Murray Broom. Photo: DNAiTECH / supplied
New Zealand biotechnology company DNAiTECH has developed portable equipment to instantly test and diagnose a broad spectrum of animal and human diseases without the need of a lab.
The company raised $1 million in pre-seed capital from Sprout Agritech, with a $750,000 repayable grant from Callaghan Innovation to support development of a minimum viable product (MVP) for use in a pilot programme in West Africa.
"The ability to deliver an instant, accurate diagnosis at the point of care changes the game. It's the difference between taking the problem to the lab, or taking science to the problem," DNAiTECH co-founder Murray Broom said.
"Immediate diagnostics can drastically improve outcomes in both healthcare and agriculture."
DNAiTECH's technology sends rapid, actionable information directly to the clinician or vet.
DNAiTECH used a paper-based, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) to amplify small segments of DNA for the detection of a myriad of diseases, embedded in a handheld device designed for portable point-of-care testing.
"Diseases like Johne's in livestock or measles in humans drive significant losses, both economically and in terms of human life, especially in developing countries," Broom said.
DNAiTECH has developed portable equipment to instantly test and diagnose a broad spectrum of animal and human diseases without the need of a lab Photo: DNAiTECH / supplied
For example, he said fast detection of bovine viral disease in cattle could save millions in potential losses, while instant diagnostics for corneal infections could prevent severe complications like vision loss.
Sprout Agritech chief investment officer Warren Bebb said the device redefined how diagnostics were performed at the point of care.
"DNAiTECH's integration of digital and diagnostic technologies presents a scalable solution for a historically challenging industry, offering a level of accessibility and affordability that has been unable to achieve before," Bebb said.
Broom said the funding would be used to buy robotics for manufacturing and to screen print the chip technology, with a manufacturing facility established in Marlborough beyond the next 12 months.
He said the device would be highly engineered, yet portable and simple to use.
"Our point of difference lies in how we've combined these emerging technologies into a solution that is cost-competitive not only for developed but also developing countries to tackle a hugely intractable problem. We've made the process faster, more reliable, and affordable enough to make a difference worldwide."
Broom said DNAiTECH would initially be beta tested in Senegal to rapidly diagnose measles and rubella, and aimed to commercialise its technology in agritech and biomedical sectors.
"Making a substantial difference to the future of diagnostics is what drives us," Broom said.
"We're solving a problem that has long plagued both human and animal health.
"It's not just about clever technology - it's about creating something impactful that can change lives on a global scale."
Broom said the company was in the process of registering a patent.
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