™ technology offers an analytical platform for life science research, food safety and a host of other applications that will benefit from small footprint analysis on the workbench or handheld field operation."

Winning the 2013 TASIA follows earlier recognition for three of 908 Devices' key scientific contributors. In October, Scientific Founder Dr. Michael J. Ramsey and Advisory Board members Dr. David R. Walt and Dr. Alan G. Marshall were all named on The Analytical Scientist 2013 annual Power List, recognizing the top 100 most influential figures in analytical sciences worldwide. Inclusion in the Power List demonstrated the scientific expertise and experience that is driving the development of the 908 Device's innovative technology.

To find out more about 908 Devices and the development of miniaturized mass spectrometry tools please visit www.908devices.com or email info@908devices.com.

The full list of companies recognized by The Analytical Scientist Innovation Awards can be found at www.theanalyticalscientist.com and the full Power List can be found at www.theanalyticalscientist.com/the-power-list-2013/.

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908 Devices has received $7M in Series B funding, which included new investment from Schlumberger and follow-on investments from ARCH Venture Partners, Razor’s Edge Ventures and University of Tokyo Edge Capital (UTEC).

Boston, MA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 09/11/2013 -- 908 Devices, an innovator in point-of-need chemical analysis, today announced that it received $7M in Series B funding, which included new investment from Schlumberger and follow-on investments from ARCH Venture Partners, Razor's Edge Ventures and University of Tokyo Edge Capital (UTEC). In addition, 908 Devices and Schlumberger signed a technical collaboration and development agreement to apply 908 Devices' technology to a number of applications in the oil and gas industry. 908 Devices expects this multi-year agreement to bring both development and product revenues to the company.

"These latest investments are a strong validation that High Pressure Mass Spec (HPMS™) is a true platform with transformative impact across chemical analysis," said Dr. Kevin J. Knopp, CEO and co-founder of 908 Devices. "Many of the new capabilities produced under our development agreement will also benefit our core safety and security customers and at the same time it opens an exciting new market for us. We could not ask for a better collaborator than Schlumberger, the world leader in oil and gas services, whose capabilities and technical know-how are unparalleled."

The financing round will be used to expand the R&D team and to accelerate and commercialize 908 Devices' initial safety and security products following enthusiastic feedback from key government groups and third party testing. With High Pressure Mass Spectrometry (HPMS™), 908 Devices is producing simple and purpose-built, battery-powered tools untethered from permanent facilities or mobile laboratories. Truly handheld, weighing only a few pounds and extremely rugged, these analyzers are far beyond the complex 'luggable' systems available today. These systems give non-specialist field personnel analysis with extreme sensitivity – to the part-per-billion level – while simultaneously distinguishing hundreds of different chemicals.

To find out more about 908 Devices and the development of miniaturized mass spectrometry tools please visit www.908devices.com or email info@908devices.com.

About 908 Devices
908 Devices is bringing the powerful capabilities of Mass Spectrometry out of the confines of centralized laboratories. 908 Devices' products range from rugged, handheld chemical detection tools to compact, dedicated analyzers for researchers, serving a range of industries including safety and security, life science research, biotechnology, food safety and clinical diagnostics. Founded in 2012 by a proven team of industry and technology veterans, 908 Devices is based in Boston's Innovation District.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Chris Petty at (608) 358-6357 or email Chris at cpetty@908devices.com.

About Schlumberger
Schlumberger is the world's leading supplier of technology, integrated project management and information solutions to customers working in the oil and gas industry worldwide. Employing approximately 120,000 people representing over 140 nationalities and working in more than 85 countries, Schlumberger provides the industry's widest range of products and services from exploration through production. Schlumberger Limited has principal offices in Paris, Houston and The Hague, and reported revenues from continuing operations of $41.73 billion in 2012. For more information, visit www.slb.com.

