A critical requirement for controlling outbreaks of viral infection is sensitive and accurate diagnostics, which can be expensive and are frequently located in resource-intensive clinical laboratories. Outbreaks of many viral infections occur in countries where healthcare resources are limited and clinical laboratories scarce. This creates a fulfillment gap, one that could be filled through the development of inexpensive, sensitive, easy to use, and portable diagnostics. Here we describe our efforts to develop a diagnostic technology that detects viruses without needing to label the particle directly. Our approach has the advantage of speed and assay simplicity while maintaining high sensitivity. Essential in this approach has been the assembly of an integrated, diverse, and interdisciplinary team that worked together to evaluate technologies, spin-out a company, and produce a product for infectious disease diagnostics. The synergy of different individuals with complementary skills has been critical for the development of our transformative technology.