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February 14, 2025
Innovation and scientific breakthroughs have been instrumental in securing critical areas of our country including airports, ports of entry, security checkpoints, border crossings and commercial and residential properties. One local Burlington company that has played a significant role in this mission is Viken Detection.
Join us as we highlight this month’s Burlington Business Spotlight – Viken Detection located on 21 North Avenue in Burlington.
What Is Viken Detection?
Technology plays a significant role in maintaining the security of our world from threats both visible and invisible. In order to keep our world safe from a variety of threats, Viken Detection designs and manufactures detection products that can identify, deter and eliminate risks using leading-edge technology.
Viken Detection’s industry-leading detection technology can find hidden weapons, narcotics, cash, explosives and more using proven technologies such as X-ray imaging, chemical analysis or element identification. Viken products are used and trusted by authorities such as the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), State and local law enforcement agencies, military and correctional facilities, and more.
Even the name “Viken” signifies the company’s commitment to detecting public threats with breakthrough technologies. The word “Viken” is derived from “sixth sense.” The name combines VI, the Roman numeral for six, and “KEN”, from the Latin meaning knowledge or range of sight. Thus the company name indicates a dedication to seeing things beyond our human sight. The company tagline, “One Sense Ahead,” gives a nod to this mission as well.
What Technology Does Viken Create?
With products on the front line of keeping critical infrastructure and locations safe, Viken prides itself on being one step ahead of malicious behavior with its X-ray imaging, chemical analysis and element detection technology.
X-Ray Imaging
The Nighthawk™ and recently-introduced Raven™ Handheld X-Ray Imaging Systems can scan where contraband could be hidden. For instance, it sees what is invisible to the human eye, detecting concealed weapons, narcotics and explosives in areas such as vehicles, luggage, barrels, upholstery, and many other applications.
The Osprey™/Harrier™is a vehicle X-ray portal that provides a comprehensive vehicle examination including photorealistic images of the content within and a complete view of multi-height vehicles including under the vehicle where drug cartels are known to hide contraband.
Chemical Analysis
The opioid crisis in the United States is a significant and growing issue. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. Fentanyl has supplanted most other drugs as the most smuggled narcotic or additive. Detecting fentanyl and other dangerous narcotics has never been easier with the Foxhound™, a handheld chemical analyzer. The Foxhound is used by law enforcement to hunt down opioids in the national opioid crisis.
The Pb200™ is the lightest and easiest-to-use chemical analyzer. Using XRF-sensing technology, the Pb200™ can detect lead in paint in seconds making homes safer from childhood lead poisoning. The Pb200™ is also effective in detecting lead in water service lines which is a big problem in households across the U.S. and is currently being addressed by the Environmental Protection Agency at the State and local level.
What Industries Benefit from Viken Products?
Many industries benefit from the technology developed at Viken. For instance, the aviation and transportation industry often uses Viken X-ray imaging to detect prohibited items on aircraft where cartels conceal narcotics inside interior panels and avionics bays. Construction teams and real estate companies can use X-ray tools and XRF scanners to identify that pipes, joints, fasteners, and welds are properly assembled; and detect whether moisture, mold, and lead are present in structures.
Additionally, large vehicle scanners and smaller handheld devices are commonly used at a variety of venues such as government buildings, military installations, large-scale manufacturing sites, utility providers, transportation systems, and more. Correctional facilities use handheld devices to identify any contraband going in or out of the prison system. Law enforcement officers can use handheld devices during traffic stops to determine if narcotics or other contraband is present in a vehicle.
From the military to border patrol crossings and from ports or entry and airports, Viken products are keeping venues safe from potential risks.
How Burlington Plays a Role
Viken Detection was founded in 2018 in Burlington and the city plays an important role in the success of the company. As the company’s headquarters, Burlington provides a strategic location that fosters innovation and growth. The city’s robust infrastructure and proximity to leading academic institutions and research centers enable Viken Detection to attract top talent and collaborate on cutting-edge technologies.
Additionally, Burlington’s supportive business environment and access to a network of industry and government partners have been instrumental in Viken Detection’s ability to develop and deploy advanced detection tools for public safety agencies. This synergy between the city and the company has been crucial in driving Viken Detection’s mission to offer effective, safe, and affordable solutions to tackle today’s most pressing security challenges.