Holloid: Protecting public health with AI-powered water monitoring

Holloid is an innovative company tackling this challenge head-on with its AI-powered holographic detectors. Their system can identify water contaminants including various bacteria, micro-algae and plastics in under a minute. This innovation is set to improve drinking water safety, protect consumers and significantly reduce the economic impact of waterborne outbreaks.

Water contamination remains a persistent problem in Europe, even though it has a strong track record in water quality management, and all suppliers must undertake routine monitoring to ensure compliance with EU law such as the EU framework for Community action in the field of water policy and the EU Drinking Water Directive. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) also reports that outbreaks of E.Coli and other harmful microorganisms in drinking water are rising. Traditional testing methods, typically conducted through culture techniques (plating) and visual microscopy, have several limitations: they can take up to five days to complete, become costly due to the high volume of samples needed annually, are prone to human error, and offer only a brief snapshot of the water body’s condition.

Holloid addresses these challenges with their advanced 3D microscopy with AI technology, offering real-time detection that significantly reduces the time and cost associated with monitoring water safety. By replacing manual microscopy with an online, automated system, Holloid allows water suppliers to test more rapidly and frequently, vastly improving the chances of identifying contamination before it becomes a public health issue.

Holloid’s holographic water detectors, known as "Hollometers", are revolutionising water monitoring. About the size of a coffee machine, these detectors analyse liquid samples using AI recognition software to identify pathogens, microplastics and other harmful particles in under a minute. Detected harmful pathogens can then be quickly contained, and subsequent infection rates reduced.

EIT Food has supported Holloid’s development, with the company participating in both the 2021 Seedbed and 2022 Food Accelerator Network entrepreneurship programmes. Thanks to this backing, they have been able to start pilot trials and gain their first customers, now working in four European countries in the water and bio-process sectors.

Estimating the potential impact of preventing outbreaks is challenging, but it can be drawn from existing data on waterborne diseases and customer catchment size to allow an approximation. If Holloid’s Hollometers could reduce bacteria-based outbreaks by 1–90% —depending on network coverage, sampling frequency, and the ability to isolate contaminants —a major drinking water supplier serving millions could save an estimated €360,000 to €32 million annually in avoided medical treatment costs. Additionally, the prevention of these outbreaks could reduce sick leave, which affects productivity, while also averting 11–972 hospitalisations and potentially 1–55 deaths each year. These impacts translate into substantial economic and emotional benefits, preserving earnings, spending, and family wellbeing.

By replacing traditional plating techniques, Holloid’s customers can also save money, as the Hollometer’s typically pay off after 4–8 months. Net cost savings are estimated at approximately €100,000 a year for each kit in use, depending on the use case.

Beyond water safety, Holloid’s AI-powered detectors have applications in industries including food and beverage production, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and renewable energy. As their technology continues to improve, the company envisions a future where pathogen detection in bioprocessing, environmental monitoring, and industrial applications becomes more sustainable and efficient.