Why We Started
At PathoScan, we saw a critical problem that farmers face year after year: crop diseases are devastating farms, and the current solutions are too slow and expensive. Traditional lab testing takes weeks, but by the time farmers get their results, the crops are already damaged. This delay leads to unnecessary treatments, wasted resources, and significant financial loss.
We knew there had to be a better way. That’s why we created PathoScan—a portable, in-field testing device that helps farmers detect crop diseases in just a few hours, right there in their fields. Our goal is to empower farmers to take immediate action, saving their crops and protecting their livelihoods.
Our mission goes beyond technology—we're aiming to revolutionize how farmers manage crop health, starting in Saskatchewan and expanding across North America. And this is where you come in.
The Project: What We’re Building
PathoScan is a simple yet powerful tool. Farmers can take a sample from their crops, place it in one of our test kits, insert it into the PathoBox, and within minutes, they’ll receive a detailed report on their mobile device. This report identifies any pathogens present and provides recommendations on what to do next.
The PathoBox is built for ease of use—no complex training or lab experience needed. It’s fast, accurate, and designed to be affordable, helping farmers avoid unnecessary costs and make quick decisions that can save their crops.
We’ve already built a working prototype and have received positive feedback from early testing. Now, we’re ready to take the next step, but we need your help to make it happen.
Why We're Crowdfunding
We’re aiming to raise $50,000 to cover the essential costs of research and development (R&D) and purchasing materials and reagents needed to complete PathoScan’s development. Every contribution will directly help us:
- $20,000: Invest in high-quality materials and reagents for testing our devices across different crop types. This will ensure our device is reliable and performs under diverse field conditions.
- $15,000: Continue R&D efforts, allowing us to refine the PathoBox and test kits for mass production.
- $15,000: Conduct additional trials to further validate the performance of our device in real-world scenarios. These trials will ensure the device is ready for widespread use and can deliver the promised results to farmers.
With this funding, we’ll be able to accelerate development, finalize the device, and bring it to the market so farmers can start benefiting as soon as possible.
Why Your Support Matters
By backing this project, you’re becoming a crucial part of a movement that’s reshaping agriculture. Crop diseases currently lead to around 30% of yield losses each year globally. With PathoScan, we can help prevent these losses by giving farmers the tools to detect and treat diseases early, saving their crops and reducing waste.
This technology has the potential to transform the farming industry, making it more sustainable and resilient. Your contribution will help us finalize the PathoBox and test kits and get them into the hands of the farmers who need them most. You’re helping us build a future where farmers are empowered with the tools they need to protect their crops and feed the world.
