Periodic Reporting for period 1 - iTOP-RAS (Development of Innovative Tools for OPtimal management of Recirculating Aquaculture Systems)
Reporting period: 2023-07-01 to 2024-06-30
As the global population continues to rise, with projections estimating it will reach nearly 10 billion by 2050, the demand for protein-rich food is increasing at an unprecedented rate. So, there is an urgent need to find sustainable and efficient alternatives to meet this growing protein demand. Aquaculture has emerged as a crucial solution, having exceeded more than 50% of the global seafood supply. To support this growth, the industry needs to find innovative solutions to challenges, such as sustainability, disease, and lack of space for expansion. Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) have been the answer to these challenges; these land-based fish farming systems are designed to control culture conditions for intensive farming while increasing biosecurity levels, minimizing water consumption, and managing waste streams. In these environments, maintaining appropriate nitrogen levels is important as they influence water quality and, consequently, the health of aquatic life. However, their water monitoring systems lack real-time sensors to control the highly toxic compounds ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate, which can accumulate in closed systems and cause the sudden death of a full production cycle.
Nitrogen Sensing Solutions - NS2, a deep-tech startup, proposes a game-changing solution, using an innovative biosensing technology, the NOxAqua products. These sensors detect and measure the levels of nitrogen compounds in water and provide the results in real-time and on-site, thus reducing risks of heavy mortality and taking the RAS-based industry to Aquaculture 4.0. Propelled by its cutting-edge nitrogen level detection and monitoring solutions, NS2 is at the forefront of innovation in transforming aquaculture and environmental management in aquatic ecosystems.
Nitrogen Sensing Solutions - NS2, a deep-tech startup, proposes a game-changing solution, using an innovative biosensing technology, the NOxAqua products. These sensors detect and measure the levels of nitrogen compounds in water and provide the results in real-time and on-site, thus reducing risks of heavy mortality and taking the RAS-based industry to Aquaculture 4.0. Propelled by its cutting-edge nitrogen level detection and monitoring solutions, NS2 is at the forefront of innovation in transforming aquaculture and environmental management in aquatic ecosystems.
Aquaculture is a highly segmented sector. Therefore, our path to market deployment required multiple interactions with different end-users. So, we performed a market study to gain firsthand insights into their specific needs and a deeper understanding of the environment where they work. We also addressed other relevant players across the entire value chain as well as business developers, and investors in the water sector and climate tech.
The outcomes of this market study helped us to tailor the biosensors’ features to ensure that the product aligns with the market demands.
Valuable insights into customer preferences, price points, manufacturing challenges, cost of goods, and potential market entry barriers were used to refine the business model and enhance financial projections. The participation of our women leaders in EU-funded coaching programs for deep-tech startups played an essential role in this process. Additionally, we made progress with our IP strategy.
The team was actively engaged in the dissemination and exploitation of results. We showcased the technology to different target audiences, by participating in entrepreneurship and networking events, scientific meetings, and thematic seminars. These activities and other achievements were communicated through social networks, enabling the effective engagement of a wide range of stakeholders and ensuring broad visibility and impact for the iTOP-RAS project and the funding program, which culminated in our first pilot sales.
The outcomes of this market study helped us to tailor the biosensors’ features to ensure that the product aligns with the market demands.
Valuable insights into customer preferences, price points, manufacturing challenges, cost of goods, and potential market entry barriers were used to refine the business model and enhance financial projections. The participation of our women leaders in EU-funded coaching programs for deep-tech startups played an essential role in this process. Additionally, we made progress with our IP strategy.
The team was actively engaged in the dissemination and exploitation of results. We showcased the technology to different target audiences, by participating in entrepreneurship and networking events, scientific meetings, and thematic seminars. These activities and other achievements were communicated through social networks, enabling the effective engagement of a wide range of stakeholders and ensuring broad visibility and impact for the iTOP-RAS project and the funding program, which culminated in our first pilot sales.
Knowledge of water quality is crucial for sustainable and profitable aquaculture. However, there are no accurate process probes for the highly toxic ammonia/nitrite/nitrate, which are typically measured via wet chemistry methods. Nitrogen Sensing Solutions developed a one-of-a-kind water quality monitoring system - NOxAqua – which represents the next-generation solution to control N-nutrients in situ, and real-time. Our advanced automated system (NOxAqua+) was specifically designed for land-based recirculating aquaculture systems to enable remote, real-time monitoring, empowering aquaculture operators to manage water quality issues and prevent potential outbreaks. RAS recycles more than 90 percent of its water; therefore, NOxAqua supports agri-tech activities with a reduced carbon footprint, providing clear economic and environmental benefits for all.
Through the WomenTechEU project, NS2 strengthened its business plan and partnerships, which were crucial for making significant technological progress. The NOxAqua+ system is currently at TRL 5; the next steps will consist of improving the software and connectivity components and its demonstration in an operational environment (TRL 7). As for the portable devices, while the nitrite sensors (NO2Aqua) are well advanced (TRL 8), the technology maturity of the nitrate and ammonium sensors (TRL 5) requires additional R&D work and field tests, which will enable us to complete the overall IPR strategy. To bring all products to TRL 9, NS2 will need to attract follow-up investors.
Through the WomenTechEU project, NS2 strengthened its business plan and partnerships, which were crucial for making significant technological progress. The NOxAqua+ system is currently at TRL 5; the next steps will consist of improving the software and connectivity components and its demonstration in an operational environment (TRL 7). As for the portable devices, while the nitrite sensors (NO2Aqua) are well advanced (TRL 8), the technology maturity of the nitrate and ammonium sensors (TRL 5) requires additional R&D work and field tests, which will enable us to complete the overall IPR strategy. To bring all products to TRL 9, NS2 will need to attract follow-up investors.