A single drop of water can reveal the secrets of an entire ecosystem. And now, thanks to a breakthrough project supported by Capgemini’s Tech4Positive Futures challenge, conservationists can use that science to detect the presence of species – in minutes rather than weeks.

For Ian Hardy, New Product Introduction (NPI) Engineering Manager at Synapse, part of Capgemini, it’s a project that resonates deeply.

“A project is always more meaningful when it aligns with your own personal convictions,” he says. “There’s real added value when you work on sustainability-focused projects.”

Ian is part of Gene Genius, one of the winning teams in the latest edition of the Tech4Positive Futures challenge – Capgemini’s flagship program that brings together colleagues to tackle major societal and environmental challenges through tech innovation.

Gene Genius

For the project, the Gene Genius team, based in Seattle, USA, has partnered with Conservation X Labs, an organization that uses DNA analysis to identify the presence of animal or plant species anywhere in the world. To do this, they developed a handheld device called the NABIT (Nucleic Acid Barcode Identification Tool). The device can analyze DNA on‑site to help track invasive or endangered species within the local ecosystem and enable rapid responses that support wildlife preservation and restoration efforts.    

“What it’s doing is revolutionary,” Ian says. “Conservationists in the field can take a small water sample and, within 10–20 minutes, know if an animal has been present, based on residual DNA in the water.”

Previously, DNA samples had to be sent to labs, taking weeks to process. Now, conservationists can check if salmon have returned to a river after a dam removal, or detect invasive species like the European green crab, almost instantly. Any delays can mean missing generations of invasive species taking hold, so the rapid testing is critical.

Solving the challenge with robotics

Conservation X Labs uses specially designed single-use cartridges in the NABIT devices to deliver these results in minutes. But there was a challenge: until now, the cartridges couldn’t be produced at the scale needed to make a real impact. The team wanted to change that, working toward a 20-fold scaling up of cartridge production.

This is where mechanical engineer Carly Silvernale came in.

“Our role was to translate a very delicate and time-consuming manual assembly into a fully automated process. The cartridges include fragile, freeze-dried beads that react with DNA and crumble with any force, mishandling, or misalignment. Additionally, operators have to work through thick PPE gloves, making this delicate process even more challenging.”

Carly’s team mapped out the full assembly workflow, designed hardware to fixture the parts, and programmed a custom pick-and-place robot to assemble the cartridges.

The team also advised on lowering parts costs by sourcing vendors and exploring different manufacturing options – making the solution scalable and cost-effective.

Designing for sustainability

Automation wasn’t the only challenge. A life-cycle assessment revealed that shipping cartridges globally would create a significant carbon footprint.

“If they’re built in Seattle and shipped worldwide, the carbon footprint is huge,” Ian says. “So, we designed a modular, inexpensive manufacturing solution that can be replicated at Conservation X Labs sites globally. Decentralized manufacturing lowers emissions and makes the solution more sustainable.”

Tech to make it real

For Carly, this project means more than just a technical challenge. “I love working on engineering problems that are fundamentally challenging and require iteration,” she says. “In this case, it was especially motivating to know that the output of our work supports conservation and biodiversity. Every second we save in the assembly process directly impacts their environmental goals.”


Ian agrees: “Tech4Positive Futures brings together a team with a wide range of expertise, working toward a common goal. Projects like Gene Genius show how technology – and human ingenuity – can rewrite the future of conservation.”

One of the aims of Tech4Positive Futures is to highlight how Capgemini colleagues’ capabilities in design and technology can support a commitment to creating a sustainable and inclusive future. “Through Tech4Positive Futures, we are putting the power of the laboratory in the hands of environmentalists,” says Ian. “That kind of real-world impact is what Capgemini is all about.”