Barcelona-based KOA Biotech has secured €2 million in funding to advance its biosensor technology for early detection of waterborne infections in aquaculture.
The round was led by Swanlaab Innvierte Agrifood-Tech, with participation from Fund-F and Faber.
Tackling a €6B Challenge in Aquaculture
With over 50% of global fish consumption coming from aquaculture, disease outbreaks remain a major issue, leading to up to 30% production losses—costing the industry more than €6 billion annually.
KOA Biotech has developed an autonomous biosensor system that enables real-time monitoring of waterborne infections, allowing fish farms to take preventive action before outbreaks spread. This helps:
- Reduce mortality rates in fish farms.
- Lower antibiotic use, promoting more sustainable aquaculture.
- Improve food security by minimizing disruptions in fish production.
CEO Sira Mogas emphasized the impact of their solution:
“Our innovative hybrid technology, combining living organisms with micro-electronic interfaces, enables real-time pathogen detection and early warning alerts for aquaculture producers.”
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A Spin-Off from Pompeu Fabra University
The startup was founded as a spin-off of Pompeu Fabra University, based on its founder’s doctoral research. The company integrates biotechnology, data engineering, and hardware development to offer a scalable, tech-driven solution for aquaculture disease management.
Investor Confidence in KOA’s Potential
Nora Alonso, General Partner at Swanlaab Innvierte Agrifood-Tech, highlighted the importance of KOA’s work:
“KOA’s technology optimizes natural resource usage, reduces environmental impact, and tackles critical challenges in production, food security, and climate change.”
This investment also reflects growing interest in Spain’s agri-food technology sector, attracting participation from international impact funds like Fund-F and Faber.
Looking Ahead
With this funding, KOA Biotech plans to:
- Enhance its biosensor technology for broader industry adoption.
- Expand commercialization efforts in global aquaculture markets.
- Strengthen partnerships with fish farms and regulatory bodies.
As aquaculture continues to play a vital role in global food supply, KOA Biotech’s innovations could redefine sustainable fish farming, improving disease prevention while reducing industry losses.
