Tech in Africa
One biotech startup seems to have come up with a simple solution to the global pandemic. Global giant Airbus announced its new partnership with Koniku – which happens to be based in California. The company uses biology accompanied by silicone technology in arriving at solutions. Koniku’s partnership with Airbus is focussed on aircraft and airport security.
Both companies seem to be working on the detection of biohazards. This includes spotting explosive and chemical threats. Airbus will adopt Koniku’s jellyfish-like device into their aircraft. This device can do an equally effective task as the police bomb sniffer dogs. The detection time of the device should be 10 seconds.
The same feature can slow be applied in disease prevention. They are now working on the detection of diseases such as COVID-19. Current machine-learning systems have the ability to learn and synthesize images and sounds. Koniku combines biological neurons with computer cells to give the computer power to detect odors. The living cells in use are from mice. For each disease, Koniku will detect set biomarkers.
Nigerian-born scientist, Koniku founded the company in 2017 and heads the team of scientists in silicon valley. Future technologies will harness the power of biology. One of Koniku’s investors is Nigerian VC firm, Platform Capital, whose partner overseeing investor relations and stakeholder engagement, Ponmile Osibo was upbeat over the Airbus entry. He also disclosed to TechCabal that they had several partnerships with companies and governments worldwide. Details of which will only be released on a case by case.
