ContainerScan is a Joint Venture established in December 2005 between AgResearch and Syft Technologies Ltd (a private enterprise formed out of the University of Canterbury and private investors). Its Chairman is Simon Upton, a former Minister of Biosecurity who has more recently been engaged in working on global environmental challenges. Based on the Sniffertech™ sampling technology developed by AgResearch, and sensitive, very high speed detection tools developed by Syft Technologies, the ContainerScan system samples and concentrates the molecules found in the air trapped in shipping containers. The system can detect the presence of minute quantities of chemicals associated with unwanted organisms and substances. In biosecurity terms, it should be able to find something equivalent to a 'needle in a haystack.'

For a country like New Zealand where biosecurity is a constant issue, the potential applications are easy to see. In fact, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, having been an early funder of Sniffertech™ research, is now in ongoing discussions with ContainerScan about how to best implement the technology for better protection of our borders. John Allen, ContainerScan Acting Chief Executive, says one of the important issues is establishing rapid communications protocols for information from the ContainerScan system - especially when unwanted substances are detected.

Getting a draft proposal in place that facilitates rapid information flow has really excited MAF, as they don't want to impede the flow of containers on our wharves. They are a serious supporter of the technology.

Revenue from ContainerScan will probably be based on a fee-for-use model initially ("We're not selling the technology, but using the technology to sell a service," explains John). However, the global potential is significant - not just for biosecurity, but also for customs and enforcement agencies, and even as a means of monitoring the quality of fresh produce. Given the size of the potential market, future business models could well be built on selling the methodology.