By Abbas Nazil
Nitrogen Sensing Solutions (NS2), a Portuguese startup, is revolutionising how nitrogen levels in water are monitored through a cutting-edge portable system that delivers real-time data to digital devices without requiring lab tests.
With support from the European Union’s BlueInvest programme, NS2 secured €100,000 in venture capital funding, giving a significant boost to its mission of making water quality monitoring faster, more accurate, and more accessible.
The system uses electrochemical biosensors in the form of disposable test strips and portable readers to detect ammonium, nitrites, and nitrates in water.
This allows fish farmers, environmental agencies, and water managers to take immediate preventive action rather than waiting for lab results.
The implications are far-reaching.
In aquaculture, where maintaining balanced nitrogen levels is crucial, this technology can prevent toxic build-ups that lead to fish mortality and financial loss.
In environmental management, real-time readings can trigger quicker responses to pollution events, ensuring better protection of aquatic ecosystems.
NS2’s innovation comes at a critical time when rising nitrogen levels, mainly from agricultural and industrial runoff, are posing serious risks to marine and freshwater environments.
Founded in 2019 by biochemistry researcher Dr. Gabriela Almeida, the company is the product of over 20 years of scientific work in biosensor technology.
Driven by the need for more intelligent monitoring tools, Dr. Almeida assembled a multidisciplinary team that transformed complex scientific research into practical, user-friendly technology.
The company’s progress was further accelerated by the BlueInvest Readiness Assistance Programme, which paired NS2 with a coach experienced in both business and aquaculture.
According to NS2’s COO and CFO, Marise Almeida, the coaching helped align the startup’s technical vision with business strategy, resulting in clearer growth pathways and new collaborative opportunities.
One of these collaborations included the testing of NS2’s sensors in aquaponics systems, providing valuable feedback that helped refine the product.
As a result of this support, NS2 was able to secure initial venture capital and is now actively seeking additional investment to scale operations, grow its team, and expand into new international markets.
The BlueInvest programme, an EU initiative, supports innovation and investment in the blue economy.
It provides business coaching, fundraising assistance, and networking opportunities to ocean-tech entrepreneurs across Europe.
The case of NS2 highlights how EU-backed support systems can bridge the gap between scientific innovation and market impact, empowering startups to tackle global challenges in water quality and sustainability.
NS2 continues to develop its technology and business model with a focus on creating scalable, impactful solutions for the growing needs of the aquaculture, agriculture, and environmental sectors.
Clean water remains fundamental to both ecosystem health and economic activity, and NS2’s innovation provides a timely tool for preserving this essential resource.
