DNAir: systematic measurement, targeted action

Biodiversity is dwindling - often without us realising it. Changes to habitats due to construction projects, invasive species or pest infestations often remain undetected for too long. That's because we can't manage what we don't monitor. There is still a lack of systems capable of automatically and comprehensively measuring changes in the environment - thereby laying the foundation for more effective environmental protection and nature conservation.

Measurement – the key to action

This is precisely where DNAir comes in: the start-up's technology utilises the fact that all organisms - from plants to fungi and animals to microbes - continuously leave genetic traces in their environment, for example through pollen, skin flakes or spores. Specially developed sensors automatically take air samples and record this environmental DNA (eDNA). The samples are then analysed and evaluated - with a clear objective: to provide reliable data on the state of biodiversity, in turn, enabling targeted action.

This provides benefits for actors from the construction, agricultural, environmental and health sectors in particular. In construction planning, the technology can help to detect endangered species at an early stage and implement environmental regulations with greater precision. In agriculture, for instance, pest infestations or changes in species composition can be identified more quickly - enabling action to be taken before damage occurs.

Protecting biodiversity, securing the basis for life

DNAir aims to create a reliable database so that well-founded and rapid decisions can be made in species and environmental protection. With the support of Migros Pioneer Fund, the sensor systems are to be taken to market maturity stage and the business model expanded. Understanding the state of biodiversity is clearly essential in order to effectively protect it and, in turn, preserve the basis of our existence.