2025-01-27
CEO Morten Miller
"Our technology enables greener industrial practices and supports sustainability goals. With a scalable production system and a lean organization, we are well-positioned for the next stage of growth, targeting recurring sales and broader market penetration by 2025."
For those unfamiliar with BactiQuant, could you briefly introduce the company, your focus, and the role you play in microbiological water analysis?
BactiQuant is a spin-off from research conducted at Copenhagen University, where our journey began with a technological platform originally developed for scientific studies. We transitioned this platform from the lab to real-world applications, addressing practical challenges in water quality management. Initially, we focused on quantifying mold in buildings, reducing analysis time from two weeks to mere minutes, which was a groundbreaking development.
In 2020, we divided the company into two entities: Micrometer, focusing on mold technology, and BactiQuant, now listed on Nasdaq First North, specializing in microbiological water analysis. Today, our unique platform enables us to analyze water across a broad spectrum, from ultra-pure pharmaceutical-grade water to highly contaminated industrial water, setting us apart as leaders in this field.
Your technology has been recognized for its ability to quickly and effectively quantify bacterial levels in water. Could you explain how your solution works and what makes it unique compared to traditional methods?
Our technology transforms bacteria into ”light factories” using a proprietary chemistry that induces them to produce molecules that emit light. This innovation enables us to deliver highly sensitive, robust, and reproducible results. Traditional methods, in use for over 150 years, rely on cultivating bacteria in petri dishes, requiring days to obtain results and involving extensive manual labor. In contrast, our solution reduces analysis time from days to just minutes, eliminates human error, and offers both handheld equipment and online remote monitoring capabilities. This allows our customers to receive early warnings of water quality deviations, shifting their approach from reactive to proactive management. These advantages make our solution a game-changer in the industry.
What are the biggest challenges facing the water quality industry today, and how does BactiQuant help to address these issues?
The water quality industry faces three major challenges:
Water Scarcity and Climate Change: Freshwater resources are increasingly limited, making efficient water stewardship essential. Our technology supports recycling and reuse of water, as demonstrated in the fashion industry, where we help clients reuse water efficiently and sustainably.
Automation and Digitization: Industries are moving toward replacing manual processes with automated systems. Our online robot sampler integrates seamlessly into digital systems, providing real-time data and enabling immediate action when water quality deviates from standards.
Asset Management: Bacterial activity can cause corrosion and biofouling, leading to costly infrastructure damage. By monitoring bacterial levels, we help industries optimize chemical treatments, reducing biocide usage by up to 60% and extending the lifespan of assets. This also aligns with sustainability goals, as it minimizes the environmental impact of industrial operations.
Sustainability and water quality are critical topics for both the environment and public health. How do your solutions contribute to meeting global sustainability goals?
Our technology directly supports sustainability by enabling efficient water recycling, reducing biocide usage, and promoting environmentally responsible practices. By empowering industries to proactively manage bacterial levels, we contribute to greener operations and more sustainable resource use, which aligns with global efforts to combat water scarcity and reduce environmental impact.
How are you working to strengthen your global presence, and which regions do you see as most promising for future growth?
We have established a lean organization with scalable production systems, positioning us for significant growth. Our current focus is on creating strategic partnerships and expanding our market reach. The pharmaceutical sector offers immense potential, as it transitions from traditional methods to faster, more efficient solutions.
We are also capitalizing on new EU water directives that emphasize online monitoring systems for water utilities. Geographically, the U.S. market will be a key area of focus, however our technology has global relevance across multiple industries.
Where do you see BactiQuant in 1 year?
Within the next year, our primary goal is to achieve recurring sales from key customers, demonstrating the tangible value of our solutions and building a strong foundation for long-term growth. This milestone will solidify our position as a trusted partner in water quality management.
What are the three main reasons to invest in BactiQuant today?
- Global Market Validation: We have established partnerships with multinational clients in industries such as fashion, oil and gas, and agriculture, proving our technology’s versatility and global applicability.
- Proven Technology in Demanding Environments: Our solutions have been rigorously tested and validated in operational settings, including the highly regulated pharmaceutical sector, where we meet exceptionally high standards.
- Sustainability and Growth Readiness: Our technology enables greener industrial practices and supports sustainability goals. With a scalable production system and a lean organization, we are well-positioned for the next stage of growth, targeting recurring sales and broader market penetration by 2025.