Chai Biotechnologies has developed an open-sourced model of the the real-time PCR machine – updating the traditional DNA-duplication model by spitting out data.It’s crowdsourcing for funding on Kickstarter – and it’s performing remarkably well.
The company’s raised an impressive $93,762 as of this post’s publishing, exceeding its $50,000 for the Open qPCR goal with nearly a month to go. The campaign closes December 4, and the devices will be shipped starting in January 2015.
When Investment Rhymes with Canada
Canada has a proud history of achievement in the areas of science and technology, and the field of biomanufacturing and life sciences is no exception.
Aimed toward the biohacking set, Chai says the open-sourced PCR machine can be modified to detect foodborne contaminants like E. Coli or Listeria, identify fraudulently labeled food, or even diagnose infections like HIV and Malaria. The company wants to make this tech available to doctors in developing countries, high school and university students, and biohackers. Chai says:
Real-Time PCR can also identify genetic mutations that increase our likelihood of cancers, such as those within BRCA1. It’s a fundamental tool of biological research, and has literally thousands of other applications too long to list here.
However with machines costing $20,000 and up, Real-Time PCR (also known as qPCR) is simply unaffordable where it is needed most. We aim to change that with Open qPCR, a system available at a fraction of their typical cost.
The company built itself through crowdfunding – it launched its first OpenPCR through a Kickstarter effort four years ago.
Premiums for backers include:
$140 – For every 10 pledge made at this level, the company will donate an Open qPCR to a clinic or organization working to fight Ebola in a developing country.
$1,299 – All taken. An early offer rate for the Open qPCR. The next level up’s available, though: Pledge $1,499 and you got the same thing.
$10,000 or more – One backer’s signed up at this impressive level. Create an assay – Chai scientists will work with the donor to create a real-time PCR test for his or her desired application.
Check out the Kickstarter page for more details.
