Irish biosecurity start-up Ilimex has recently secured €700,000 in a seed funding round to combat airborne pathogens, notably avian flu. The funds will be used to validate their Flufence air sterilisation technology and expand into the agrifood sector, focusing initially on poultry and medicinal mushroom production. This innovative technology uses continuous pathogen detection combined with high-intensity UVC sterilisation to neutralise airborne viruses. Avian flu has posed significant challenges, resulting in over 100 million bird deaths in Europe and the US, with financial losses estimated between $4 billion and $8 billion. The funding was raised from Innovation Ulster Limited, Invest NI via Clarendon Fund Managers, and existing shareholders. Founded during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, Ilimex initially aimed to protect public spaces but has since shifted focus to the global agrifood market. CEO Gerry Corrigan highlighted the growing demand for their biosecurity solutions in industries where airborne contamination risks regulatory compliance and profitability. The global market for Flufence in poultry and mushroom air cleaning is valued at £4 billion and £3.5 billion, respectively. Ilimex plans to implement Flufence with key partners to monitor performance and validate its effectiveness. The company’s growth underscores the impact of academic collaborations in addressing biosecurity challenges, with support from Ulster University and Clarendon Fund Managers.
How is Ilimex tackling avian flu with new funding?
