Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research IGDThe OTC-Genomics project is a collaboration between Fraunhofer IGD Rostock, the Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde (IOW), HYDRO-BIOS Apparatebau GmbH, LGC Genomics GmbH, and PLANET artificial intelligence GmbH. The project management at Fraunhofer IGD Rostock is responsible for the technical implementation. The project runs from November 1, 2021 to January 31, 2025.
The OTC-Genomics project is developing an automated, AI-supported pipeline for environmental monitoring of aquatic habitats. The combination of eDNA analytics, machine learning, and automated sampling enables efficient detection of microbiological and chemical parameters in the Baltic Sea.
With OTC-Genomics, Baltic Sea monitoring is being revolutionized. The platform delivers high-resolution environmental data quickly and cost-effectively, identifies pollutant loads at an early stage, and supports researchers and authorities in the sustainable protection of marine ecosystems.
Project Description
More than 1,500 water samples were collected along the Baltic Sea using the automated AFISsys system. Chemical and microbiological analyses are performed using modern sequencing and HPLC-MS methods. The custom-developed software, based on machine learning, identifies bioindicators and predicts pollutant exposure. A visualization dashboard enables interactive presentation of the results.
