Water contamination detection instrument shortlisted for nationwide award

An innovation designed in Exeter to detect contaminated water and save lives has been shortlisted for a nationwide innovation and enterprise award.

FluoroGlow’s machine is designed to detect Cryptosporidium in water. Beforehand, it has been troublesome to detect with out gradual laboratory-based checks. However FluoroGlow goals to alter that by offering fast and dependable outcomes straight on the water supply.

It’s the brainchild of College of Exeter Medical Science graduate Kathryn Thomas, 21, who participated within the college’s Elevate programme, profitable an award of their enterprise competitors with prizes offered by enterprise schooling charity ESBF.

Now, Kathryn will compete in opposition to 9 different gifted groups from throughout the UK in ESBF’s Champion of Champions Competitors.

Kathryn, who is continuous her medical research on the College of St Andrews, mentioned: “For the previous few years I’ve been residing in Devon, the place earlier this 12 months there was an outbreak of Cryptosporidium in Brixham. It took a very long time for the parasite to be recognized, and in that point, I noticed first-hand the affect this had on folks’s day by day lives. This expertise impressed me to create a sooner, extra dependable method of detecting Cryptosporidium in water.

“By figuring out contamination early, FluoroGlow helps stop outbreaks earlier than they unfold, defending households and communities from preventable sickness. With sooner, extra accessible testing, it reduces the chance to public well being and provides folks confidence that the water they drink is protected.”

The Champion of Champions grand last will happen on the Royal Academy of Engineering on Friday 7 November, the place Kathryn will compete for a share of the £17,000 prize pot, offering very important seed cash to assist winners develop their innovation.

Winners may also obtain mentoring from enterprise leaders who’re members of the Sainsbury Administration Fellows community, plus CV packages from PurpleCV and entrepreneurial books from sponsors.

The occasion, hosted by TV presenter and engineer Rob Bell, is the fruits of a 12 months of ESBF-sponsored enterprise competitions held throughout UK universities, with 1000’s of undergraduate and graduates participating.

Every year, ESBF champions enterprise schooling for engineers and helps universities by giving them grants to award prizes to engineering and science college students who develop concepts that may make a optimistic affect on society

On being shortlisted for the grand last, Kathryn mentioned: “Being within the Champion of Champions Competitors is extremely essential to me as a result of it represents the prospect of take FluoroGlow to a nationwide stage. With 50 UK universities operating their very own competitors and solely handful of finalists chosen, being chosen as one of many high ten groups is a large honour. It exhibits that my thought has actual potential and provides me the chance to share it with a wider viewers. Extra than simply recognition, this competitors is a platform to encourage others, acquire helpful suggestions, and hopefully take a step nearer to turning FluoroGlow right into a life-saving answer that may defend communities throughout the nation and past.”

Amber Robust-Yates, Boyden Programme Enhancement Supervisor on the College of Exeter, mentioned: “We’re extremely happy with Kathryn Thomas and her groundbreaking work with FluoroGlow. Being chosen as one among simply ten nationwide finalists within the ESBF Champion of Champions grand last is an incredible achievement. It has been heartening to see Kathryn’s confidence grown on account of the ESBF-funded ELEVATE Pitch competitors at Exeter and to see her dedication to make a distinction and save lives via FlouroGlow. Her success displays the ingenuity, affect, and entrepreneurial spirit we champion throughout College of Exeter Engineering.”

For extra details about the competitors, go to www.esbf.org.uk.