About Spectacular Labs
Spectacular Labs is pioneering the future of food safety diagnostics by bringing laboratory-grade pathogen testing directly to production facilities. Our forward-looking vision centers on making rapid, accurate pathogen detection accessible to every food producer, regardless of size or technical expertise.
We've brought together world-class experts in molecular biology, food safety, and engineering to develop SpectacularOne—a revolutionary tabletop pathogen detection system that delivers certified results in hours, not days. Our mission is to eliminate the barriers that have traditionally made comprehensive pathogen testing expensive, slow, and inaccessible.
By combining cutting-edge LAMP (Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification) technology with intuitive design, we're transforming how the food industry approaches safety testing. Our systems are designed for line operators and QA technicians, requiring minimal training while delivering maximum accuracy and reliability.
From dairy farms to processing plants, from produce packers to meat processors, Spectacular Labs is making food safety testing more accessible, faster, and more reliable than ever before. We believe that every food producer deserves access to the same level of testing sophistication that was once reserved for the largest corporations.
Backed By
Meet The Team
Arthur Montazeri
CEO
Arthur Montazeri, PhD, is the CEO and co-founder of Spectacular Labs, where he leads development of the company's automated food pathogen detection platform. He earned his PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Toronto and completed postdoctoral fellowships at UC Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, focusing on applied physics, nanofabrication, and optics.
Arthur has published extensively in leading journals and is an inventor on multiple U.S. patents spanning plasmonics, biosensing, and molecular detection technologies. His research has been recognized with numerous awards and fellowships, including those from the Weston Foundation and Hatch Ltd.
At Spectacular, Arthur combines his expertise in optical physics with engineering innovation to deliver faster, more accessible solutions for global food safety.
Michael Fang
Co-Founder
Dr. Michael Fang earned his PhD in Physics from UC Berkeley, specializing in AI-driven scientific experimentation. At Intel, he helped launch the company's photonic neural network project and pioneered novel computing architectures, securing nine patents.
His research spans adaptive experimental design and the integration of AI with hardware to automate complex analyses. Michael's deep technical expertise is now focused on advancing food safety, where he is driving the development of AI-powered pathogen detection and rapid testing solutions.
Sam Goth
Director of Biology
Dr. Samuel Goth is a microbiologist and immunologist with over 25 years of research experience spanning academia, industry, and biotechnology startups. He earned his PhD in Immunology from UC Berkeley, followed by postdoctoral training in microbial pathogenesis at UC Berkeley and San Francisco General Hospital.
Sam has held senior scientific roles at UC Davis and CellSight Technologies, where he advanced immunology research and imaging technologies. He has published extensively on host-pathogen interactions, immune signaling, and imaging of T-cell activation, with work featured in leading journals such as Infection and Immunity, Cancer Research, and Molecular Imaging.
At Spectacular Labs, Sam leads microbiological development for the company's pathogen detection platform, designing and optimizing test methods, enrichment protocols, and identification workflows.
Leopoldo Saavedra
Director of Engineering
Leo Saavedra is a mechanical engineer with extensive experience in product development, system integration, and verification for life science applications. He began his career at Lucira Health, where he played a key role in scaling diagnostic device production from thousands to hundreds of thousands of units per month, contributing to both R&D and manufacturing optimization.
Leo has designed and prototyped microfluidic consumables, electromechanical instrumentation, and custom test fixtures, as well as developed detection algorithms and software solutions. His expertise spans CAD design, prototyping, electronics, and root cause analysis, with a proven track record of improving device performance and reliability.
At Spectacular Labs, Leo applies his broad engineering skill set to advance the design and manufacturing of automated pathogen detection systems.
ADVISORS
Our advisory board brings together industry leaders, academic experts, and regulatory specialists who guide Spectacular Labs' strategic direction and ensure our solutions address real-world challenges in food safety and pathogen detection.
