Grant awarded for innovative laboratory instrumentation

LabTech Systems has been awarded $2.14m under the AusIndustry Commercial Ready Grant program to support the development and commercialisation of its laboratory instrumentation, MicroStreak.

MicroStreak is an innovative, patented robotic system that automates routine agar plate processing, which is carried out in microbiology laboratories for diagnosing the causes of disease and contamination.

Lusia Guthrie, managing director of LabTech Systems, said the grant will be invaluable as the project enters a period of significant product development and early commercialisation activity.

"Microbiology laboratories are desperate to replace manual practices with new technologies in response to an increase in workloads and staff shortages," said Guthrie.

"We're keen to enter the market as soon as possible so we can help microbiology laboratories manage their volumes, processes and costs more efficiently."

Global demand for this type of equipment is strong and will only continue to grow in line with ageing populations and age-related illnesses, emerging pathogens and new antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Australia comprises 2% of the global market for agar plate processing, highlighting the immense global prospects, particularly in the US and European markets.