Opportunities for Entrepreneurs
There is a growing global demand for new technologies to address the vast changes in food production, processing, and distribution. The Accelerator seeks technologies that improve public health and economies that are impacted by contaminated and adulterated food. There is an urgent need for field-based tools that quickly, affordably, and accurately detect contaminants in the food supply.
The Accelerator Adds Value
The Accelerator helps bring innovative food protection technologies to market by facilitating innovation through research, development, and specialized knowledge of increasingly complex food safety regulations in the U.S. and abroad. The Accelerator will assist in networking, gaining exposure in the industry, and identify funding opportunities. Recently, The Accelerator provided financial support for two startup companies that are developing innovative technologies:
nanoRETE, Inc– This Michigan-based company is developing tools for real-time detection of pathogens using customized nanoparticle biosensors. The company has developed a platform that has the ability to test for numerous pathogens (anthrax, E. Coli, salmonella, tuberculosis, etc.) using a simple-to-use handheld device that generates screening results in about one hour. Currently, biohazards cannot be “field tested” because pathogens must be cultured and developed in a lab, away from the hazard source.
Seattle Sensors- Seattle Sensors utilizes a portable surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology for the detection of biohazards in food and the environment. This technology is currently embedded in a rugged, portable SPR instrument. The device, based on University of Washington research, will protect food sources by monitoring production and analyzing the factory environment for hazards. This flexible measurement platform can be customized to detect pathogens, allergens, and toxins, quickly ruling out multiple biohazards simultaneously.
Bottom Line for Entrepreneurs
The Accelerator focuses on three key elements of entrepreneurship—- reducing expenses, accelerating product advancement, and improving your prospects of gaining early and favorable investor support. For investors, we offer the opportunity to identify and engage with the latest and most relevant emerging technologies in food monitoring.
Next Steps
Investors: For more information contact:
Prestion Hicks, Ph.D., Vice President, Resource Development and Evaluation
(269) 441-2950
preston.hicks@gfpi.org
