Kontrol Technologies Corp (OTCQB:KNRLF, NEO:KNR) revealed it aims to extend its Kontrol BioCloud technology to develop Kontrol BioWater to aid the fight against viruses and has budgeted $300,000 for the first phase of research and development (R&D).
The company said it believes that there is "growing strategic interest" in early viral detection in wastewater systems.
It noted, for example, a statement from the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention, which stated that "wastewater surveillance can provide an early warning of COVID-19's spread in communities".
"The Kontrol BioWater technology will be designed with the goal of being the first real-time, in the cloud, detection technology for virus in wastewater," said Kontrol in a statement.
READ: Kontrol Technologies says it has been selected to provide ongoing building energy system management services to nine new buildings
"The current process for the collection of wastewater sampling involves on-site technicians, transporting samples to a laboratory and then undertaking a separate analysis of the wastewater.
"This process is time-consuming and can take a number of days to complete. The intention of the Kontrol BioWater is to advance sampling automation for faster, on-site detection which can potentially accelerate a response plan."
The firm's BioCloud technology is a real-time analyzer designed to detect airborne viruses and pathogens. It is not a medical device.
Gary Saunders, president of subsidiary Kontrol BioCloud, told investors: "In our view, early viral detection is in its infancy, and we look forward to continuing to build our technology solutions to provide greater visibility, analytics and support for strategic initiatives undertaken by communities and governments."
Similar to the approach taken with the Kontrol BioCloud, Kontrol said it will seek government funding to support its research and development.
More can be read from the CDC on the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater HERE.
Kontrol Technologies is a leader in smart buildings and cities through IoT, Cloud and SaaS technology. The company provides solutions and services to its customers to improve energy management, monitor continuous emissions and accelerate the sustainability of all buildings.
Contact the author at giles@proactiveinvestors.com