BioDetection Systems B.V.

Their core work

BioDetection Systems (BDS) is a Dutch SME specializing in bioassay-based toxicity testing and chemical risk assessment. They develop and apply biological detection tools — particularly reporter gene assays — to screen for hazardous substances in food, water, and the environment. Their work bridges computational toxicology and lab-based bioassays, making them a go-to partner for projects that need to detect endocrine disruptors, PFAS, or other chemical contaminants. They contribute toxicological screening expertise to large European consortia tackling food safety, water quality, and next-generation risk assessment.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their early H2020 period (2015–2019), BDS focused squarely on systems toxicology and computational risk assessment — building AOPs, modelling biokinetics, and developing mechanism-based testing frameworks through projects like EU-ToxRisk and PROTECTED. From 2020 onward, their focus diversified into applied domains: food safety for infants (SAFFI), PFAS and persistent chemicals in water (PROMISCES), and toxicity screening of bio-based materials (CHAMPION, ReSolve). The shift shows a company moving from foundational toxicology research toward real-world chemical safety applications across food, water, and circular economy sectors.

BDS is moving toward applied safety screening for emerging contaminants (PFAS, bio-based chemicals) and food safety — expect them to seek projects where bioassays meet regulatory or industrial needs.

How they like to work

BDS operates almost exclusively as a specialist partner, contributing toxicological testing expertise to large consortia rather than leading them. They coordinated only one project (FUNGUSCHAIN) out of ten, and their 191 unique partners across 28 countries indicate they are well-networked and comfortable integrating into diverse teams. Their consistent role as a niche contributor makes them a reliable, low-overhead partner — they bring a specific capability without competing for project leadership.

BDS has collaborated with 191 unique partners across 28 countries, giving them one of the broadest networks you'd expect from an SME of this size. Their partnerships span universities, research institutes, and industry across most of Europe, with additional reach into China through the SAFFI project.

What sets them apart

BDS occupies a rare niche: they are a private SME that provides bioassay-based toxicity screening as a service to large research consortia. Unlike universities that develop assays for publications, BDS delivers standardized, reproducible testing that feeds directly into risk assessment frameworks. Their ability to operate across food, water, health, and materials sectors — always through the lens of biological hazard detection — makes them uniquely versatile for any consortium that needs toxicological validation of chemicals, products, or environmental samples.

Highlights from their portfolio

• FUNGUSCHAIN
  Their only coordinator role and largest single funding (EUR 980,875) — a BBI demonstration project valorizing mushroom agrowaste, showing they can lead industry-oriented work.
• EU-ToxRisk
  Flagship 5-year toxicology program (EUR 960,219 to BDS) that defined the next generation of mechanism-based risk assessment across Europe.
• PROMISCES
  Directly addresses PFAS contamination and zero-pollution goals — a high-priority regulatory topic where BDS provides toxicological screening tools.