2020 has brought unprecedented challenges for communities worldwide, and the Oxford Seed Fund (OSF) recognises the heightened importance of entrepreneurship in overcoming them. Each year the fund provides capital to the University of Oxford’s most promising start-ups. It is an educational opportunity for students to run an early-stage fund from sourcing to investment decisions. Of the hundreds of start-up applications the team reviewed, OSF is excited to announce one of this year’s start-up investments is Hutano Diagnostics.
The OSF team spent time getting to know Atherton Mutombwera, Founder of Hutano, to better understand the plan and vision for the company. Hutano Diagnostics is developing novel chemistry that allows small molecules to be used on Lateral Flow Devices to diagnose diseases such as Ebola and COVID-19. ‘Now, more than ever, we see the need for reliable, consistent, self-administered rapid-diagnostic testing,’ added McQuillen, ‘and we think that Hutano’s platform will be critical in detecting, treating and containing threats such as Covid-19 and Ebola. OSF is excited to be on the journey with Hutano and can’t wait to roll up our sleeves and help out.’