The challenge
Lack of information on the health and biodiversity status of aquatic environments around the globe.
There is a pressing need for more information on the health and biodiversity status of aquatic environments around the globe. Sampling, especially in remote locations, has been expensive and poses many resourcing, safety and logistical challenges.
The absence of sampling capability that is cost-effective and easy to use has hindered scientific progress and collaboration. The available equipment is bulky, heavy and expensive (over US$5,000).
Our response
Affordable, efficient and portable e-DNA sampling solutions
Grover Scientific’s sampling devices offer an innovative method to extract DNA directly from environmental samples, such as water bodies, while providing a sampling solution that is low cost ($1,500), small, lightweight (less than two kilograms), robust and easy to use.
The product can be carried in a backpack, has a lightweight, efficient solar/battery powered sampler and when it is used with filtration pods that can be decontaminated and reused, plastic waste is minimised.
The results
The impact
The technology has seen significant interest domestically and globally to impart improved capacity to monitor endangered species. It offers researchers in Australia and internationally the opportunity to increase scientific knowledge exchange through large-scale collaboration.
Grover Scientific's net present value of participating in the ON program is estimated as $2.5 million (at a seven per cent real discount rate), with a benefit-cost ratio of 7.1.