From Intercarnot project (AIDAV) to start-up: detecting respiratory infections in farm animals
A.Lapras-nawu diagnostics
A.Lapras-nawu diagnostics
The start-up is the result of an intercarnot AIDAV project (Innovative Approaches for the Detection of Respiratory Virus Agents in Cattle) between Carnot France Futur Élevage and CEA LETI. AIDAV is based on the detection of respiratory viruses in the exhaled air of cattle. CEA-Leti developed an innovative method that led to the creation of nawu diagnostics—a start-up offering a fast, non-invasive diagnostic tool for livestock.
Nawu diagnostics, a start-up spun off from Carnot CEA-Leti, is developing an innovative device that can detect respiratory infections in farm animals in just 30 minutes—compared to several days using conventional methods.
This breakthrough technology is based on three key steps: electrostatic collection of aerosols from exhaled breath or ambient air, automated sample preparation using a microfluidic chip, and rapid genetic analysis of the pathogen. It enables early diagnosis, helping to reduce economic losses and improve animal health.
Respiratory diseases represent a major challenge, with losses estimated at €576 million per year in the European cattle sector. With this technology, nawu diagnostics aims to meet the concrete needs of the field: speed, efficiency, reduced veterinary and lab costs, and better epidemic prevention.
The creation of nawu diagnostics perfectly illustrates the mission of the Carnot Institutes: turning scientific research into practical innovation. The commercial launch is planned for the end of 2027, starting with cattle farms, then expanding to poultry and swine sectors, and eventually to human health diagnostics.
