The challenge to be solved

Ocean health is severely threatened by human activities, including unsustainable aquaculture. Salmon lice, harmful algae blooms, and parasites impact both farmed and wild fish, compromising ecosystems, leading to higher mortality, poor fish welfare, and significant costs. Norway’s salmon industry spends NOK 6 billion annually - 5% of its market value - on lice control. Manual counting is labor-intensive, while chemical treatments cause resistance, harming the environment. Harmful algae blooms, costing the EU aquaculture industry over 1 billion euros annually, along with parasites and micro-jellyfish, further damage marine habitats and biodiversity. These challenges underscore the urgent need for more proactive approaches to manage threats. Early detection and real-time monitoring are essential for operations managers and veterinary staff to improve fish health and reduce costs, while also aiding environmental managers and biologists in ecosystem management.

The solution

Our AI-powered sensor technology, LiceSensor V3, detects salmon lice larvae (SLL) before they attach to fish, enabling real-time monitoring through interactive dashboards. Unlike labor-intensive methods like manual counting, our solution supports proactive management with early warnings and informed decisions. It also monitors micro-jellyfish, early-stage parasites, and harmful algae blooms in the micro aggregation stage, allowing precise preventive measures - whether chemical, mechanical, biological, or other - while reducing environmental impact. Designed for farm managers and veterinary staff, it improves fish health, reduces costs, and optimizes resource use. Cost-effective and energy-efficient, our technology promotes sustainable aquaculture, supports marine biodiversity, and protects critical habitats. By enhancing ecosystems' ability to capture CO2 and produce oxygen, it addresses ocean health and climate change, offering significant cost savings and supporting conservation.

Partnerships

Between 2022 and 2024, we engaged extensively with key aquaculture stakeholders, attending sea lice conferences, trade shows, and holding meetings in Norway. During this time we secured NDAs with industry leaders such as MSD, ScaleAQ, and Salmar, and established Letters of Intent (LOIs) with NTNU and Nofima to explore applying our sensor technology for sea lice monitoring. In May 2024, we secured a Proof of Concept (PoC) with Mowi, the world's largest salmon farming company, to validate our sensor’s ability to detect harmful algae, micro jellyfish, and salmon lice larvae (SLL). This collaboration leverages Mowi's expertise in data-driven salmon production and could lead to broader market access through their sales channels. Additionally, we are expanding into marine biodiversity monitoring and have attracted interest from investors, including a senior advisor from S2G Ventures’ Ocean division. This growing interest highlights the broader potential of our technology in ocean health.

Team

Founder / Co-founder / Investor

Background, particularly in early-stage company development with focus on development of new technology solutions. Expertise in securing investor capital and forging partnerships with industry enhances the ability to garner the needed support. Brings valuable domain knowledge and strategic insights enhancing potential for success. Holds an MBA degree from MIT Sloan School of Management (2008-2010) and continually enhances his knowledge through courses at MIT.

R&D Lead

With over 25 years of experience holding central positions within R&D, HR, and business development in various high-tech companies around the world, the R&D Lead brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Broad understanding of international markets and regulatory environments.

Tech Lead

Expertise in software and hardware engineering key for developing AI-enhanced microscopy systems for underwater use. Agile project management skills ensure efficient task execution and adaptability. Specialization in DevOps accelerates AI algorithm development and deployment. Technology adoption is facilitated through change management and training. Overall, his multidisciplinary skills make him valuable for advancing AI-enhanced underwater microscopy.

Status

• - Raised DKK 2.4 million in equity capital in 2024.
• - Finalized InnoBooster project DKK 0.455 million in 2024.
• - Finalized PoC testing with MOWI DKK 0.6 million in 2024.
• - Built 1 sensor (tested in Roskilde Fjord and Limfjorden).
• - Built 5 new improved sensors (tested in Norway Aug./Nov. 2024).
• - Built a new website.
• - Built a pipeline of partner leads.
• - Hired three AI interns + a part-time biologist (80% position).
• - Submitted patent for PCT step (patent pending).