TIME Recognizes Bactiquick Among 2026 Best Inventions

The handheld water testing device earns a spot on the annual list for its rapid, on-site bacterial analysis capabilities.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Remote Work

Bold flat-color editorial illustration featuring a sleek, geometric handheld testing probe against a navy and cream background.
Molendotech's Bactiquick device has been named to TIME's 300 Best Inventions of 2026 for its rapid, on-site bacterial water analysis. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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TIME has named Molendotech's Bactiquick one of its 300 Best Inventions of 2026. The handheld device offers a mobile solution for monitoring bacterial water quality in the field.

Why it matters

The technology addresses a significant gap in water safety by offering a faster, cost-effective alternative to traditional lab testing. By decentralizing this process, it allows for more frequent monitoring in the US, UK, and New Zealand.

The Bactiquick device delivers results in 15 minutes, significantly faster than traditional lab methods that require 24 to 72 hours for processing. It currently functions as part of the Water Intelligence Network to aggregate data.

The players

TIME

TIME is a globally recognized American news magazine that annually curates a list of top innovations across various industries.

Molendotech

Molendotech is a technology company headquartered in Cornwall, UK, that specializes in rapid water quality testing solutions.

The details

Using the Molendotech Rapid Endotoxin Method, the device enables users to conduct bacterial water quality testing directly in the field. The system is designed to replace centralized laboratory testing to provide more frequent water safety insights.

Timeline

  1. October 2026: TIME published the 2026 Best Inventions list.

Market Landscape

The recognition of this device reflects a broader shift toward decentralized, real-time testing technologies that compete with traditional laboratory services. This move positions Molendotech as a significant player against established industrial testing firms.

The widespread adoption of this technology could reduce the time and cost associated with mandatory water safety testing for organizations and municipal users. Customers can expect faster access to critical environmental data through the integrated Water Intelligence Network.

The takeaway

Rapid diagnostic tools represent a significant advancement in environmental safety and data accessibility. Organizations should evaluate whether such field-testing devices can streamline their existing water quality compliance workflows.

Further reading

Learn more about the latest innovations in Remote Work and their impact on global productivity.

More information

For technical specifications and usage details, visit the Bactiquick product information website.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Water Online.

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Do you trust rapid field-testing technology to effectively monitor water quality in your local area?