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908 Devices’ research partner, the group of Prof. J. Michael Ramsey at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH), made a number of ground breaking presentations at the ASMS conference in June which all advanced the rapidly evolving field of High Pressure Mass Spectrometry (HPMS™).

Boston, MA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 08/14/2013 -- 908 Devices, an innovator in point-of-use chemical analysis, continues to benefit from its research partnership with the group of Prof. J. Michael Ramsey at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH). The Ramsey team made a total of eight research presentations at the American Society of Mass Spectrometry Conference in June, all advancing the rapidly evolving field of High Pressure Mass Spectrometry (HPMS™).

The UNC-CH presentations covered substantial advances in both the theoretical understanding and practical performance of miniature ion traps, ionizers and detectors at operating pressures up to, and beyond, 1 torr – HPMS™. Multiple presentations explored the theoretical attributes of ion trajectories as a function of trap fabrication geometries and drive parameters. One of the most exciting areas of research involves a new stretched length ion trap geometry that experimentally demonstrated a near order-of-magnitude increase in ion-trapping capacities compared to cylindrical geometries. Further, a presentation on the influence of drive frequency demonstrated sub-amu resolutions from miniature ion trap arrays operating in the HPMS™ regime.

908 Devices has exclusive license to a broad portfolio of patents developed by the research team at the University that contributes to the design and manufacture of simple-to-operate, ultra-compact chemical detection and analysis tools. The HPMS™ projects presented by the Ramsey group received support from the US Department of Defense (DOD) signifying the value placed on these capabilities by the safety and security community.

Dr. Chris Brown, Co-founder and CTO of 908 Devices highlighted the impressive nature of the research presented by saying, "The Ramsey group at UNC-CH has a large, focused and productive effort in the field of miniaturized mass spectrometry. Collaboration between our teams continues to be mutually beneficial and we are extremely excited about working together to successfully bring the powerful capabilities of mass spectrometry out of the laboratory into the hands of the first responder."

These HPMS™ developments are crucial to the successful creation of highly sensitive and selective miniaturized mass spectrometry tools by 908 Devices. The initial product focus is on safety and security markets, but the broad platform of 908 Devices' simple, rugged and cost-effective MS analyzers will address customer problems across diverse markets.

The UNC-CH research team is led by Professor J. Michael Ramsey, who is the Minnie N. Goldby Distinguished Professor of Chemistry in UNC-CH's College of Arts and Sciences, at the University with additional multiple appointments in the UNC-CH School of Medicine. Prof. Ramsey is also a co-founder of 908 Devices, a member of its Board of Directors and the Science Founder of Caliper Life Sciences.

"Our presentations outlined clearly a number of innovative advances in miniaturized mass spectrometry, a dynamic field with myriad practical applications outside the lab," said Prof. Ramsey.

To access copies of the posters presented at ASMS by UNC or for more information, please contact Joy Bonds at joy_bonds@med.unc.edu.

To find out more about 908 Devices and the development of miniaturized mass spectrometry tools please visit www.908devices.com or email info@908devices.com.

About 908 Devices
908 Devices is bringing the powerful capabilities of Mass Spectrometry out of the confines of centralized laboratories. 908 Devices' products range from rugged, handheld chemical detection tools to compact, dedicated analyzers for researchers, serving a range of industries including safety and security, food science, biotechnology and clinical diagnostics. Founded in 2012 by a proven team of industry and technology veterans, 908 Devices is based in Boston's Innovation District.

If you would like more information about this topic or to schedule an interview, please contact Chris Petty at (608) 358-6357 or email Chris at cpetty@908devices.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Boston, MA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/12/2013 -- 908 Devices, an innovator in point-of-use chemical analysis, is pleased to announce that Kevin Hrusovsky, former President of Life Sciences and Technology at PerkinElmer, has recently joined its board of directors. With over 25 years' experience delivering leadership strategy in the life sciences industry, the addition of Kevin Hrusovsky represents a significant benefit to the company.

