FaunaPhotonics began in 2014 as an initiative of MIT postgraduate, Frederick Tarrnhoj, to start a company based on the inventions of scientist Mikkel Bydegaard Sorenson – a researcher at Lund University who had invented some sensor imaging instruments. The company started very precariously, but after entering a local tech-accelerator programme started by the university, and securing their first patent with the help of advisory board members, they were able to apply for grants and attract business angel backing to carry out proof-of-concept tests of their technology. This was done in collaboration with universities and research centres in three different application areas: malaria mosquito surveillance, detection and deterrence of birds in wind farms, and digital farming.The second part of the development phase also involves OI, but with a large corporation. We can see the journey of how FaunaPhotonics tried to reach large corporations for OI collaborations, through to the negotiations with Bayer Crop Science to reach a 3-year contract agreement.
Open innovation for SME's
