About Us
WHAT DEFINES US?
As technical leaders and scientists, we are driven to find novel ways that science can be used to drive meaningful solutions. At Gryffyn, our purpose is to improve lives through life science innovation. We define success by having a lasting positive impact on people’s lives.
LEADERSHIP
Dennis Barket, Ph.D., is an accomplished entrepreneur, scientist, and business leader with over 25 years of experience in analytical instrumentation, start-ups, technology commercialization, and general business management. Dennis has the unique experience and career arch of co-founding a two-person start-up that led to managing the full span of operations for a business unit of a Fortune 500 company as Vice President and General Manager.
Gryffyn Group is supported by an Advisory Board of technology innovators, entrepreneurs, government program managers, and award-winning scientists and engineers.
HISTORY
2001 – 2005
Dr. Barket co-founded Griffin Analytical Technologies with Garth Patterson, Ph.D., in 2001, a company focused on the commercialization of portable mass spectrometers to be used outside of a laboratory environment.
2005 – 2010
He led Griffin Analytical from its inception through its merger with ICx Technologies in 2005, a subsequent public offering on the NASDAQ in 2007, and eventually its acquisition in 2010 by FLIR Systems, a Fortune 500 company.
2010 – 2020
At FLIR, Dennis served as General Manager of the Mass Spec and ChemBio lines of business and then served on the corporate executive team as Vice President and General Manager for FLIR Detection. He oversaw the full span of business of the CBRNE the multi-site security analytics business.
2021 – Present
After a professional sabbatical, Dr. Barket founded Gryffyn Ventures in 2022 and the Gryffyn Group in 2024 with a mission to make the world a better place through scientific innovation.
Dr. Barket’s contributions to science and industry were recognized when he received the Purdue University College of Science Outstanding Alumni award in 2014. He is also cited on 10+ patents, and 12+ publications, and has presented over 50 technical and business start-up presentations. Dr. Barket has been involved in academic and entrepreneurial advisory roles, serving on the Purdue College of Science Dean’s Leadership Council and Purdue’s Entrepreneurial Advisory Council.
BRAND GENESIS
While there are many spellings—Griffin, Gryphon, Griffon, Gryffyn—the story of the mythological creature is the same: the Gryffyn represents protection and is a symbol of strength and courage, often depicted guarding royalty, treasure, or the military. Visually, a Gryffyn is styled with a lion’s body, tail, and back legs. Its head and wings resemble an eagle, with talons on the front legs.
Arguably the most significant characteristics are the Gryffyn’s claw and feather. A Gryffyn’s claw was believed to have healing powers and its feather could renew sight to the blind. This important part of the Gryffyn’s legendary folklore connects to our brand promise: to promote innovative science and light the way to solutions that make the world a better place.
