Prototyping of a food pathogen sensing system
BACKGROUND
Foodborne illnesses caused by pathogenic bacteria have significant global health and supply chain impacts, resulting in an estimated 420,000 deaths, US$15 billion in treatment costs, and US$95 billion in productivity losses annually.
Our client, a distinguished academic at a top Australian university, conceived a groundbreaking device for routine pathogenic bacteria detection in the food industry. This device had the potential to overcome the limitations of existing detection methods, such as low accuracies, lengthy timelines, and high costs.
While our client possessed a solid grasp of the underlying scientific principles, they required the development of a portable prototype to facilitate further concept validation through real-site piloting.
OUR WORK
Key results
In just 8 weeks, we successfully constructed a mobile prototype, allowing for the piloting of the technology and advancing its readiness from TRL 1 to 3. This achievement unlocked additional funding to sustain the ongoing development of the technology.
We translated a laboratory-based concept into a mobile prototype that was a stand-alone unit. This involved designing and constructing a novel device consisting of selected physical components, custom-built and portable housing, in-house developed and user-friendly firmware and software, and an algorithm for detecting a representative bacterium.
We calibrated, tested, and validated the developed device on representative samples.
We supported our client in submitting an application for an AEA Seed Grant, leveraging the prototype we developed and the results we obtained.
We advanced the technology readiness level (TRL) of the novel device from TRL 1 (basic research) to TRL 3 (proof of concept established) on a timeline that enabled an application for a grant scheme with a short deadline and minimum TRL 3 requirement.
We developed a device that can be used in practical scenarios and inspire further product development.
Services included…
Technology Ideation
Design and build prototypes
Proof of Concept
Technical Handbook
Grant writing
CLIENT STATEMENT
“Without the help of the Scimita team, it was impossible for me to progress my technology to the next level. ”