As an independent member, Kevin completes a team of 5 that comprises the Board Directors at 908 Devices. The Massachusetts-based start-up will launch a portfolio of small, rugged and purpose-built mass spectrometers, initially serving military and security applications. The strong leadership team that 908 Devices is creating validates the future strategy of the business as well as providing the resource capability to commercialize across diverse markets and applications. 908 Devices is also growing its advisory board which currently comprises 6 representatives including Major General Stephen Reeves (ret.), who had an instrumental role developing national policy guidance for delivering both defense systems, medical devices and pharmaceuticals to U.S. Forces.

Dr. Kevin J. Knopp, CEO and founder of 908 Devices welcomed the new board member by saying, "we are delighted that Kevin has joined our board. His clear strengths in strategic and operational execution will be invaluable to us, particularly as we grow more broadly than our core safety and security markets."

Kevin Hrusovsky said of his appointment, "908 Devices is an important disruptive innovation company developing a game changing hand held mass spectrometer which I believe will have broad application. I am extremely pleased to be involved at this exciting time for the organization. I look forward to working with the team as it continues its drive to deploy the powerful capabilities of this technology for the benefit of a wide range of industries."

Kevin Hrusovsky has an established track record for delivering strategic vision, impactful innovation, profitable growth and shareholder value. As President and CEO of Caliper Life Sciences and Zymark Corporation, he was responsible for building one of the most innovative and fastest growing companies in the life sciences industry. Caliper was sold to PerkinElmer for $650m cash in November 2011. Since that time he has led PerkinElmer's Life Sciences and Technology business and has helped PerkinElmer become a leader in personalized medicine and health. Prior to Caliper, Kevin held management positions at FMC Corporation and DuPont de Nemours. He has served as a director on SeraCare, Xenogen, Caliper and Alliant Medical Technologies Boards and has received numerous recognitions for his entrepreneurism and thought leadership in personalized medicine and health.

Prof. J. Michael Ramsey, Goldby Distinguished Professor of Chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, co-founder and chair of the Scientific Advisory Board at 908 Devices was previously Science Founder at Caliper Life Sciences where Kevin Hrusovsky was later CEO. Prof. Ramsey commented that "Kevin's vision for growth at Caliper Life Sciences and ability to create acceptance for breakthrough technology in a rapidly evolving market is exactly why 908 Devices will benefit from his experience and proven strategic expertise."

To find out more about 908 Devices, its leadership team and the emerging technology for security and safety applications please visit www.908devices.com or email info@908devices.com.

About 908 Devices
908 Devices is bringing the powerful capabilities of Mass Spectrometry out of the confines of centralized laboratories. 908 Devices' products range from rugged, handheld chemical detection tools to compact, dedicated analyzers for researchers, serving a range of industries including safety and security, food science, biotechnology and clinical diagnostics. Founded in 2012 by a proven team of industry and technology veterans, 908 Devices is based in Boston's Innovation District.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Company is Developing Handheld Explosive and Chemical Detectors for U.S. Safety and Security Community

Boston, MA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/09/2013 -- 908 Devices, an innovator in field-portable chemical analysis, today announced it has entered into a strategic partnership with In-Q-Tel (IQT), the independent strategic investment firm that identifies innovative technology solutions to support the missions of the U.S. Intelligence Community. The investment will contribute to 908 Devices' efforts to build rugged, handheld mass spectrometry tools that can perform hazardous chemical detection and analysis. The technology is being developed, in part, with funding from the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate, an IQT customer agency.

"The team at 908 Devices is implementing Mass Spectrometry in a form factor that truly is handheld, and their capabilities are strongly aligned with needs we see in both government and commercial markets," said Simon Davidson, Partner on IQT's Investments team. "We believe this partnership will provide our government customers in the national security space with a unique opportunity to deploy and build upon unprecedented capabilities for chemical detection and analysis."

