Canadian contract research organisation Onda has been awarded funding from the Ignition Fund, with a grant to support the development of rapid diagnostic test kits designed to enhance disease detection and management in aquaculture.
With this funding, Onda will advance its work in creating user-friendly, field-deployable diagnostic kits that enable aquaculture producers to quickly and accurately detect pathogens affecting fish and shellfish health.
Currently, there is a lack of on-the-farm testing options that deliver rapid results, Onda explained.
“Aquaculture is a vital industry for Atlantic Canada, and ensuring the health of farmed fish and shellfish is essential for sustainability and economic growth,” Onda CEO Myrna Gillis said. “This grant from the Ignition Fund allows us to accelerate the development of rapid, reliable diagnostic solutions that will empower producers with real-time health monitoring tools.”
With traditional disease detection in aquaculture often relying on laboratory-based testing, which can be time-consuming and costly, Onda said its innovative approach will provide a cost-effective and efficient alternative, allowing for early disease detection and proactive management, ultimately reducing losses and improving overall industry resilience.
The research and development efforts supported by the Ignition Fund will take place at Onda’s facility in Souris, PEI. The company plans to collaborate with key stakeholders, including industry partners, government agencies, and academic researchers, to refine and validate the technology before bringing it to market.
The Ignition Fund, an initiative by Innovation PEI, is a competitive-based fund for entrepreneurs seeking start-up capital for a new innovative business venture or to develop and launch a new innovative product. The fund invests seed capital that allows successful applicants to turn their ideas into tangible and viable businesses.
Through this support, the Ignition Fund helps fuel the growth of innovation-driven enterprises across Prince Edward Island.
“We are grateful for the support of Innovation PEI and the Ignition Fund as we continue our mission to advance aquaculture science,” said Dr Jordan Poley, Director of LabTech at Onda and the team member leading the development of the rapid diagnostic test kits. “This funding is a testament to the potential of our research to drive meaningful impact in the industry.”
