New Genesis Client Offers Pathogen Test Kits
by October 1, 2001 12:00 am 90 views
Advanced Diagnostics International LLC recently became a client of the University of Arkansas’ Genesis Technology Incubator in Fayetteville.
John Xia (pronounced “Shaw”) is a professor of plant pathology and president of the company. Advanced Diagnostics researches, develops, manufactures and markets test kits that are used to detect viruses and diseases in plants.
He employs immunology, molecular biology and bioelectronic technology for practical applications that include identifying threats to vegetable plants, such as the mosaic virus.
Xia has invested about $100,000 in the startup, including leasing 800 SF of laboratory space at Genesis. Xia said he expects the business to grow 40 to 60 percent annually, but he didn’t want to disclose projected revenues.
The professor already has a client base of 250 customers but said marketing the agri diagnostics firm internationally gives him more than “600 potential customers.” They might include county extension offices, farming operations, universities, plant nurseries and greenhouses, and even the USDA. Basically, Xia said, his customers are “any agri business that wants to stop pathogens from destroying its products.”
“I came back to Fayetteville because I liked making my home in Arkansas and because [Genesis director] Bob Friedman was very excited for me to come,” Xia said.
Xia earned his Ph.D. at the UA in 1991 before spending seven years working with agri diagnostic leader Agdia Inc. of Elkhart, Ind.
Xia said he may also develop some kits for detecting other environmental contaminants.
Advanced Diagnostics is available on the Web at www.adillc.com.