SBIR-STTR Award

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) occur when the population of cyanobacteria in fresh or salt water explodes. HABs cause $14B in damages every year world-wide, because cyanobacteria release toxins into the water that threaten humans, livestock and native aquatic life. The only way to mitigate the damage from HABs is to detect them early and treat them with algicides as soon as possible. The problem is that cyanobacteria multiply extremely quickly, making human mediated monitoring unreliable and expense. After extensive market research, we propose a solution to this problem known as AlgaeTrackerTM. This automated internet of things enabled sensor buoy is unlike anything else on the market. It is small (16 inches in diameter), light (10 lbs in weight) and contains a suite of advanced fluorescence sensors that allow it to detect and even predict a HAB before it happens, making preventative treatments possible for the first time. AlgaeTrackerTM is connected to the internet via the cellular mobile phone network and continually reports the status of the body of water it is situated upon.It then alerts users of impending HABs via cell phone messages or email. We already have LOIs for $276K of annual recurring revenue and $60K in buoys purchases and predict recurring revenue of $20 million in 5 years. The true innovation with AlgaeTrackerTM however, is the cost; we aim to sell the buoy for only $400 which is close to the cost to produce the device. We then propose a subscription-based business model where customers benefit from access to a hardware warranty, and increasingly sophisticated analytics as our machine learning approach takes data from all of our buoys and constructs more accurate models that allow for better and faster predictions of HABs. We can also reprogram AlgaeTracker’sTM onboard software over the cellular network, leveraging what we learn from our analytics. Contrast this with competitor devices that cost $30,000 and weigh 180lbs and have no downstream analytics or programmability. A prototype AlgaeTrackerTM has been built and is undergoing testing now. The purpose of this grant is to build a beta production model of AlgaeTrackerTM. We first propose to create algorithms to program an onboard microcontroller to make the sensors more accurate and sensitive. This is followed by lab and field trials and finally we’ll undertake a redesign of the device to reduce the cost to produce it from $2000 to $400 and to make it more mass manufacturable.

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) are an increasing problem in waterways all over the world, costing an average of $17 billion in damages each each year. HABs have shut down water supplies to entire US cities in recent years. Blooms occur when nutrient-rich waters stimulate cyanobacterial growth, resulting in unsightly sludges that discolor waterways, rendering them dangerous to humans, liverstock and wildlife because of the cyanotoxins released. Cyanotoxins make HABs very costly to clean up; as the algae themselves must be removed, and the water purified before it is safe to drink, enter or even be close to because of the risk of toxin aerosolization by wind-blown spray. The treatments for HABs are expensive, environmentally damaging and of limited efficacy unless applied early in a bloom. The solution to HABs is early detection/prediction so that action can be taken at the earliest possible moment: reducing costs environmental and economic damage; and preserving access to clen drinking water. Floating sensor buoys are the answer, but the current marketplace is crowded with complex sensor platforms that can cost $30,000 per unit and which require specialist knowledge to deploy, use and maintain. These platforms are beyond the means of millions of small and medium sized stakehoulders who mange small lakes, reserviors, ponds or stretches of beach and who are often hardest hit by HABs. AquaRealTime was founded to provide a turnkey HAB monitoring solution for the small and medium sized stake-holder market, estimated at $900 million worldwide. Our innovative HAB sensor AlgeTracker, is affordable ($400), 8lbs in weight and can be deployed by a non-specialist in 30 minutes. AlgaeTracker also has an optimized detector suite that is best-in-class for HAB monitoring. And because AlgaeTracker transmits its data wirelessly over the cellular network and is accessed by a web-browser dashboard, it is convenient and easy to use. This grant aims to further develop the beta version of AlgaeTracker to make it ready for the markeplace. In addition, we propose a predictive analytics system that will use machine learning to analyze the data collected by all AlgaeTrackers and allow us to make HABs predictions 7 to 14 days in advance. If funded it'll create a commercial network of HAB sensors whose data can be sold to US Government agencies, and other entities with an interest in controlling HABs. This will save billions of dollars as treatments happen earlier, cost less and have fewer environmental effects.