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[news 2005
- 2006]
Queen’s-generated
water testing technology awarded $50,000 from Ontario
Centres of Excellence
Sept. 21, 2006
For immediate release
KINGSTON, ON –
Pathogen Detection Systems, Inc. (PDS) of Kingston,
ON, is pleased to announce that it has received $50,000
in Market Readiness funding from the Ontario Centres
of Excellence (OCE) Inc.’s Commercialization Program
for further development of its rapid, automated bacteria
detection technology for water systems.
The funding will be used to accelerate software refinements
to the company’s second-generation desktop microbiological
testing system. Valued for its “anytime, anywhere”
capability, the PDS technology provides laboratory-grade
testing for E.coli and coliform bacteria up to 80 per
cent faster than traditional systems, without the need
for access to a laboratory or trained personnel.
“We’re delighted with OCE’s support
,” says Dr. Peter Gallant, President and CEO of
PDS. “Public demand for a fast, reliable means
to monitor water quality is increasing, and this funding
brings us that much closer to our goal of being first
to market with an automated system that supports microbiological
testing anytime, anywhere.”
“Given OCE’s goal of driving economic prosperity
in Ontario by investing in the commercialization of
innovative technologies, PDS is in our sweet spot,”
says Bryan Kanarens, OCE’s Director of Strategic
Programs for the Centre for Communications and Information
Technology. “It is a technology-enabled startup
with a strong management team, a large market and the
potential to make a real difference in the world.”
The patent-pending system is based on a novel optical
sensory technology developed by Dr. Stephen Brown and
a team of Queen’s University and industry researchers
following the Walkerton, Ontario tainted water disaster.
The technology was exclusively licensed to Pathogen
Detection Systems by PARTEQ Innovations, the technology
transfer office of Queen’s University.
PDS has begun production of its lead products and it
has logged its first commercial sales, with several
other sales pending. Its desktop testing system is currently
in use in field trials involving municipal, commercial
and research applications.
While PDS has developed both stand-alone and combined
tests for E.coli and total coliform bacteria, the company
is expanding its bacteria detection platform to include
a broader spectrum of target organisms. It is also adapting
its solutions for new applications, including recreational
and wastewater testing.
www.pathogendetect.com
About the Ontario Centres
of Excellence:
Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) Inc – Where
Next Happens. A driving force for Ontario’s economy
for 20 years, OCE is a trusted source and leader in
accelerating and commercializing innovative technology.
OCE invests in the development of cutting edge, industrially
relevant research and directs its transfer from laboratory
to marketplace. It cultivates the best and brightest
researchers, who are the next generation of talent.
And, through its Research, Commercialization and Talent
programs, OCE is instilling a culture of innovation
in Ontario. Through its five centres, OCE focuses on
sectors of critical importance to Ontario’s economy:
Communications and Information Technology, Earth and
Environmental Technologies, Energy, Materials and Manufacturing,
and Photonics. The Ontario Centres of Excellence program
is made possible through the financial support of the
Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation.
www.oce-ontario.org.
About the Market Readiness
Program at Queen’s University:
The OCE Market Readiness initiative supports the development
of commercial applications for technology created within
Ontario's universities, colleges and research hospitals.
Earlier this year OCE announced a unique collaboration
with Queen’s University’s PARTEQ Innovations
to expand the scope of its Market Readiness Program
to include hands-on commercialization support. Under
this partnership, eligible researchers who are interested
in further developing their research applications receive
both funding and expertise including market assessment,
technology evaluation, and, where applicable, assistance
with creating spin-off companies.
Contacts:
Dr. Peter Gallant
President & CEO
Pathogen Detection Systems, Inc.
P: 613. 533. 3321
E: peter.gallant@pathogendetect.com
Bryan Kanarens
Director, Strategic Programs
Centre for Communications and Information Technology
Ontario CITO
P: 613. 533. 6451
E: bryan.kanarens@oce-ontario.org
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