Chroml is a computer vision technology developed to analyze colorimetric test results for the normal and drug-resistant strains of TB based on the principle of loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) that generates a visible color change in response to the presence of pathogens. This technology was invented to solve an inconsistency of the human vision, making TB diagnosis more accurate and potentially more rapid if automated. With Chroml, users will have a convenient access to the diagnosis of both common and multi-drug resistant TB via smartphone.
In the context of Thailand’s TB endemic and health infrastructure, Chroml is the answer for smaller hospitals and local medical centers with limited medical personnel and laboratory resources. This innovation is a joint effort between researchers from four institutions, including Dr. Itthi Chatnuntawec from NANOTEC, Dr. Pakapreud Khumwan/ Ms. Wansika Kiatpathomchai/ Ms. Sirintip Dangtip from BIOTEC, Dr. Yanadet Sripanich from PTTEP and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Angkana Chaiprasert from Mahidol University.
(From Left to Right: Sirintip – Wansika – Dr. Yandech – Dr. Pakapreud – Dr. Itthi – Assoc. Prof. Dr. Angkana)
The work has entered an Incubation Program organized by the U.REKA Program (Batch 2) along with other highly qualified teams that envision modern computing technologies in different industrial applications. The Incubation Program focuses on the proof of feasibility of the technology before the ‘R&D phase’ will commence at the beginning of 2020. The team was awarded THB 200,000 prize money.
U.REKA is an initiative galvanized by SCB and Ananda Development that nurtures deep tech start-ups from an early stage to commercialization, and fosters Thailand’s emerging innovation ecosystem.