Molendotech, a water technology company based in Cornwall, UK, has had its Bactiquick handheld water test named in TIME’s list of the Best Inventions of 2026. The device is designed for rapid water testing of bacterial water quality in rivers, lakes and coastal waters, and the company said it delivers lab-grade results in 15 minutes.
TIME’s annual list features 300 innovations. To compile it, TIME sought nominations from its editors and correspondents around the world and through an online application process. Contenders were evaluated on factors including originality, efficacy, ambition and impact.
Taking bacterial testing out of the laboratory
Bactiquick is built on the Molendotech Rapid Endotoxin Method (MREM) and is intended to move bacterial testing from the laboratory to the water’s edge. The company said the portable system lets users test water quality at the point of need, making more frequent testing practical and affordable.
Molendotech said its intended users include water authorities, municipalities, researchers, citizen scientists and recreational water users monitoring beaches, rivers and other flowing water bodies.
Steven Senior, CEO of Molendotech, said: “To see Bactiquick recognised by TIME as one of the Best Inventions of 2026 is an extraordinary milestone for Molendotech.
“Water conditions can change within hours, yet traditional laboratory testing can take 24–72 hours to return a result – so by then, you’re receiving a historic result. Existing technologies can also be hugely capital intensive, while Bactiquick can save users tens of thousands in equipment costs. Bactiquick changes all this by putting reliable bacterial water quality results into the hands of those who need them in just 15 minutes and making it possible to test more water, more often.”
A screening tool with US regulatory progress
The company positions Bactiquick as a screening device that complements, rather than replaces, laboratory analysis. Mr Senior said the test can flag potential contamination quickly before results are confirmed elsewhere.
“That makes Bactiquick a valuable screening tool, identifying potential bacterial contamination quickly ahead of further investigation or confirmation through lab-based testing. Bactiquick has received EPA approval as a screening device in its first US state, with further state approvals being progressed,” he said.
Building a data network through WIN
Molendotech is also developing its Water Intelligence Network (WIN), which brings together data generated by individual Bactiquick tests. According to the company, this is intended to give users a broader view of water quality across locations and over time.
Mr Senior said: “Real-time water testing is only part of what we’re changing. Every Bactiquick test creates valuable data. Through WIN, our Water Intelligence Network, we’re bringing that data together so users can build a much richer picture of water quality across locations and over time, identify trends and ultimately make better-informed decisions about the water they manage and use.”
International expansion of rapid water testing
Bactiquick is already used by organisations and communities in the US, UK and New Zealand. Molendotech said its rapid water testing products are sold through a distributor network covering North America, the UK, Europe, New Zealand and Africa.
Mr Senior said: “TIME’s recognition comes at a pivotal moment for us as we expand Bactiquick internationally and take that bigger vision forward – moving from faster testing to a new way of understanding water quality.”
Frequently asked questions
What is Bactiquick?
Bactiquick is a handheld environmental water test developed by UK company Molendotech. The company says it delivers lab-grade bacterial water quality results in 15 minutes for rivers, lakes and coastlines.
Why was Bactiquick included in TIME’s Best Inventions of 2026?
TIME evaluated contenders on factors including originality, efficacy, ambition and impact. Bactiquick was selected for its list of 300 innovations from nominations by TIME editors and correspondents and an online application process.
How does Bactiquick compare with laboratory water testing?
According to Molendotech, traditional laboratory testing can take 24–72 hours to return a result, while Bactiquick returns results in 15 minutes. The company describes it as a screening tool ahead of further investigation or confirmation through lab-based testing.
Is Bactiquick approved in the United States?
Bactiquick has received EPA approval as a screening device in its first US state, and Molendotech says further state approvals are being progressed.
What is Molendotech’s Water Intelligence Network?
The Water Intelligence Network (WIN) brings together data from Bactiquick tests. Molendotech says it helps users build a picture of water quality across locations and over time and identify trends.
