Founded in 2000, NextGen has developed a series of systems that allow researchers to better understand the role proteins can play in disease diagnosis and drug discovery. Protein analysis instrument a2DE Optimizer and gene cloning robotic system The Expression Factory are among the technologies offered by the company, via offices in Cambridgeshire and Philadelphia and a network of Far East distributors.

East of England-focused private equity fund Create Partners, which has backed the company on four further occasions since completing an initial investment in February 2004, will retain a 16.2 per cent stake post-flotation.