Status: Completed $10,000 referral fee for accepted leads.
A major agribusiness corporation is seeking technology to enable simple, semi-quantitative, cost-effective, field-based diagnosis of nematode populations in soybean fields.
The client has dedicated a total of $500,000 in funding for multiple research projects to develop this this technology and is soliciting research proposals from experts, scientists, companies, and collaborative teams.
The successful assay technology will:
Use no more than 100 cc soil sample
Identify the species and number of multiple parasitic nematode species
Cost less than $3 per soil sample
Detect nematode eggs of each target nematode species in the sample with the following sensitivities:
Root-lesion nematode (Pratylenchus sp.): 1000/kg of soil; 50/g of dry root
Root-knot (Meloidogyne sp.): 1000/kg of soil
PIN (Paratylenchus sp.): 5000/kg of soil
Dagger (Xiphinema sp.): 100/kg of soil
Bulb and stem (Ditylenchus sp.): 100/kg of soil
Soybean cyst (SCN) or Sugarbeet cyst (Heterodera sp.): 2000 larvae/kg of soil; >250 cysts/kg soil; 200 eggs/100g of soil
Be robust in a field setting
Provide test results in under 1 hr
Background
Nematodes have been an increasing problem for soybean producers over the past decade or more. Growers should be aware that nematodes are a major pest problem in soybean production, and in addition, nematodes seriously increase risks to other crops that may follow soybean in a crop rotation. Nematodes attacking soybean include all the root-knot (Meloidogyne spp.) nematode specie. In addition, reniform (Rotylenchulus reniformis), lesion (Pratylenchus spp.) and sting (Belonolaimus longicaudatus) nematode populations are increased by soybean production. Each of these nematodes can be limiting factors in the production of soybean as well as other crops. Soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines) is the most important nematode affecting soybean.
Our need is to develop an easy to use, quantitative field diagnostic test for nematode identification and concentration to replace the current long duration lab based tests based on microscopic analysis. The results can be used to direct an eradication program for that specific field.
Possible Approaches
Possible approaches might come from applications or industries such as, but not limited to:
New technology combinations (e.g., biochemical reaction in conjunction with biosensor or semiconductor sensor)
Biomedical sensors
Environmental or pathogen contamination detection and monitoring industries
Approaches NOT of Interest
Approaches that do not represent significant improvements in cost, labor input, sensitivity and throughput
amplification-based approaches (unless they do not require expensive lab equipment)
Anticipated Project Phases or Project Plan
Client will select compelling proposals for preliminary direct discussions to further assess the technology and determine possible next steps, including negotiations for development targets, deliverables and milestones.
Phase 1 – Proof of concept, including
Technology demonstration by developer at lab scale with multiple soil samples and priority 1 nematode species (See below)
Assessment of sensitivity
Estimation of cost / sample once implemented
Targets to be agreed upon between developer and client in negotiations
Phase 2– Commercial implementation, including
Development of Standard Operating Procedures
Technology transfer to Client
Implementation of solution at commercial scale according to contract terms
Criteria for Moving from Phase 1 to Phase 2
Promising approaches will be evaluated for commercial viability and fit with client's end application prior to any decisions regarding support for commercial implementation.
Appropriate Responses to this Request
Responses from companies, academic researchers, other research institutes, consultants, entrepreneurs, or inventors are welcome.
Appropriate responses will use the proposal template and address the following:
Technological background for approach
Features of the proposed strategy that will achieve the stated aims
Data demonstrating achievement of the technical specifications, if available
Availability of samples or prototypes, if applicable
Cost and/or budget estimates
Intellectual property (IP) status around the proposed technology
Preferred business arrangements (licensing, joint development, supply etc.)
Examples:
I represent a company with technology which should provide a solution ready for testing and transfer to commercial use
I am an academic researcher with technology which should provide a solution but that requires further research and development to ready it for transfer to commercial use