The investment, led by DSW Ventures with participation from Scottish Enterprise, SWIM Capital and the University of Strathclyde, will be used to scale production and bring the company’s first advanced imaging products to market.

Advanced microscopy capabilities are a critical tool underpinning bioscience research across the life sciences, biotech and pharma. However, they remain out of reach for many labs, as current systems are often expensive, technically complex, and difficult to integrate into existing workflows and infrastructure.

NLM, a University of Strathclyde spin out, has the goal to broaden access to advanced imaging capabilities for labs of all sizes, enabling them to increase the quality, quantity and frequency of their bioscience discoveries and outputs.

Its Advanced Modular Imaging System (AMIS) is a compact benchtop microscope which combines flexible micro-optics technology with structured illumination approaches for enhancing image clarity and resolution with an easy-to-use and cost-effective instrument.

At the core of the AMIS is NLM’s proprietary micro-optical system based light engine which enables powerful illumination control unlocking up to eight advanced imaging modes in a single system. All of these modes can be flexibly applied across a range of magnifications and illumination wavelengths, unlocking a powerful combination of high throughput and super-resolution imaging. This enables users to extract significantly more information from their samples without requiring any changes to existing protocols.

The funding will support early commercial deployments as well as continued development of NLM’s LINK imaging software, along with further hardware modules and products. The company is targeting UKCA and CE marking of their AMIS product, ahead of first commercial sales, with early customer deployments informing product development and supporting international expansion from 2027.

Dr Peter Tinning, CEO and co-founder of Northern Light Microscopy, said: “We’re excited to enter the next stage for Northern Light Microscopy. With the technology validated, this funding enables us to move forward into initial sales, scaling and product line expansion.

“It’s been great to work with both new investors like DSW Ventures, Scottish Enterprise, and SWIM Capital, alongside the continued support from the University of Strathclyde, who recognise both the strength of the technology and our ability as founders to build a commercially viable business. We’re lucky to benefit from such a strong support system for spinouts here in Scotland as we bring AMIS to market.”

James Reston, Investment Manager at DSW Ventures, said: “Northern Light Microscopy has developed an instrument that delivers super-resolution imaging performance at a price point that opens the technology to thousands of laboratories currently priced out of advanced microscopy. 

“The AMIS has already outperformed established systems, costing significantly more in direct comparison studies, and Peter and Ralf bring a combination of deep technical expertise and commercial understanding that gives us confidence in the Company’s ability to execute on its commercial plan. We look forward to supporting the team as they bring the AMIS to market.”

Anne Henderson, Head of Investment at the University of Strathclyde, said: “Northern Light Microscopy is a strong example of what can be achieved when outstanding founders are backed by the right commercialisation support. Peter and Ralf bring deep technical expertise alongside a clear understanding of how to build a scalable business, and the AMIS platform demonstrates real market differentiation. 

“Investing through the Strathclyde Inspire Entrepreneurs Fund allows us to support talented Strathclyde spin‑out teams as they move from world‑class research into early sales and sustained growth. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the team as they bring this technology to market.”