In a significant advancement for public health and environmental safety, Molendotech, a spinout from the University of Plymouth, is set to launch an innovative app that will provide real-time mapping of water quality across the UK and the US. This initiative comes in response to rising health concerns, as numerous beachgoers report illnesses linked to swimming in contaminated waters.
A Revolutionary Water Testing Solution
Molendotech has developed a portable water testing kit that rapidly identifies harmful bacteria, including E. coli, in as little as 15 minutes. The company’s flagship product, the Bactiquick, employs a unique method of detecting endotoxins released by bacteria, allowing users to receive immediate results without the prolonged wait typically associated with laboratory testing.
Simon Jackson, the company’s chief scientific officer and a professor at Plymouth University, founded Molendotech in 2018 after personal experiences highlighted the need for rapid water quality assessments. “What we’re providing is a tool for individuals, companies, or community groups to monitor water quality easily and effectively,” Jackson explained. “You can test the water multiple times in a day and receive instant feedback, a stark contrast to current methods that may take one to two days for results.”
Addressing a Growing Public Health Concern
The urgency behind Molendotech’s new app is underscored by increasing reports of waterborne illnesses. According to the environmental charity Surfers Against Sewage, there have been 164 reported cases of gastroenteritis and other ailments among beachgoers this year alone. These incidents are part of a worrying trend linked to sewage spills and water pollution, prompting calls for more rigorous government testing protocols.
Jackson noted, “Rivers in the UK are likely worse than in many parts of Europe,” citing the alarming state of local waterways. The app will aggregate data from daily water tests, factoring in environmental variables such as rainfall and tidal movements, to create predictive models of water safety. The launch is anticipated in October, coinciding with a heightened focus on water quality during the peak swimming season.
Significant Growth and Expansion Plans
Since its launch in May 2025, Molendotech has seen dramatic growth, with revenues soaring from a few thousand pounds monthly to an impressive £94,000 by May 2026. The Bactiquick kit, priced at £300, alongside a testing sample cost of approximately £25, has gained traction among local authorities and water companies eager to enhance their testing capabilities.
The company recently secured £860,000 in funding from various investors, including the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Investment Fund and Exeter-based venture capital firm QantX, bringing its total funding to £2.4 million. This financial backing will facilitate the company’s expansion into North America, New Zealand, and Australia, where there is a growing demand for effective water testing solutions.
Innovative Testing Methodology
Unlike traditional testing, which relies on sending samples to a laboratory for bacteria culture growth, Molendotech’s approach allows for immediate results through the detection of endotoxins. This has resulted in notable discrepancies in water quality assessments. For instance, a recent test at Saltdean beach in Sussex identified it as “high risk,” despite the Environment Agency declaring it “excellent.” Jackson remarked, “Our tests have indicated both poor and good quality results in areas rated the opposite by conventional methods, highlighting the inadequacies of current testing frequencies.”
As climate change continues to alter aquatic ecosystems, the emergence of new bacterial species presents additional risks. Jackson cautioned, “With warmer waters, we are beginning to see Vibrio species in UK waters,” referencing a recent alert from health officials in Louisiana regarding infections from Vibrio vulnificus, a dangerous bacterium found in coastal areas.
Why it Matters
The impending launch of Molendotech’s app represents a pivotal moment in water safety management. By harnessing technology to provide immediate and accurate water quality assessments, the app not only empowers individuals and communities to make informed decisions about water use but also holds governments and water authorities accountable for maintaining clean and safe recreational waters. As the public becomes increasingly aware of the health risks associated with water pollution, tools like Molendotech’s could prove vital in safeguarding public health and preserving the integrity of natural water sources.
