Geneius are revolutionising microbial testing and food analysis by implementing rapid and precise state-of-the-art DNA ‘sequence’ technology - will now automatically progress to the National start-up award finals, part of the Medilink UK National Awards, held in London early next year.

Now in its third year, the Business for Life Awards, celebrates the achievements of companies in the healthcare and life sciences sectors in the region, brought together more than 340 of the North East’s key players in the industry at last week’s ceremony.

Managing Director of Geneius, Professor Jerry Barnes, said: “We’re delighted to have been recognised by a regional industry body for the pioneering service portfolio delivered by Geneius, and welcome the opportunity to represent the North East’s entrepreneurial spirit at the National awards.”

Mike Asher, CEO of Cels, commented on the 2009 awards: “We were delighted by the high standard of entries from across the region, particularly during this period of economic unrest. The North East is rich with healthcare and life sciences companies that are doing exciting work across a wide range of fields and they all deserve to be recognised.”

Geneius, a spin out company from Newcastle University, launched commercial operations in May 2008. Their revolutionary DNA-based technology has been developed by the company’s world-leading R&D team to deliver a range of rapID® tests facilitating precise identification of contaminants, such as Listeria and Salmonella, in unprecedented turnaround times – allowing Geneius customers to release their products to market with complete peace of mind faster than ever before.