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Lux Bio CEO during SAR training, Sept 2023 Bamfield, BC Lux Bio, an innovative biotech company specializing in bioluminescent technologies, is excited to announce that it has secured $622,000 in funding from the Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) program in partnership with the Canadian Coast Guard. This funding will support the development of a groundbreaking life-saving marine device designed to enhance safety for marine personnel and divers. The device, currently called a "Bioluminescent Sea Dye Marker" will light up a pool of water around someone lost at sea, increasing the likelihood of rescue.
“The SAR Programs team is interested in testing this new bioluminescent technology that could ultimately improve the chances of mariners in distress being seen by rescue platforms and potentially save lives at sea. Current technology presents several limitations that could be improved to allow optimal visibility. This includes the lack of sea dye markers effective both day and night, the duration of visibility, and hazards associated with pyrotechnic devices.” - Sara Lundin, Deputy Superintendent, Search and Rescue with the Canadian Coast Guard
The new device is an improvement on ‘Sea Dye Markers’ which are only visible during the day, and an improvement on pyrotechnic flares, which only create light for a few seconds and do not fully localize rescue crews to the person in distress.
Additionally, flares are hazardous chemicals and waste management of expired and used flares requires specialized and costly handling.
This novel solution will be powered with Lux Bio’s bioluminescent enzymes, which are non-toxic and biodegradable, and will not harm marine life where deployed.
“We are thrilled to receive this support from ISC,” Paige Whitehead, CEO of Lux Bio. “This purchase order from the Government of Canada further proves that there are many valuable applications of industrial bioluminescence to replace toxic and unsafe products. We are proud to be developing this critical safety tool while also centering sustainability and safety. Considering chem lights are already an essential component of man overboard procedures, we look forward to working with SAR groups and Coast Guards worldwide to ensure they have access to dependable, safe, and sustainable lighting options."
Rescue boats used during ocean rescue exercises, Bamfield Station, BC