Meet Our Founder
Meet the Visionary Behind Bactiquick: A Game-Changer in Water Quality Testing
35 years of scientific research, one breakthrough device.
We sat down with Prof. Simon Jackson, the founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Molendotech — the company behind Bactiquick, the world’s first handheld, real-time water quality testing device — to learn more about the inspiration, science, and passion behind this revolutionary technology.
Q: How long have you been working in your field, and what sparked your interest?
A: I’ve spent over 35 years in microbiology and immunology. My interest was born from a deep curiosity about how bacteria interact with the human body and the environment. Over time, this led to the development of new technologies through academic research — and ultimately to founding Molendotech.
Q: Tell us more about your role at Molendotech.
A: I serve as the Chief Scientific Officer. That means I lead research and development, keep the technology at the forefront of innovation, and help secure grant funding to support our R&D. I’m also involved in publicising the technology and exploring new applications beyond water testing – so watch this space!
Q: What’s your scientific background?
A: My expertise is in microbiology, immunology, bacterial molecules, and endotoxins — all critical fields for understanding water contamination and how to detect bacteria quickly and accurately.
Q: What inspired you to start Molendotech and create Bactiquick?
A: The technology grew from my academic work. I saw an opportunity to bridge the gap between complex laboratory tests and real-world environmental needs. I wanted to make it possible for anyone - from local authorities to everyday water users - to run rapid, easy-to-use tests for bacterial contamination without needing a lab.
Q: What professional achievements are you most proud of?
A: Two stand out: my work as longstanding Professor at the University of Plymouth and, of course, founding Molendotech. Bringing Bactiquick to life has been a career-defining achievement.
Q: Any notable recognitions or milestones along the way?
A: I hold a PhD, and I’ve had the privilege of being a TEDx speaker — a great opportunity to share our story and the importance of clean water with a wider audience.
Q: What motivates you most about Bactiquick?
A: It’s the culmination of years of scientific discovery - and it has the potential to make a real difference. Bactiquick offers a simple, effective way to test water quality in real-time, which is the first step towards saving our wild waters. That’s incredibly fulfilling.
Q: Do you have a personal connection to this mission?
A: Unfortunately, yes. I once developed conjunctivitis and a throat infection after swimming in the sea at my local beach in the South West. It’s an all-too-common experience and made the mission feel even more urgent.
Q: Speaking of the South West, what’s your connection to the region?
A: I live on the edge of the South West, work with the University of Plymouth, and the team behind Bactiquick is based in Devon and Cornwall. I’ve always appreciated the natural beauty of the region - and I spend a lot of time exploring its coastal waters.
Q: What do ‘wild waters’ mean to you?
A: It’s about embracing water in its natural state — rivers, lakes, oceans — free from the artificial control of places like swimming pools. That freedom is what makes our wild waters special, but it also means we need better ways to ensure they’re protected for everyone to enjoy without the risk of getting sick.
Q: Final thoughts?
A: Bactiquick is a real game-changer. Water quality monitoring is long overdue for disruption, and we’re proud to be leading the way with a tool that can truly protect public health and ecosystems.
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