The team originate from the University of Sheffield and started commercial activities in 2018. Today Phlux has grown to a passionate team of industry specialists, developing new technology because they believe that photonics will enhance peoples lives.
Leadership
Ben White
CEO and Co-founder
Ben is an expert in infrared detectors, completing his PhD at the University of Sheffield in 2016. Driven by his vision for Phlux, he is leading the team to revolutionise infrared sensing and was awarded a Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Fellowship in 2020.
To unwind, Ben can usually be found rock climbing in the peak district
David Crisp
Chair
After a degree in Physics and then 12 years with Schlumberger, David has spent his time starting and running venture capital backed high-tech companies in the UK and California.
His last venture, Aveillant, a radar technology company, was acquired by Thales. David takes every opportunity he can to spend time aboard his sailing ketch exploring the coast.
Jo Shien Ng
COO and Co-founder
Jo Shien is a Professor of semiconductor devices at Sheffield University and an expert in optical detectors. Jo Shien has strong ties with industry, and has successfully led numerous commercial R&D projects with proven expertise in project delivery.
Jo Shien will use her extensive experience to help Phlux execute its goals, and commercialise the research. Whenever there is time left after work and family, she enjoys reading anything from young adult novels to popular science books.
Chee Hing Tan
CSA and Co-founder
Chee Hing has gained a world leading reputation in detector research over a 24 year career at Sheffield. He has pioneered a number of novel semiconductor materials for infrared detection and has led some of the most significant breakthroughs in APDs in recent years. He has over 100 journal publications and is currently the Head of Department for Electronic and Electrical Engineering.
In his spare time Chee Hing enjoys cooking and is a competitive badminton player.
Xiao Collins
Product engineer
Xiao received a PhD in physics at Lancaster University where he focused on the design, fabrication and characterisation of novel infrared semiconductor photodetectors. This experience will help Phlux develop its technology.
Outside of his work, Xiao loves to play sports, especially squash and table tennis.
Hannah Askew
Director
Hannah manages engineering commercialisation projects, including spinouts and licensing, at The University of Sheffield (TUoS).
Previous to this, Hannah worked in various technical and project management roles at the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) and the TUoS Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) to support businesses to accelerate the development, deployment and adoption of new technologies. Hannah has a Master of Engineering degree and a PhD in Materials Engineering.
Hannah is a keen hiker and loves to travel.
David Robbins
Business adviser
Dave is a Manager and R&D Scientist of 40 years standing in the photonics industry. His experience covers most aspects of the business development, the product development cycle; research, specification, development and qualification through to product introduction.
Beekeeping is Dave’s other passion.
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