H2020 SQS Project: Automated semen quality platform for improving swine reproduction
- Type Project
- Status Filled
- Execution 2016 -2018
- Assigned Budget 726.891,38 €
- Scope Europeo
- Main source of financing H2020
- Project website SQS
The work carried out during the project has focused on:
• Regarding re-bioengineering and validation activities:
- Improvements to reduce SQS device runtime processing (focus improvement, morphological detection optimization, motor motion optimization, number of captured fields optimization).
- The application developed to collect, analyze and display reports (SQS Lab) obtained from the SQS analyzer has been modified according to customer needs and its integration with the SQS Brain device.
- New formula improvements (SQS Test) to optimize the detection of sperm morphological structures.
- Independent validation of the SQS device, SQS Brain and SQS Lab (stress testing, compatibility testing), scientific validation of the SQS system and customer validation.
• Regarding scale-up, the manufacturing processes incorporate new fluorochrome tubes based on 96 microtiter plates, a pipetting robot, and packaging revisions and improvements:
- A large number of updates have been included in SQS Lab to improve the end-user experience and address additional functional requirements. The SQS test is the product that has undergone the most changes, not only in its appearance and appearance, but also in its operating specifications and production scaling. Thanks to these improvements, the production quantity has quadrupled while maintaining all guarantees on the results. Regarding the after-sales warranty and copy protection policies, which are still under development, warranty seals, hard drive encryption, source code obfuscation, software license security, and password protection have already been implemented to address potential misuse of the SQS solution.
• Exploitation, dissemination and business development:
- Industrial property registrations: ZoitechLab has registered a European Union trademark and an international trademark (applicable to China and the US) and has maintained the internet domains for the SQS (Semen Quality System®) solution in the main territories with which we have commercial interests (EU, including Spain, the US, and China).
- Technology monitoring: ZoitechLab has conducted periodic searches of global patent and non-patent literature. This activity has helped the company identify updates and developments in existing systems.
Intellectual Property Criteria: After evaluating the patentability of an invention related to the SQS solution, it was concluded that only the composition kit and the use of the invention are considered new, but not inventive.
Market Outlook: ZoitechLab has focused on the Asian market, the US, and, to a lesser extent, Spain. Additionally, ZoitechLab continues to work in Latin America.
Competitive Developments: A thorough analysis and monitoring of similar equipment was conducted, analyzing competitor websites and industry newsletters, attending trade shows, and visiting target markets.
- Customer feedback: As a result of SQS demonstrations (trade shows, field visits), user feedback was collected and used to improve the system.
• In addition, professional personnel were deployed to target markets to conduct SQS demonstrations and obtain feedback from end users. Their impressions are summarized below:
- In terms of appearance, most potential customers have welcomed the SQS device's size and simple user interface, as well as its ease of training and management. The staining system is highly rated, compared to the previous, longer and more expensive process.
- Regarding the analysis time, 2 minutes satisfies most users. After this update, no potential customers have raised that issue again.
- Regarding SQS connectivity, ZoitechLab's customer-specific solutions (wireless or Bluetooth) meet current user demands.
Overall, ZoitechLab is satisfied with the improvements made throughout the project, but believes their work is not yet complete. The company continues to improve the technical performance of the SQS system and is already working on a new, improved version for next year.
Furthermore, it continues to work with its distributors in China, the US, Mexico, and Thailand, supporting their efforts with ongoing contact and periodic visits to consolidate its market. Staying in touch with customers is essential to understand their needs on a daily basis.
The FAO states that global meat production and consumption will increase to 300 million tons by 2020. In terms of meat demand, there will be further growth in pork and poultry consumption in many developing countries. Therefore, higher fertility rates are required to increase production on pig farms. This means that artificial insemination (AI) centers need a rapid and unbiased testing system to boost production.
SQS (Seminal Quality System) is a disruptive, innovative, and compact advanced system for the automated analysis of boar semen quality. It analyzes the three main sperm fertility parameters (viability, concentration, and morphology) using fluorescence and automatically calculates the diluent volume and dose quantity to be produced in less than 2 minutes (we continue working to reduce this cost). Its ease of use and automated process will allow AI centers to produce doses with guaranteed high fertilization potential.
The SQS project lasted 18 months and resulted in the expansion and implementation of the manufacturing process, as well as device validation and intense commercial activity (with the first units already sold). Furthermore, ZoitechLab has taken the necessary steps to guarantee the intellectual property rights of SQS (trademark, internet domains).
ZoitechLab is a biotechnology SME belonging to the Arquimea Group, dedicated to the development of technologies for livestock, agricultural, and forestry applications, with extensive knowledge, products, services, and customers in the field of swine reproduction.
Population growth and global demand for pork open up a huge market opportunity to meet social needs. Therefore, higher fertility rates are required to increase pig production. This means that artificial insemination (AI) centers need a rapid and unbiased analysis system to boost production. ZoitechLab has developed a new system concept that responds to this demand.
SQS (Semen Quality System) is an advanced, innovative, compact, and disruptive system for automated semen quality analysis. It analyzes the three main fertility parameters (viability, sperm concentration, and morphology) using fluorescence and automatically calculates the volume of extender and the dose to be produced in less than 5 minutes. Its ease of use and process automation will allow AI centers to produce doses with guaranteed high fertilization potential.
The first SQS units will be installed shortly, and the prototypes will be upgraded to integrate new developments requested by customers. Following the implementation of these improvements, ZoitechLab will design and execute the scaling process to meet customer demand.
SQS will become the ultimate technological tool for artificial reproduction and the livestock industry. The system contributes to solving the current problems faced by swine AI centers where semen analysis is performed. SQS offers the following features and advantages:
- No prior manipulation required.
- Automated control of the engine plate.
- Sample segmentation for the identification and classification of cellular properties.
- Simultaneous analysis of three different parameters: sperm concentration, morphology and viability in a single sample.
- View results in a user-friendly environment and obtain a standardized report.
- Reports are stored in an automated database system, allowing for targeted data selection and filtering, improving decision-making. It also allows data to be stored and shared with other systems in different locations.
- The automatic process allows for repeatable and reliable results.
- The process allows sample analysis in less than 2 minutes.
- The device does not require specific training or calibration.
A thorough analysis and monitoring of similar equipment has been conducted, analyzing competitor websites and industry newsletters, attending trade shows, and visiting target markets. SQS remains the only equipment that offers accurate, fully automated cell membrane quality analysis and utilizes an easy-to-use dehydrated staining system with immediate results. In this regard, ZoitechLab maintains its competitive advantage.
- ZOITECHLAB SL
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