© Onda
The grant is being paid by Innovation PEI’s Ignition Fund, which invests seed capital in startups, allowing successful applicants to turn their ideas into tangible and viable businesses.
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-farm testing options that deliver rapid results, and Onda aims to help farmers respond to health challenges more quickly and effectively.
“Aquaculture is a vital industry for Atlantic Canada, and ensuring the health of farmed fish and shellfish is essential for sustainability and economic growth,” said Myrna Gillis, CEO of Onda, in a press release. “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.”
Traditional disease detection in aquaculture often relies on laboratory-based testing, which can be time-consuming and costly. Onda aims to 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.
Dr Jordan Poley, director of LabTech at Onda and the team member leading the development of the rapid diagnostic test kits reflected: “This funding is a testament to the potential of our research to drive meaningful impact in the industry.”