908 Devices makes simple and purpose-built, battery-powered tools that provide chemical detection and analysis at the point-of-need, untethered from permanent facilities or mobile laboratories. Truly handheld, and weighing only a few pounds, these analyzers are far beyond the unwieldy and complex 'luggable' systems available today. 908 Devices' proprietary High Pressure Mass Spectrometry (HP-MS™) technology gives non-specialist field personnel analysis with extreme sensitivity – to the part-per-billion level or lower – while simultaneously distinguishing thousands of different chemicals.

"The need to detect and analyze a broad array of hazardous chemicals and weapons at trace amounts has never been greater," said Dr. Kevin J. Knopp, CEO and founder of 908 Devices. "We are pleased to be partnering with IQT, and believe this significant partnership validates our platform and approach."

To learn more about 908 Devices and the emerging technology for security and safety applications please visit www.908devices.com or email us on info@908devices.com

About 908 Devices
908 Devices is bringing the powerful capabilities of Mass Spectrometry out of the confines of centralized laboratories. 908 Devices' products range from rugged, handheld chemical detection tools to compact, dedicated analyzers for researchers, serving a range of industries including safety and security, food science, biotechnology and clinical diagnostics. Founded in 2012 by a proven team of industry and technology veterans, 908 Devices is based in Boston's Innovation District.

About IQT
In-Q-Tel is the not-for-profit, strategic investment firm that works to identify, adapt, and deliver innovative technology solutions to support the missions of the U.S. Intelligence Community. Launched in 1999 as a private, independent organization, IQT's mission is to identify and partner with companies developing cutting-edge technologies that serve the national security interests of the United States. Working from an evolving strategic blueprint defining the Intelligence Community's critical technology needs, IQT engages with entrepreneurs, startups, researchers, and investors to deliver technologies that provide superior capabilities for the CIA and broader Intelligence Community. For more information, visit www.iqt.org.

If you would like more information about this topic or to schedule an interview, please contact Chris Petty at (608) 358-6357 or email Chris at cpetty@908devices.com

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Start-up Licenses Broad IP Portfolio for Ultra-Compact Hazardous Chemical Detectors and Chemical Analysis Tools

Boston, MA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 02/12/2013 -- 908 Devices Inc. has secured exclusive license to a broad portfolio of patents that enable simple-to-operate, ultra-compact chemical detection and analysis tools. Humans have an increasing need to detect and identify chemicals in our surroundings instantly, whenever and wherever they are found; beyond conventional centralized laboratories where scientific equipment is housed. 908 Devices is making revolutionary tools that can both detect and identify a large set of chemical hazards in a battery-operated handheld that is robust enough to exceed military standards and be trusted for immediate action in the field. For research biologists and chemists, the same robust technology core enables personal analysis tools, small and simple enough for every work area.

On Sci-Fi television, in real forensic crime laboratories, and in analytical laboratories around the world, the technique of Mass Spectrometry is the well-established gold standard for food safety testing, explosives and chemical threat forensics, biotechnology research, drugs-of-abuse testing and clinical diagnostics. This broad utility comes both from Mass Spec's high selectivity (it is able to differentiate millions of different chemicals) and from its extreme sensitivity (it is able to measure quantities as low as 1 part in a billion or better). Unlike television, until now, complexity, large size, and high costs restricted these capabilities to highly skilled scientists in laboratory environments. Samples, if they could be collected and moved, had to be transported to the instruments.

The licensed patent portfolio results from over $17.5M of government research funding through the agencies of DARPA, DOE and DTRA. Prof. J. Michael Ramsey and collaborators developed the technology, initially at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and later at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The portfolio comprehensively covers key aspects and sub-systems required to enable micro-scale mass spectrometry tools including ionization, ion traps and detection schemes. Prof. Ramsey is both the Goldby Distinguished Professor of Chemistry at UNC-Chapel Hill and the Science Founder of 908 Devices. He was also the Science Founder of Caliper Life Sciences (NASDAQ: CALP), acquired by PerkinElmer (NYSE: PKI) in 2011 for $600M.

