L2M QC Spring 2025 | Instant Air Risk Detection for Health and Climate (Patholyzer)

Rapid and accurate detection and classification of pathogens (viruses vs. bacteria) is a global challenge affecting healthcare, public health, and environmental safety. Current methods like PCR and CRISPR are accurate but slow, expensive, and require centralized labs and trained personnel. Rapid antigen tests are faster but lack accuracy and cannot differentiate between bacterial and viral infections, leading to misdiagnoses and increased antibiotic resistance.
Patholyzer is an AI-powered, laser-camera-coupled device that detects and classifies bacteria and viruses in real-time (within 32 milliseconds) without sample preparation or lab infrastructure. Built on Nano-Digital Inline Holography Microscopy (Nano-DIHM), a patented and software-copyrighted technology, Patholyzer is a groundbreaking tool for pathogen detection. This innovation has wide-ranging applications, including infection control in hospitals, disease surveillance by public health agencies, bioaerosol monitoring, and environmental pathogen tracking by Research labs. By enabling faster, on-site detection, Patholyzer enhances outbreak prevention and reduces antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Through the Lab2Market (L2M) program, we aim to refine Patholyzer’s go-to-market strategy, validate customer demand, establish industry partnerships, and secure regulatory approvals. This project will accelerate Patholyzer’s transition from research to commercialization, positioning Canada as a leader in AI-driven diagnostics and public health innovation.

Faculty Supervisor:

Parisa A Ariya

Student:

Partner:

V1 Studio

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Environmental Science and Technology; Artificial Intelligence; Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

McGill University

Program: