About Grove

Grove Nanomaterials Ltd was founded on 1 March 2023 as a spinout from Swansea University. Built on three university-assigned patents and years of scientific research, Grove was created to turn advanced nanomaterials into practical products with real-world impact.

Our journey began with a novel, sustainable method for manufacturing gold nanoparticles for use in lateral flow tests. These nanoparticles create the visible test lines found in many rapid diagnostic devices, including COVID-19 home tests. Their distinctive optical properties also make them valuable across a wide range of research, diagnostic and industrial applications.

As the company developed, we recognised a much larger opportunity: using our technology to improve access to allergy testing.

From Nanomaterials to Allergy Diagnostics

Grove is developing regulated lateral flow home tests for major allergies, designed to provide convenient and accessible initial testing outside the laboratory.

Alongside this work, we have introduced comprehensive laboratory-based allergy screening using the MADx ALEX³ system, which can assess sensitisation to approximately 300 allergens. This provides a natural next step for patients who need a more detailed understanding of their allergy profile.

Our laboratory allergy testing service began in June 2026, initially working with independent GPs. We aim to bring our regulated home allergy tests to market in January 2028.

Grove’s multicoloured gold nanoparticles, which will support the development of our future lateral flow tests, are also available to the international research and development market through our distributor, Marixia.

Our Team

Grove is led by an experienced team combining scientific research, diagnostics, data and commercial development:

Professor Richard Palmer — Founder, CEO and CTO
Dr Caitlin Crombie — Head of Business and Diagnostics
Dr Kevin Wu — Head of Research and Data

Our Facilities

We operate from two specialist facilities in Cardiff:

• the Grove Medical Laboratory at the Medicentre on the University Hospital of Wales site; and

• the Grove NanoFactory at the sbarc|spark innovation centre on Maindy Road.

These facilities support our work across allergy diagnostics, nanomaterial development, research and small-scale production.

Our Commitment to Quality

Quality is central to everything we do. Grove is working towards ISO 9001 certification for its Quality Management System, covering both our products and services.

Our Vision

Grove was founded not only to commercialise innovative science, but also to contribute to the economic and industrial growth of South Wales.

Our ambition is to build a successful, fast-growing healthcare and nanotechnology company that creates skilled employment, delivers valuable diagnostic products and generates sustainable long-term value for customers, partners and investors.

Richard Palmer

Founder, 6 June 2025