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Nine Diagnostics: Biomarker and Diagnostic Startup Selected for Drive Accelerator Program

SOUTH CAROLINA – April 23, 2026 – Nine Diagnostics is redefining how treatment effectiveness is determined. Rather than waiting months for imaging or clinical progression, its AI-enabled blood tests detect rapid biological response from a simple blood draw. This enables faster clinical decisions, improves patient stratification and supports more efficient drug development. Nine Diagnostics is building the foundation for a more responsive, feedback-driven model of precision medicine.

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Solutions

Nine Diagnostics has developed an AI-enabled nanosensor platform that detects disease- and treatment-specific molecular patterns directly from blood serum. Its carbon nanotube–based sensors transduce subtle biochemical interactions into measurable optical signals, which are interpreted using computational models trained on clinical datasets. The result is a rapid functional readout of therapy response and biological activity within days, rather than waiting weeks to months for imaging or clinical endpoints.

In oncology, this enables early determination of whether a patient’s treatment is effective. In drug development, it provides a rapid, scalable tool for patient stratification, pharmacodynamic monitoring and biomarker discovery. The platform is designed to be low-cost, scalable, and adaptable across multiple therapeutic areas.

Strengths

  • Strong Intellectual Property: Its platform is built on foundational carbon nanotube nanosensor chemistry developed at leading academic institutions, supported by proprietary IP with clear translational potential.
  • Functional Biology Focus: Rather than measuring static biomarkers, Nine Diagnostics quantifies dynamic treatment response and molecular signaling activity, providing real-time insight into whether a therapy is working.
  • Platform Versatility: The same sensing architecture can be applied across oncology, immunology, and cell and gene therapy workflows, enabling multiple verticals from a single core technology.
  • Clinical and Commercial Alignment: Their leadership combines clinical pathology, translational research, and company building, ensuring the science is designed from day one for regulatory, reimbursement and biopharma integration.

Meet the Team

From left to right:

Freddy T. Nguyen, MD, Ph.D. | Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Daniel A. Heller, Ph.D. | Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer

Mijin Kim, Ph.D. | Co-founder + Scientific Advisor

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Paige Durham

SCbio is pleased to welcome Paige Durham to the team as communications coordinator to creatively and effectively communicate the value of the life science association’s programs and initiatives.

Durham will be responsible for developing and distributing high-quality content across multiple communications channels to build, advance and grow South Carolina’s life sciences industry, a key business sector for economic prosperity for the Palmetto State.

“SCbio is excited to welcome Paige to our team as our new communications coordinator. Paige brings fresh ideas and a strong background in communications that will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our engagement with our audience,” said SCbio President and CEO James Chappell. “We are confident that her skills and experience will be crucial in advancing our communication strategies and supporting our mission.”

Before joining SCbio, Durham was the Membership and Communications Manager at the South Carolina Pharmacy Association (SCPhA), where she used her photography, design and writing skills to create content tailored to pharmacy professionals. Durham’s effective communication skills guaranteed the delivery of brand-specific material that captured the eye of her audience.

During her time at SCPhA, Durham created and edited the Palmetto Pharmacist Journal, using her creative vision to showcase members, educational institutions and industry news. Her communications efforts successfully gained new followers for the organization over the course of a year, increasing brand visibility and promoting the pharmacy profession.

Durham holds a Bachelor of Science in hospitality and tourism management and a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the College of Charleston.

Tamia Sumpter

Tamia is a driven senior undergraduate Bioengineering student currently enrolled at Clemson University. With a strong foundation in her field, she has honed her skills through hands-on experience in research and development at Eli Lilly & Company. During her time in the ADME department, Tamia contributed significantly by working on siRNAs and their applications in finding In Vitro-In Vivo Correlation (IVIVC). Looking ahead, Tamia has set her sights on a promising career in law. She aspires to specialize in Intellectual Property Law, with a particular focus on serving as in-house counsel for leading medical device or pharmaceutical companies. Her enthusiasm for this role is palpable as she prepares to embark on her legal journey! She is also a proud member of the Omicron Phi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., PEER Mentor for Clemson PEER/WiSE, and currently serves as the President of Clemson Bioengineering Organization (CBO). With her unique blend of scientific knowledge and legal interests, Tamia is poised to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare and life sciences industries.