Sumitomo Chemical has decided to provide about 70% of the funds necessary for NanoScent in Israel to develop a rapid diagnostic sensor for COVID-19, using their scent recognition devices.

NanoScent, a startup in Israel, is developing various new sensors that combine a scent detection sensor with a chemiresistor* and digital technology. In order to deter the spread of the novel coronavirus, NanoScent has embarked on the development of a rapid diagnostic sensor that can detect viral infections from nasally exhaled breath. To build infection screening systems at borders, airports, and hospitals, NanoScent is already conducting proof-of-concept studies in cooperation with hospitals in Israel and Europe and with companies developing high-precision testing technologies. NanoScent aims to create an infection screening system that is quick, low cost, and highly precise by combining an extremely simple diagnostic method based on its scent recognition device, which is noninvasive (no in vivo damage) and produces instant results, with higher-precision testing methods such as PCR.