Researchers create 5 minute test to prevent Listeria outbreaks

University of Strathclyde research associates have developed a revolutionary food safety device that can detect deadly Listeria contamination in just five minutes, potentially preventing outbreaks of one of the world’s most lethal foodborne pathogens.

Biosers, founded by research associates Hayleigh May and Andrew Callandar, secured the top Converge Challenge prize at this year’s Converge Awards, earning £50,000 (€57,517) and in-kind business support to commercialise its FoodShield device that could transform global food safety.

Listeria kills 20-30% of those infected and is one of the deadliest foodborne pathogens, yet current testing methods take 2-8 days, allowing contaminated food to reach consumers. The FoodShield device delivers near-instant results, preventing outbreaks and costly recalls while providing rapid, cost-effective detection for food testing labs and manufacturers.

Biosers co-founder Hayleigh May, said: “We’re developing a portable device that provides results in just five minutes right at the site of production. This gives food producers the confidence that the products leaving their facilities are, in fact, safe. Current testing methods are slow and complex and the testing itself is conducted off-site at centralised labs. This means you need access to lab facilities and trained personnel to conduct the testing. Our technology is looking to overcome these issues and ideally provide real-time food safety checks. This will protect public health, reduce costly recalls and prevent the food producers’ reputational damage.”

The technology addresses a critical gap in food safety, with the potential for worldwide impact.

The awards announcement comes as Converge secures its largest-ever funding commitment of £1.26 million from the Scottish Funding Council over the next three years, alongside a new strategic partnership with Scottish Enterprise to create enhanced pathways for university entrepreneurs from concept to commercial success.

Adam Kosterka, executive director of Converge, commented: “At Converge, we believe Scotland’s universities are home to the next generation of world-changing innovations. This year’s winners exemplify exactly what’s possible when brilliant academic minds are equipped with the business expertise and networks to transform their ideas into commercially successful, impactful companies.

“With our new record funding from the Scottish Funding Council and strategic partnership with Scottish Enterprise, we’re creating an even stronger foundation to support university entrepreneurs on their journey from laboratory to market. Together with Scotland’s universities and our corporate supporters, we’re building an innovation ecosystem where transformative ideas can flourish into the businesses that will define our future economy.”

Deputy first minister Kate Forbes said: “Coming hot off the heels of the Scottish Government’s Proof of Concept funding this increased, multi-year backing for the Converge Programme provides a real injection of support for our university researchers, startups and spin-outs. Critically, it also brings added weight to our ambition to convert more of the world-leading innovations being generated in Scotland into successful business.

“To ensure we capitalise on the innovation and ingenuity within our academic institutions, it is vital that we work together across organisations and across sectors to create a supportive environment for our spinouts to start-up and scale-up. I am delighted that a strategic partnership between Converge and Scottish Enterprise is being developed, helping drive the joined-up support required to help our university entrepreneurs thrive.”

Converge is funded by the Scottish Funding Council, a network of seven corporate partners and all 19 of Scotland’s universities. Since its launch in 2011, the programme has trained over 830 aspiring founders and supported the creation of over 450 companies that enjoy an above-average three-year survival rate of over 86% (Beauhurst data, as of September 2025).

Open to students, recent graduates, and staff, Converge supports new businesses through intensive business training, networking, 1-2-1 support, generous equity free cash prizes and expert, professional advice from its roster of industry partners.