Vetchip

Vetchip is a West Australian biotechnology company positioning itself at the forefront of the animal health technology sector. Founded in 2019 by a team of veterinarians and engineers, the company is developing a smart animal health monitoring system to address the challenge of detecting health issues in animals that cannot verbally communicate their discomfort. The initial idea came from veterinarian Dr. Garnett Hall, who, inspired by the human wearable technology trend, envisioned a more effective health monitoring solution for animals beyond external collars or tags. He partnered with his brother, equine specialist surgeon Maxwell Hall, and a team of engineers—Zyrus Khambatta (CTO), Ross Khambatta, Dilesh Wadia, and Pendar Dalili—to create the implantable device.

The core of Vetchip's business is a first-of-its-kind implantable biosensor that functions as a significant upgrade to standard identity microchips. Implanted under the skin in a simple procedure performed by a veterinarian, the chip continuously monitors key biometric data, including temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygenation levels, and activity. This data is transmitted wirelessly to a smartphone app, providing real-time health analytics and alerts to animal owners and veterinarians. An AI-powered software layer analyzes the biometric data to establish a baseline for the animal's health and detects abnormalities, enabling early intervention for potential illness or distress. The device also retains the functionality of a standard identity chip and can monitor an animal's location via Bluetooth.

The company targets a broad market, including domestic pet owners, livestock farmers (cattle, sheep, pigs), and the equine industry. Its system offers a more durable and insightful alternative to wearable collars, which can be damaged or removed. Revenue will likely be generated from the sale of the implantable chips and potentially subscription-based access to the monitoring platform and its advanced analytics. Vetchip has developed an API to integrate with existing veterinary practice management software, like ezyVet, allowing health data to be uploaded directly into an animal's clinical record. The company has successfully raised capital, including a $2 million seed round, to fund commercial trials and further develop its AI algorithms. It has gained significant recognition, winning the 2024 Purina Pet Care Innovation Grand Prize and being selected for Nestlé-Purina's global Unleashed Pet Tech Accelerator Program.

Keywords: animal health monitoring, pet tech, livestock technology, implantable biosensor, veterinary diagnostics, smart microchip, animal welfare, biometric data, preventative pet care, IoT for animals, equine health, proactive animal healthcare, digital agriculture, veterinary technology, real-time health alerts, animal data analytics, pet wearables, remote animal monitoring, smart farming, companion animal technology