December 16, 2025. Hallbergmoos / Fredericton – vermicon AG is expanding its microbiological monitoring capabilities in the DACH region through a strategic partnership with Luminultra. By integrating Luminultra’s 2nd Generation ATP® Technology, the existing portfolio gains a rapid, quantitative method for determining total and viable microbial cell counts. Combined with the VIT® gene probe technology, users get a simple, accurate microbial testing solution that enables customers to make more confident data-driven decisions to improve their systems.

From specific detection to quantitative biomass analysis

VIT® gene probe technology enables direct, cultivation-independent detection of specific living microorganisms in complex samples such as wastewater, process water, biofilms, or probiotics. Luminultra’s Bugcount® 2nd Generation ATP® Technology broadens this view by first measuring the total ATP signal (tATP) – representing the total microbial cell count – and then distinguishing it into active biomass (cATP) and dissolved ATP (dATP). This differentiation makes shifts in the microbial quantity and health detectable at an early stage and easier to interpret so that users can make more informed process decisions.

Initial focus on industrial wastewater – future expansion into additional industries

The collaboration begins in biological wastewater treatment, where changes in the active biomass must be reliably monitored to ensure stability and resource efficiency. With nearly 30 years of experience in microbiological process diagnostics, vermicon now can add a quantitative method that forms the basis of VIT® ABM – Active Biomass Monitoring.

VIT® ABM reflects the actual activity of biomass in biological treatment stages and provides indicators that reveal stress, load fluctuations, and structural changes early on. It is this early insight that is so critical to addressing
issues before they become major problems, increasing stability and driving increased energy efficiency. The approach will later be extended to the pulp and paper sector, process and distribution water systems, and
the beverage industry.

A partnership enabling holistic industrial microbial monitoring

“Industrial processes require clarity regarding microbiological conditions. With Luminultra, we have gained an excellent partner whose technology complements our portfolio perfectly. Quantifying active biomass gives users a holistic view of their systems and provides a solid foundation for operational decision-making.”, explains Dr. Jiri Snaidr, founder and CEO of vermicon AG.

“We’re excited to bring our second-generation ATP technology deeper into the DACH region through this strategic partnership with vermicon,” adds Pat Whalen, President & CEO of Luminultra. “This is an industry-rich region where advanced microbiological process control isn’t just beneficial, it’s essential. By combining our rapid microbial insights with vermicon’s regional expertise, we’re equipping more leaders with the tools and confidence to tackle microbial challenges early and decisively.”

The partnership unites two complementary diagnostic approaches and enables a novel assessment of microbiological developments in complex process environments, making changes easier to interpret and process dynamics visible sooner., allowing quicker and more decisive actions.

About vermicon AG

vermicon AG is a pioneer in industrial microbiology. Since 1997, the company has provided innovative technologies, microbiological expertise, and cultivation-independent methods for the in situ identification, quantification, and visualization of microorganisms. Core technologies include the proprietary and patented VIT® and Flow VIT® technologies, enabling highly specific detection of microbial target organisms. vermicon supports companies in the wastewater sector, the food and beverage industry, and the probiotics and biotherapeutics fields with tailored solutions focused on direct microbial analytics – providing fast, precise, and reliable insights to optimize production, quality assurance, and operations.

About Luminultra

Luminultra is a global leader in applied microbial diagnostics, operating at the nexus of food, energy and water systems. Its testing technologies, services and scientific expertise help industries turn microbial uncertainty into confident action so they can protect what matters most. Founded in 1995 and headquartered in Canada, Luminultra serves customers in over 80 countries. Backed by XPV Water Partners, the  company is driving global growth through innovation, strategic acquisitions and a commitment to delivering confidence in every count.