Sundew ApS, an innovative bio venture targeting aquatic pests and diseases, received DKK 10 million (€1.34 million) from the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s BioInnovation Institute (BII) and €85,000 from the StartLife incubator in the Netherlands to bring its first product for the treatment of the fish disease “Ich” to market.
Aquatic pests and diseases are a major and growing global problem. As we become more and more reliant on the oceans for food and natural resources, humans have an ever-increasing impact on aquatic ecosystems, ranging from the open seas to groundwater. Preventing, treating and managing water-transmitted pests, parasites, diseases and invasive species is vital for the health and sustainability of our aquatic resources.
In particular, there is an urgent need for effective, affordable and environmentally-benign products that can replace the often toxic and non-biodegradable chemicals that are currently used. Sundew is developing a range of biological technology platforms to enable the creation, optimization and delivery of cost-effective, robust products with small environmental footprints.
Sundew’s most advanced technology was initially developed under the EU Horizon 2020 project, ParaFishControl by scientists at the Dutch Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) in Wageningen and the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. Sundew has a worldwide, exclusive license to the technology and to sell associated products. “We are delighted to see this investment in tools to tackle aquatic pests and diseases and proud of the role that ParaFishControl research played in helping develop Sundew’s products. It is a great example of talented, multi-disciplinary partners coming together to tackle some of the challenges facing both European and international aquaculture industry,” said Ariadna Sitjà-Bobadilla, ParaFishControl project coordinator.
Sundew’s first product addresses outbreaks of “Ich” (lchthyophthirius multifiliis), also known as fish white spot disease. Ich is a parasite that affects freshwater fish, including seven of the eleven most important finfish aquaculture species, such as carp, tilapia and catfish. It also affects many well-known ornamental species that are found in major display and research aquariums, ornamental ponds or are kept as pets. The funding will allow Sundew to bring this product to market for the ornamental sector.
Earlier this year, Sundew was awarded €0.8M from the Danish government’s green fund (GUDP) to develop this same product for use by trout farmers, where Ich is a major seasonal problem.
Neil Goldsmith, chairman of Sundew, said that “this funding will enable Sundew to develop our lead product to market. It is an excellent opportunity to work with two organizations, each outstanding in its area, to build a company of lasting value.”
Christian Brix Tillegreen, senior business developer at BioInnovation Institute, who will be working with the company, said that “Sundew uses biology to tackle pests and diseases that live in water and addresses a huge unmet need in the fast-growing agriculture market, as well as human health and ecological problems. Sundew’s products could help the transformation towards more sustainable industries. I am excited to work with the experienced startup team of founders and experts and look forward to supporting their development towards the market.”
