The second cohort of the Ready2Scale Acceleration Program is nearing its conclusion, having supported Europe’s most promising deep-tech startups with tailored mentorship, strategic guidance, and €60,000 in funding to fast-track their growth. One of the standout participants is Nitrogen Sensing Solutions (NS2), a Portuguese deep-tech company developing real-time digital biosensing systems that bring water testing out of the lab and into the field.
NS2 is led by two female founders, Gabriela Almeida and Marise Almeida, both of whom have long academic and research careers in biochemistry, biocatalysis, and biosensors. In recent years, they have dedicated themselves to technological entrepreneurship, building and managing NS2 together.
The following questions are answered by Gabriela Almeida, CEO and Co-Founder of NS2.
How did the idea for your startup originate?
NS2 is a science-driven startup. The technology behind our products is based on enzyme-based electrochemical biosensors that quantify nitrogen nutrients. The high-quality performance of a nitrite biosensor developed in our research group, and the environmental relevance of monitoring nitrite levels in aquatic environments, triggered the technology transfer process and led to the foundation of NS2 in 2019.
What have been your biggest challenges and most significant achievements so far?
Our biggest challenge is sustaining R&D, management, and business development with limited financial and human resources, which results in longer development cycles. However, our most significant achievement to date has been leading an international consortium with key players in the aquaculture sector, allowing us to significantly advance our project.
What drives you to continue, even during difficult times?
We believe strongly in the value of our biosensing platform to provide real-time, easy-to-use tools that address the unmet need for monitoring nitrogen nutrients in aquatic ecosystems. Our sensors aim to improve food safety, boost sustainability, and increase the efficiency of land-based aquaculture and precision farming.
What sets your startup apart from competitors?
Our flagship product, NOxAqua, is a smart, portable sensor designed for on-site analysis of nitrogen-based nutrients in water. What sets us apart is our use of biosensor technology—leveraging highly specific biological molecules to achieve precise and reliable nitrogen monitoring, a first in this field.
What are your expectations from the Ready2Scale Acceleration Programme, and how do you think it will benefit your startup?
Ready2Scale offers valuable support for early-stage startups like NS2. From funding and dedicated mentoring to networking, workshops, and market discovery missions, the programme is helping us define our route to market and become investment-ready.
Where do you see your startup in one year? And in five years?
In one year, we aim to launch our first portable sensors in Europe. Within five years, our goal is to expand our product portfolio globally and scale our impact in water quality monitoring and sustainable aquaculture.
Which books, podcasts, publications, or influencers do you follow and recommend to other entrepreneurs?
Podcasts:
“(Don’t) Waste Water” by Antoine Walter (https://open.spotify.com/show/0T4MuyhwpOYrRRy9izd6xC)
“The Fundamental Molecule” by Tom Fergunson (https://open.spotify.com/show/5LqpottJrcif0MXvSpNQQ0)
“The Water Entrepreneur” by Paul Gagliardo (https://www.linkedin.com/in/birgitliodden)
Influencer:
Birgit M. Liodden, Founder of TOOL
NS2 is actively seeking talent in business management, product development, finance, and sales to strengthen their team and address key capability gaps. Interested candidates are welcome to connect for more details at info@nitrogensensing.com. For more information about the company, visit https://www.nitrogensensing.com/.