Graduate innovation to detect water contamination up for national award  

An innovation designed by a University of Exeter graduate to detect contaminated water and save lives has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.  

The FluoroGlow device is designed to detect Cryptosporidium in water – a parasite that can cause severe illness and even death, especially in children and vulnerable people.  

Previously, it has been difficult to detect without slow laboratory-based tests. But FluoroGlow aims to change that by providing rapid and reliable results directly at the water source.  

Currently in prototype form, the device is the brainchild of University of Exeter Medical Science graduate Kathryn Thomas, 21, who participated in the university’s Elevate programme, winning an award in their enterprise competition with prizes provided by business education charity ESBF.  

Kathryn said her studies enhanced her interest in microbiology and gave her the knowledge and confidence to work for an engineering company during her studies. They also helped her build up her knowledge on microorganisms and pathogens found in water.  

Kathryn, who is originally from Berkshire said: “I was in my final year when I saw a news report about a large outbreak of Cryptosporidium in Brixham, Devon, which was making many people unwell and forcing residents to boil their water or rely on bottled supplies. I began to wonder if there could be a faster, more reliable way to detect Cryptosporidium in water. I approached the engineering company I had worked for with this idea, and they were very supportive. Since then, they have supported me to develop the fluorometer device, to make this possible. 

“The device is not commercially available yet as more testing is needed, but the plan is to get it to market as soon as possible so it can be deployed in water sources. By identifying contamination early, FluoroGlow could help prevent outbreaks before they spread and protect families and communities from preventable illness. Faster, more accessible testing, reduces the risk to public health and gives people confidence that the water they drink is safe.” 

Now, Kathryn will compete against nine other talented teams from across the UK in ESBF’s Champion of Champions Competition. The grand final will take place at the Royal Academy of Engineering on Friday 7 November, where Kathryn will compete for a share of the £17,000 prize pot, providing vital seed money to help winners develop their innovation.  

Winners will also receive mentoring from business leaders who are members of the Sainsbury Management Fellows network, plus CV packages from PurpleCV and entrepreneurial books from sponsors. 

The event, hosted by TV presenter and engineer Rob Bell, is the culmination of a year of ESBF-sponsored enterprise competitions held across UK universities, with thousands of undergraduates and graduates taking part. 

Each year, ESBF champions business education for engineers and supports universities by giving them grants to award prizes to engineering and science students who develop ideas that can make a positive impact on society. 

On being shortlisted for the grand final Kathryn said: “Being in the Champion of Champions Competition is incredibly important to me because it represents the chance to take FluoroGlow to a national stage. With 50 UK universities running their own competition and only handful of finalists chosen, being selected as one of the top ten teams is a huge honour. It shows that my idea has real potential and gives me the opportunity to share it with a wider audience. More than just recognition, this competition is a platform to inspire others, gain valuable feedback, and hopefully take a step closer to turning FluoroGlow into a life-saving solution that can protect communities across the country and beyond.” 

Amber Strong, ELEVATE ESBF Competition Lead at the University of Exeter, said: “We’re incredibly proud of Kathryn and her ground-breaking work with FluoroGlow. Being selected as one of just ten national finalists in the ESBF Champion of Champions Grand Final is a tremendous achievement. It has been heartening to see Kathryn’s confidence grow as a result of the ESBF funded ELEVATE Pitch competition at Exeter and to see her dedication to make a difference and save lives through FlouroGlow. Her success reflects the ingenuity, impact, and entrepreneurial spirit we champion across University of Exeter and the Department of Engineering.” 

For more information about the competition, visit www.esbf.org.uk