A UV spin-off will develop pathogen detection systems aimed at insect farming for food production
The University of Valencia (UV) has recently recognised CUCARE DIAGNOSTICS as a spin-off. This business initiative emerged from the University Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED, UV) and is focused on developing systems for the detection of pathogens in insect mass rearing and resistance to pesticides in pest insects. This transfer of academic know-how to the industry will help to strengthen the viability of insect colonies and improve the efficiency of pest control treatments.
4 de february de 2025
The mass rearing of insects for food is a rapidly growing industry due to its sustainability and high protein value. However, while its economic success largely depends on the viability and productivity of the insect colonies, there are currently no effective tools available on the market for rapid pathogen detection or for controlling arthropod pests that cause significant damage to crops.
In this field, CUCARE and the University of Valencia have signed an agreement for the transfer of know-how through which the institution grants the spin-off exploitation rights for the technological knowledge and expertise of the UV’s Pest Biotechnological Control Group (CPB-BIOTECMED).
"The company was created in response to the industrial need expressed by production companies for fast, effective and competitively priced diagnostic systems that can help them anticipate problems and contain the emergence of diseases in insect mass rearing", says Salvador Herrero Sendra, professor of Genetics at the UV and one of the founders of CUCARE. "These are molecular biology and DNA sequencing techniques developed by our group at BIOTECMED and applied to the agro-industrial sector, so that insect producers, beekeepers and farmers can reduce the risks and economic losses caused by diseases and pests", adds the scientist.
The new spin-off will develop affordable systems aimed at two distinct markets. On the one hand, the growing insect mass rearing industry, for which CUCARE will provide various methods and kits for pathogen detection. On the other hand, the agro-industrial sector, which will be provided with methodologies for diagnosing pesticide resistance in pest arthropods. "We aim to provide each customer with the right product to improve the management of their farms", explains geneticist Ana Isabel Millán Leiva, co-founder and CEO of the biotechnology firm. "In addition to an increase in profits, this will result in significant time and resource savings for the client", assured the entrepreneur.
CUCARE DIAGNOSTICS is owned by five majority partners, including the UV itself. In addition to Ana Isabel Millán and Salvador Herrero, the CUCARE founding team also includes BIOTECMED researchers Joel González and Sara Hernández.
The University of Valencia currently has 23 active spin-offs, eight of which are in the biotechnology sector.