Introducing Hydro Diagnostics
We are pleased to introduce Hydro Diagnostics, a Swedish startup with the vision of transforming global water quality testing. Founded by Erik Wåhlin and Kevin Siu in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company is pioneering an innovative solution that provides rapid and reliable results for detection of bacteria in water, without the need for laboratory analysis. Their mission is to make safe water accessible to everyone, regardless of resources or geographic location.
The start of Hydro Diagnostics was inspired by the rapid advancements in diagnostic testing during the pandemic. The founders recognized an opportunity to apply similar technological approaches to water quality testing, a field traditionally characterized by slow, resource-intensive, and laboratory-dependent methods. Hydro Diagnostics aims to disrupt this paradigm by providing lateral flow tests for bacterial detection, a rapid on-site tool that requires no specialized personnel to operate. This technology is particularly crucial in low- and middle-income countries, where infrastructure and technical expertise are often limited. By enabling quick and simple detection of harmful bacteria, such as Legionella and Escherichia coli (E. coli), decision-makers can intervene earlier to prevent waterborne diseases and mitigate public health risks.
Product quality
To ensure the highest quality of their products, Hydro Diagnostics collaborates with leading experts in biotechnology and water quality. The company’s products undergo rigorous testing and validation to meet both internal and international standards. Development projects are performed in partnership with world-leading biotechnology companies, ensuring that their products are both technically advanced and well-validated before market entry.
Market
Hydro Diagnostic’s customer base varies by region, reflecting the specific bacterial threats prevalent in different geographical contexts. For instance, Legionella poses a significant challenge in Europe, while in Africa, bacteria of fecal origin are more common. In Sweden, the company primarily targets property managers responsible for hospitals, spas, housing cooperatives, nursing homes, ships, and hotels. In more vulnerable regions, Hydro Diagnostics aims to collaborate with local partners and charity organizations, such as UNICEF, to provide a simple solution for large scale water monitoring programs.
Future vision
One of the major challenges faced by Hydro Diagnostics is the shift in market perception regarding water testing. The market has long been dependent on advanced laboratory analyses, which are both time-consuming and costly. The company’s solution offers a faster and more cost-effective alternative. As more customers recognize the benefits of this technology, the interest in rapid tests is steadily growing.
The company has ambitious plans for global expansion, aiming to become a leading provider of rapid water quality testing solutions. By scaling operations and making their technology accessible in regions where water quality is a critical concern, Hydro Diagnostics hopes to promote more frequent water testing and, ultimately, improve global public health.
A significant achievement for the company was being prioritized for EU funding, which has provided crucial resources to continue their development and growth. Hydro Diagnostic’s ability to implement biotechnology into the field of environmental testing, with a rising demand for rapid, effective solutions for water quality testing, has been instrumental to their success thus far.