"This agreement enables us to transform how chemical analysis is done today by taking the most widely accepted and broadly capable analytical technique of mass spectrometry and making it an elegantly simple tool. These tools are so tiny, it can be used at the point-of-need by the person who has the questions and needs an answer." said Dr. Kevin J. Knopp, CEO and a founder of 908 Devices. "By doing this we will be helping our customers reduce logistics burdens, reduce delay, and enable accelerated response, action, and science," said Dr. Knopp.

"It is extremely gratifying to see the past 10-years of research work coming into commercial implementation," said Prof. J. Michael Ramsey. "908 Devices has assembled a remarkable team of industry and technology experts with a proven track record of bringing previously complex, laboratory technologies to the field."

"Innovation in Mass Spectrometry and separation techniques at ORNL dates back to the Manhattan Project," said ORNL Director Thom Mason. "We are pleased to celebrate the serial entrepreneurship in Professor Ramsey's work, having first successfully licensed micro-fluidic separation technology to Caliper Technologies and now, with this agreement, for micro-Mass Spectrometry with 908 Devices."

About 908 Devices
908 Devices is bringing the powerful capabilities of Mass Spectrometry out of the confines of centralized laboratories. 908 Devices' ultra-compact chemical tools platform will impact a range of industries including safety and security, food science, biotechnology and clinical diagnostics. Founded in 2012, by a proven team of industry and technology experts, 908 Devices is based in Boston's Innovation District.

About Oak Ridge National Laboratory
ORNL is a multiprogram science and technology laboratory managed for the U.S. Department of Energy by UT-Battelle, LLC. ORNL's mission is to deliver scientific discoveries and technical breakthroughs that will accelerate the development and deployment of solutions in clean energy and global security, and in doing so create economic opportunity for the nation.

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Portable Chemical Analysis Startup Completes Funding Round and Establishes HQ in Boston’s Innovation District

Boston, MA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 02/12/2013 -- 908 Devices, an innovator in field-portable chemical analysis, announces the closing of an $8.1M Series A investment led by ARCH Venture Partners with participation from Razor's Edge Ventures and University of Tokyo Edge Capital (UTEC). Keith Crandell, Co-founder and Managing Director of ARCH and Mark Spoto, Managing Director of Razor's Edge have joined 908 Devices' board.

Founded in 2012, 908 Devices is developing ultra-compact, simple to use tools for chemical detection and analysis at the point-of-need. The underlying Mass Spectrometry technology is the gold standard for laboratory analysis across a wide range of industries and applications, however 908 Devices' unique approach frees these capabilities from centralized labs.

"Our successful closing of this substantial Series A round is a strong endorsement of the team we have assembled, our strategy and technology," said Dr. Kevin J. Knopp, CEO and founder of 908 Devices. "We had strong interest in this round and choose to partner with investors with deep roots in the analytical tools space and security market sectors in the US and internationally."

In addition, 908 Devices has established headquarters and manufacturing operations in Boston's Innovation District. Leased in 2012, the 6500 SqFt facility is on the top floor of the Drydock Center. In addition to office facilities for the rapidly growing team, the space is equipped for full R&D, including chemical, development and electronics laboratories. Manufacturing capability includes a full machine shop with CNC, clean room assembly area and environmental test chambers.

"Establishing our HQ in Boston's innovation district is working extremely well," said Dr. Chris Petty, VP of Business Development and co-founder of 908 Devices. "The location helps with recruiting top talent to our team and being surrounded by other cutting edge technology innovators is both stimulating and great for collaboration."

About 908 Devices
908 Devices is bringing the powerful capabilities of Mass Spectrometry out of the confines of centralized laboratories. 908 Devices' products range from rugged, handheld chemical detection tools to compact, tiny footprint analyzers for researchers, serving a range of industries including safety and security, food science, biotechnology and clinical diagnostics. Founded in 2012, by a proven team of industry and technology veterans, 908 Devices is based in Boston's Innovation District.

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