Rick Calk
Former President and COO of Neogen Corporation (NASDAQ: NEOG), led three divisions including Genomics, driving sales from $250M to $400M and growing market cap by 169% to $4B.
Rick Calk
Richard Calk is a seasoned life science executive with deep expertise in global business development, acquisitions, and expansion. His career spans leadership roles at Solutia, Roquette America, CP Kelco, and DSM Food Specialties, where he advanced growth through strategic planning and innovation.
As an advisor, Richard brings proven operational leadership, international perspective, and a track record of scaling companies in food and agricultural biotechnology.
Gillian Kelleher
Global food safety leader and former VP of Food Safety and Quality Assurance at Wegmans Food Markets. CEO of Kelleher Consultants LLC, serves on GFSI, ANSI, and Stop Foodborne Illness boards.
Gillian Kelleher
Gillian Kelleher is a global food safety leader with extensive experience across manufacturing, retail, foodservice, and distribution. As former VP of Food Safety and Quality Assurance at Wegmans Food Markets, she oversaw all aspects of food safety for stores, manufacturing, distribution, and private-label programs.
Her career also includes leadership roles at Häagen-Dazs, Burger King, Pillsbury, and numerous suppliers and distributors. Today, as CEO of Kelleher Consultants LLC, she advises internationally and serves on multiple boards including GFSI, ANSI, and Stop Foodborne Illness.
As an advisor, Gillian brings unmatched expertise in building world-class food safety and quality systems to support Spectacular's mission.
Dr. Amir Mirzaei
Seasoned dental surgeon with over 30 years of experience, McGill-trained anatomist and graduate in Dentistry. Founded Apple's Elmvale Dental Clinic in 1995, with expertise in esthetic and restorative dentistry.
Dr. Amir Mirzaei
Dr. Amir Mirzaei, DDS, is a seasoned dental surgeon with over 30 years of experience blending artistry, dexterity, and science in patient care. A McGill-trained anatomist and graduate in Dentistry, he founded Apple's Elmvale Dental Clinic in 1995.
He has advanced expertise in esthetic and restorative dentistry, teaches clinically, and volunteers worldwide to support underserved communities.
As an advisor, Dr. Mirzaei brings clinical depth, global perspective, and a strong philosophy of preventative, patient-centered care that aligns with Spectacular's mission.
Tom Sidebottom
Regulatory expert with over 30 years at the FDA, specializing in food, drug, cosmetic, device, and biologic safety. Founder and Principal Consultant at Regulatory Science Consulting.
Tom Sidebottom
Tom Sidebottom is a regulatory expert with over 30 years at the FDA, specializing in food, drug, cosmetic, device, and biologic safety. His expertise spans compliance, laboratory operations, crisis management, auditing, and novel testing approaches to support global import and export requirements.
As Founder and Principal Consultant at Regulatory Science Consulting, he advises clients across industries on regulatory strategy and state-of-the-art testing. Previously, he served as Executive VP at AEMTEK, driving business development, partnerships, and FDA regulatory compliance guidance.
As an advisor, Tom brings unparalleled regulatory insight and hands-on experience to help Spectacular navigate safety, quality, and compliance at scale.
Dr. Ravi Selvaganapathy
Professor of Biomedical Engineering at McMaster University and Canada Research Chair in Biomicrofluidics. His research focuses on microfluidic and microscale devices for diagnostics, drug discovery, and artificial organs.
Dr. Ravi Selvaganapathy
Dr. Ravi Selvaganapathy is a Professor of Biomedical Engineering at McMaster University and Canada Research Chair in Biomicrofluidics. His research focuses on microfluidic and microscale devices for diagnostics, drug discovery, and artificial organs.
He has published extensively, co-directs the School of Biomedical Engineering, and contributes to several research institutes. As an advisor, Dr. Selvaganapathy brings deep expertise in biomicrodevices and interdisciplinary innovation to support Spectacular's mission.