908 Devices acquires NIRLAB for $15 million in narcotics detection deal

908 Devices Inc. (MASS) completed its acquisition of NIRLAB AG, a Switzerland-based company that develops handheld devices for narcotics detection using near-infrared spectroscopy technology.

The acquisition includes an upfront payment of $15 million, comprising $13 million in cash and $2 million in 908 Devices common stock. Additional payments of up to $8 million in stock may be made based on performance milestones over the next 20 months.

NIRLAB’s handheld device can analyze more than 400 common drugs including cocaine and methamphetamine through plastic bags and glass, delivering results within seconds. The device also quantifies drug purity in complex mixtures and analyzes cannabis, including THC and CBD percentages. The platform has conducted over one million analyses and includes a mobile app and cloud-based subscription service.

“Our combination creates a powerful end-to-end workflow advantage for our law enforcement customers,” said Kevin J. Knopp, CEO and co-founder of 908 Devices. “From fast, simple screening to trace-level analysis to detection of a broad range of substances, we offer a comprehensive solution for field-based chemical identification.”

NIRLAB was founded in 2021 as a spin-out from the University of Lausanne and employs 15 people. The company was co-founded by Florentin Coppey and Matteo Delbrueck, who serve as co-CEOs.