The 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.Photo courtesy of 908 DevicesShowcasing 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.