New Wave Media

 

The technology is expected to be of interest to companies currently involved in the manufacture and sale of water quality sensors for freshwater, estuarine and ocean applications. End users are anticipated to be the scientific, aquaculture, shipping, industrial water processing and freshwater regulator markets.

 

The benefits of in situ lab-on-chip microfluidic cell technology arise from having a platform/sensor that can measure a variety of chemistries in situ providing accurate data that can be downloaded in near real time. The technology will enable users to collect data on platforms with minimal payload/power requirement without having to take samples back to the laboratory which is costly and increases risks of sample contamination.

 

Now mature (TRL 7 or 8), the technology is protected with patents, published widely and is delivering data for NERC (e.g. NERC macronutrient cycles program through grant NE/J012238/1), EU and industry programs. 

 

Head of Ocean Technology and Engineering at the NOC, Professor Matt Mowlem, commented, “The NOC is looking to identify the best partner or partners to take our sensor technology to new markets. We believe this opportunity has global appeal and has the potential to enable those involved to grow their manufacturing capability, enhance their product portfolio, and deliver value to customers. We hope that is will also stimulate growth in the sector and create new jobs.”

 

NOC is asking companies wishing to be considered to make an expression of interest by October 30, 2016. They will then be invited to the Marine Autonomy and Technology Showcase at the NOC in Southampton from November 14-18 and asked to complete a Request for Information and Request for Proposal after mutual non-disclosure agreements are signed. A maximum of five companies will be selected to proceed to the next round where they will be evaluated by a panel in early December.