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Automate ISO-certified DNA screening platform to enhance the global food supply chain

Project description

Faster testing for food safety

Evidence of contaminated and counterfeit food results in food recalls every day. Since food recalls represent a severe economic loss for food companies, testing is crucial. Currently, laboratory test results are ready after more than 7 days, and are not compatible with fresh-food processes. The EU-funded BEAMitup project proposes a platform that provides rapid DNA screening, developed and patented by SwissDe Code, certifying the presence of pathogens or identifying pork in beef meat in just 30 minutes. The system comprises hardware, capsules and a cloud solution. Each test will receive an ISO 17025 certificate by SwissDe Code. The project will validate the platform and investigate the presence of Listeria, milk proteins and pork; the platform will be used for cheese and basmati rice certification.

Objective

Food recalls, costly mitigation measure following the evidence of contaminated, adulterating or counterfeiting foods are daily. It can cost several milions to take back the food company and cause severe damages to the brand. Lab tests, detecting food contaminants can take up to seven days and are thus not compatible with fresh-food processes.
The BEAMit-up platform that will bring the global food supply chain to the upper level of safety is composed of a hardware, capsules and a cloud solution. The capsule integrates a rapid DNA screening, developed and patented by SwissDeCode. Placed at the point-of-care, the BEAMit-up platform will certify the presence of pathogens or identify pork in beef meat in only 30 minutes. An ISO 17025 certificate will be released by SwissDeCode for each test.
We will validate the BEAMit-up platform early access programs: We supply hardware and capsules to the customer who will perform a pre-defined number of tests per week. We will investigate the presence of Halomonas, milk proteins, and pork. We will also use the platform for GMO corn detection.
SwissDeCode estimates a positive EBITDA at 5 years of €6.8M with a company growth to 200 employees.
To tackle the SARS-CoV-2, rapid and accurate detection methods are needed. Since the beginning of March, SwissDeCode collaborates with The Genova Hospital to extend the core technology to the detection of the virus. Preliminary tests were sent to the virology labs of the hospital and will be tested with patient samples. With the support of the EC, SwissDeCode can bring this new test to the hospital within few months only.

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Topic(s)

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SME - SME instrument

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) H2020-EIC-SMEInst-2018-2020

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Coordinator

SWISSDECODE SA
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 2 499 700,00
Address
CHEMIN DU CLOSEL 5
1020 Renens
Switzerland

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SME

The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.

Yes
Region
Schweiz/Suisse/Svizzera Région lémanique Vaud
Activity type
Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 3 571 000,00
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