Sensor Development Corporation

Sensor Development Corporation (SDC) is an Ohio-based company specializing in the design and development of high-sensitivity volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor technology. Founded in 2003, the company utilizes advanced nanotechnology to create portable, real-time sensing devices capable of detecting pheromones and semiochemicals at part-per-billion levels. Their flagship product, ContraMoth, is designed to identify insects such as the Indianmeal moth across all life stages, including larvae, as well as various other pests like termites and bed bugs, and molds that produce aflatoxin. The technology was originally researched at Case Western Reserve University and licensed to SDC, which continues to collaborate with sensor experts to innovate in food safety and agricultural monitoring.

The company's solutions are engineered to support the global food supply chain by providing immediate, accurate data on pest presence, which helps users pinpoint infestations, reduce reliance on excessive fumigation, and prevent food spoilage. By offering a portable, non-invasive alternative to traditional visual inspections and random laboratory sampling, SDC enables more effective integrated pest management strategies. Their sensors operate where visual inspection is difficult, such as in cracks or crevices, and can be used on finished products, raw ingredients, and processing equipment. Supported by grants from organizations including the USDA, NSF, NIH, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, SDC's work aims to reduce economic losses and improve product quality in agricultural environments worldwide.