Zentek Ltd. (TSXV:ZEN, NASDAQ:ZTEK) announced that its wholly‑owned subsidiary, Triera Biosciences Ltd., has launched a contract‑research‑organization (CRO) service line focused on custom aptamer discovery, biosensor enablement, and machine‑learning classification. The new service is backed by an exclusive 20‑year license from McMaster University and is positioned to serve high‑priority infectious‑disease and oncology‑detection markets across Canada, the United States, and Europe.
Triera’s catalog includes aptamers for influenza A, SARS‑CoV‑2, VEGF, syphilis, norovirus, and Clostridioides difficile, each exhibiting sub‑nanomolar binding affinity. The platform’s ability to rapidly generate chemically synthesized recognition molecules gives it a distinct advantage over antibody‑based tools, especially in point‑of‑care settings where speed, stability, and cost are critical.
The launch expands Zentek’s portfolio beyond its graphene‑based products, creating a high‑margin, recurring‑revenue stream that could accelerate the company’s path to profitability. CEO Mohammed Jiwan said, “Our platform is grounded in one of the world’s leading academic aptamer programs, protected by a 20‑year exclusive license, and aligned with the most urgent diagnostic gaps in infectious disease and oncology across North America and Europe. By offering CRO services, we can help pharmaceutical and biotech teams access custom molecular recognition tools and accelerate their development timelines, while generating near‑term revenue that supports Triera’s long‑term product roadmap.”
Financially, Zentek reported $1.67 million in revenue over the last twelve months, a 74% increase, yet the company remains unprofitable. In February 2026, revenue surged 2,736% to $627,100 for 2025, reflecting the volatility of its early‑stage product pipeline. The new CRO platform is expected to diversify revenue sources and improve cash‑flow resilience, providing a more predictable income stream than its existing product sales.
Aptamer technology offers chemical synthesis, enhanced stability, and rapid iteration, positioning Triera to meet the growing demand for rapid, point‑of‑care diagnostics in infectious disease and oncology. The exclusive license and machine‑learning classification capabilities give the company a competitive edge, while the asset‑light, client‑funded CRO model allows scalability without significant capital expenditure. The launch signals a strategic pivot toward service‑based revenue, potentially improving profitability and strengthening Zentek’s long‑term growth prospects.
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