Aquazoa – a spin out from Heriot-Watt University

Aquazoa is an emerging spinout from Heriot-Watt University focused on developing an advanced, rapid-testing platform to detect harmful microbes in public water supplies.  

Professor Helen Bridle is an award-winning researcher and academic at Heriot-Watt University, recognised for her pioneering work in microfluidics and pathogen detection. As the founder of this aspiring spinout, she leverages her expertise in advanced sensor technologies to create rapid, highly sensitive solutions for monitoring water quality and reducing the risk of waterborne illness.  

Building on the University’s research in water monitoring technology, the company aims to provide utilities and regulators with faster, more accurate, and cost-effective methods for identifying contamination. By enabling near real-time detection of bacteria and other pathogens, their innovation has the potential to significantly reduce waterborne illnesses and minimise disruptive service outages—ultimately improving public health and operational efficiency across the water industry.  

Already, the project team has secured High Growth Spinout Funding from Scottish Enterprise (SE).

Heriot-Watt University now has a pipeline of six active SE-funded projects, demonstrating the university’s commitment to supporting high-impact, research-driven enterprise. 

Professor Helen Bridle: 

“Our system has achieved a very significant improvement in detection rates of harmful bugs in the water so this technology will prevent illness and economic losses much more effectively in future.”