Molendotech's Bactiquick Named One Of TIME's Best Inventions of 2026

UK-developed rapid water testing technology recognised by TIME among the world’s most groundbreaking innovations

Cornwall, UK – Molendotech’s Bactiquick, the handheld environmental water test that delivers lab-grade bacterial water quality results in just 15 minutes, has been named in TIME’s list of the Best Inventions of 2026.

The prestigious annual list recognises 300 extraordinary innovations that are changing the way we live, with Bactiquick selected alongside some of the world’s most pioneering new technologies.

Developed by UK water technology company Molendotech, Bactiquick is transforming the way bacterial water quality of rivers, lakes and coastlines can be monitored by taking testing out of the laboratory and into the hands of users in the field. This cost-effective, portable system enables anyone to test water quality at the point of need and receive lab-grade results in 15 minutes, making more frequent testing practical and affordable.

Bactiquick is already being used by organisations and communities in the US, UK and New Zealand, with growing adoption internationally and distribution networks established across multiple global markets.

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.

“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.

“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.

“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.”

To compile the 2026 Best Inventions list, TIME solicited nominations from its editors and correspondents around the world, as well as through an online application process. Contenders were evaluated on a number of key factors including originality, efficacy, ambition and impact.

The result is a list of 300 innovations TIME believes are changing our lives.

See the full TIME Best Inventions of 2026 list: ti.me/best-inventions

About Molendotech

Molendotech is a UK water technology company pioneering real-time bacterial detection technology for environmental water quality without the need for a laboratory. Built on the Molendotech Rapid Endotoxin Method (MREM), the company’s Bactiquick solution is handheld, portable and delivers water quality results in 15 minutes, compared with 24–72 hours for traditional lab-based testing.

Bactiquick gives water authorities, municipalities, researchers, citizen scientists and recreational water users fast, actionable insight into the water quality of beaches, rivers and other flowing water bodies at the water’s edge, helping users make faster, better-informed decisions about water quality.

Through its Water Intelligence Network (WIN), Molendotech is also connecting Bactiquick test data to build a broader picture of water quality across locations and over time.

Molendotech’s rapid water testing products are sold via a global distributor network spanning North America, the UK, Europe, New Zealand and Africa.

Learn more about Bactiquick: bactiquick.com

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