How a simple sensor saves lives.

A novel technology uses microbes to detect the bacteria behind the lethal Legionnaire’s Disease

The Opportunity

Legionella Pneumophila is the bacteria behind Legionnaire’s Disease, which causes more than 25,000 hospitalizations and nearly 4,000 deaths annually in North America. The bacteria can build up in the cooling towers and other mechanical systems of commercial and industrial buildings, leading to a Legionnaire’s outbreak. Fortunately for building maintenance teams, there’s a safe, fast and reliable legionella detection system that can prevent costly facility closures and even death.

The Challenge

BioAlert (formerly Spi Bio) developed a highly sensitive monitoring system that uses microbes to detect Legionella Pneumophila in building systems. The fully automated device provides quick and reliable information as soon as legionella is detected above normal levels, allowing facility maintenance teams time to assess, correct and manage the situation before it becomes dangerous. BioAlert had industry interest, but it needed capital to move quickly and protect its early mover advantage. 

NPC’s Solution

NPC provided BioAlert with over $250,000 through its Investment Fund, helping to complete a key capital raise. With these funds, BioAlert was able to structure their marketing development channels, increase their production capacity and deploy validation showcases across North America to validate the advantages of its patented technology. Since then, the company has progressed with additional capital, multiple industry clients, and further data verifying the effectiveness of its product.