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

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 Listeria, milk proteins, and pork. We will also use the platform to certify cheese and basmati rice. SwissDeCode estimates a positive EBITDA at 5 years of 'Ǩ6.8M 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.