Photo caption: UC Professor Renwick Dobson leads a biosensing devices research project that has been awarded an MBIE Endeavour Fund grant.
The 9.6m Endeavour Fund grant, from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), will allow researchers from Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) to further develop a diagnostic platform to deliver biosensing devices that could revolutionise in-field testing, quality control and point of care diagnostics.
Lead researcher, UC School of Biological Sciences Professor Renwick Dobson, says the platform has the potential to deliver big benefits across multiple sectors. To demonstrate the platform's versatility, researchers will develop four prototype devices for three applications: one for early detection of Alzheimer's disease, one for multi-drug detection in the workplace and roadside testing, and two that streamline quality control in winemaking.
The research is being shaped by strong industry demand, following collaboration with winemakers, forensic toxicologists, police and clinicians. Each group has highlighted the urgent need for simple, reliable devices that deliver rapid results to support timely, informed decisions.
UC Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Innovation Professor Lucy Johnston says the project is world-leading research that will be a game changer for the three applications the researchers are focusing on. "My congratulations to Professor Ren Dobson on the impressive technical advancements and on responding to industry demand and finding very practical ways to apply the research to three very different fields."
The project brings together expertise in microfluidic device engineering, synthetic chemistry, biomolecular design and biosensing platforms. Leveraging UC's existing intellectual property in microfluidics and biosensors, the researchers are aiming to unlock new commercial opportunities across Agritech, Medtech, and drug testing-reducing costs for winemakers, improving road and workplace safety, and enhancing healthcare outcomes.
Collaboration with end users will ensure the platform is practical, effective and ready for adoption. At the same time, the programme will strengthen New Zealand's biotech sector by training emerging scientists at the intersection of biology, engineering and commercialisation, preparing them to become the next generation of biotech entrepreneurs.
