The first portable genetic analyser for crop pathogen detection

Project Information

Terrabio

Grant agreement ID: 877264

DOI

10.3030/877264

Project closed

EC signature date 18 July 2019

Start date 1 July 2019

End date 31 December 2019

Funded under

• INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Innovation In SMEs

Total cost

€ 71 429,00

EU contribution

€ 50 000,00

Coordinated by

TERRABIO SP. Z O.O.
Poland

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Terrabio (The first portable genetic analyser for crop pathogen detection)

Reporting period: 2019-07-01 to 2019-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Terrabio is an innovative Polish biotechnology company developing a fully automated pathogen detection platform for use at the site of sample collection. It offers unprecedented ease-of-use, sensitivity, and breadth of pathogen detection. The novel technology does not require lab equipment or highly trained staff to conduct tests. The technology will enable better precision in agriculture and integrated controlled release fertilizers, pest and weed management. Terrabio analyzer will empower food producers to change business practice, to deliver fresher and safer food to consumers while maintaining economic efficiency. The overall objective of the project was to develop strategies to validate the device prototype and de-risk the product technically, formulation of business plan to guide our market reach and commercialization plans.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The conducted feasibility study concluded with the finding that there is high market potential and no other market player has been able to offer a competitive solution. We have further confirmed that Terrabio’s solution will significantly facilitate and increase efficient pest monitoring, in particular the creation of a short-term forecasts, which will constitute the basis for determining the optimal dates for carrying out plant protection treatments. Additionally, we have further analyzed the optimal crops and their pathogens, given the market conditions and the profitability concerns of the potential users. We have further verified that cost and time efficiency are the priorities for the farmers.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Successful development and commercialization of our product will provide Terrabio with the possibility to scale up fast and through cooperation with leaders in agriculture and food safety markets address global challenges in food safety. With our innovation we will contribute to precision testing in agriculture and help to integrate controlled release fertilizers, pest and weed management, and weather forecasting. These can be then used to model and obtain more reliable estimates of magnitude, spatial and temporal variability of yields to help to identify and reduce the exploitable yield gap. Successful product implementation will deliver added value to the EU society and will have a positive impact on agriculture by supporting sustainable pesticide use and reduction of their risk on human health.

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