Opportunities for Entrepreneurs

There is a growing global demand for new technologies to address the vast changes in food production, processing, and distribution. The Global Food Protection Institute seeks technologies that improve public health and economies that are impacted by contaminated and adulterated food. There is an urgent need for field-based tools that quickly, affordably, and accurately detect contaminants in the food supply.

The Technology Initiative Adds Value

The Global Food Protection Institute helps bring innovative food protection technologies to market by facilitating innovation through research, development, and specialized knowledge of increasingly complex food safety regulations in the U.S. and abroad. GFPI will assist in networking, gaining exposure in the industry, and identify funding opportunities. Recently, GFPI provided financial support for two startup companies that are developing innovative technologies:

nanoRETE, Inc– This Michigan-based company is developing tools for real-time detection of pathogens using customized nanoparticle biosensors. The company has developed a platform that has the ability to test for numerous pathogens (anthrax, E. Coli, salmonella, tuberculosis, etc.) using a simple-to-use handheld device that generates screening results in about one hour.>* Currently, biohazards cannot be “field tested” because pathogens must be cultured and developed in a lab, away from the hazard source.

Seattle Sensors- Seattle Sensors utilizes a portable surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology for the detection of biohazards in food and the environment. This technology is currently embedded in a rugged, portable SPR instrument. The device, based on University of Washington research, will protect food sources by monitoring production and analyzing the factory environment for hazards. This flexible measurement platform can be customized to detect pathogens, allergens, and toxins, quickly ruling out multiple biohazards simultaneously.

Awarding Innovation

GFPI recognizes outstanding technology at all stages of development. In partnership with Great Lakes Entrepreneur’s Quest (GLEQ), GFPI named Micro Techno Solutions the winner of the business plan competition for ventures in food safety. The $10,000 prize to continue developing their antimicrobial packaging material to prevent contamination of food during transportation was presented at the Entrepreneur Connect Awards on June 12, 2012.

Bottom Line for Entrepreneurs

GFPI focuses on three key elements of entrepreneurship—- reducing expenses, accelerating product advancement, and improving your prospects of gaining early and favorable investor support. For investors, we offer the opportunity to identify and engage with the latest and most relevant emerging technologies in food monitoring.

Next Steps

Investors: For more information contact:
Preston Hicks, Ph.D., Vice President, Resource Development and Evaluation
(269) 441-2950
preston.hicks@gfpi.org