Seeking Accurate and Discriminating Sensors

Description of the need:

Sensors that can provide accurate and discriminating information of what’s in the Air or on Surfaces.

What we are looking for:

• Sensors for measuring and distinguishing odors and unique VOC’s such as Aldehydes, Alcohols, Terpenes, Acids, Amines and Sulfurs.
• Sensors that can measure and distinguish biologicals in the air such as bacteria, virus, mold, allergens, pet dander.
• Sensors that can measure and distinguish soils and biologicals on surfaces

Products with the following benefits:

• Accuracy at the 1-100 ppb level for Air sensing that is relevant for consumer home environment and likely concentrations in home environment.
• Able to distinguish odors/VOC’s/ biologicals in the presence of fragrance in air and other interfering gases naturally present in home.
• Able to distinguish soils and stains on surfaces to aid in cleaning choices
• Able to measure and identify biologicals on surfaces to indicate clean and safe surfaces
• Surface sensors that can work on variety of surfaces (wood, ceramic, stone, glass, metal).
• Cost that is affordable for use in consumer home (retail < $200).
• Small and compact so fits in home environment
• Ability to connect to WiFi
• Quiet and low power operation
• Sensor lasts at least 3 years with consistent operation/accuracy/discrimination ability.

Product Forms can include:

Plugged in devices, rechargeable devices, battery powered devices, colorimetry and disposable approaches.

What we are not interested in:

Total VOC sensors that can’t discriminate gases/odors (e.g. Formaldehyde vs. Perfume)

Particle counters that can’t discriminate particles (e.g. water droplets from PM 2.5 or dust vs. allergens).

Sensors that give false positive or false negatives in the presence of odors/contaminants in the home.

Surface sensors that can only work on a specific surface (e.g. glass only).