#United States #Pleasanton #SafeTraces #BREATHE #PathogenSentinel

SafeTraces Selected as Prime Performer in BREATHE Program

On October 1, 2025, SafeTraces, a leader in pathogen-proofing indoor environments, announced its selection as a Prime Performer by ARPA-H for the Building Resilient Environments for Air and Total Health (BREATHE) program. The program, facilitated through a multi-year Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) valued at up to $39 million, focuses on developing advanced biosensors, risk assessment software, and automated building controls. These innovative solutions aim to support the U.S. Department of War and its Defense Health Agency (DHA) in their ongoing efforts to enhance health and safety across military facilities.

Collaboration with Leading Institutions

SafeTraces will lead a world-class team that includes industry and academic partners such as Siemens, Ginkgo Bioworks, and Stanford University School of Medicine. This collaboration aims to create real-time monitoring systems capable of sensing airborne bioaerosols and assessing indoor air quality risks—all crucial for environments serving military personnel. The DHA oversees one of the largest integrated health systems in the U.S., providing essential healthcare to over 9.5 million active military members and their families through a network of over 700 facilities.

Addressing Airborne Health Risks

Indoor air quality is a critical issue, especially for those in military settings, who are vulnerable to respiratory infections and airborne biological threats due to their unique working conditions. As more than 90% of people's time is spent indoors, effective air quality management becomes vital for public health. The BREATHE program is centered on developing practical tools to mitigate these risks by employing cutting-edge technology through SafeTraces’ innovative solutions.

The company has a history of working extensively within indoor environments to predict and eliminate airborne health threats using their proprietary veriDART® platform. This platform utilizes DNA-tagged tracer particles to visualize and control airborne pathogens, ensuring safer conditions for organizations like Amazon and Google.

Introduction of PathogenSentinel™

Adding to its portfolio, SafeTraces has introduced PathogenSentinel™, a pioneering all-in-one qPCR-based biosensor and software solution designed for real-time environmental biosurveillance. This system upgrades traditional methods by transitioning to automatic, rapid detection of airborne pathogens with lab-quality precision. The implementation of PathogenSentinel™ and ongoing innovations will empower BREATHE's mission to reduce disease burden and elevate healthcare standards at military installations.

Company Commitment to Veterans

Erik Malmstrom, CEO of SafeTraces, expressed pride in leading this significant initiative aimed at protecting military personnel and their families. With over half of the company's employees having ties to the military community, there is a deep commitment to supporting those who serve the nation. Malmstrom emphasized that controlling airborne pathogens is crucial not only for public health but also for national security and economic stability.

Dr. Jessica Green, the BREATHE Program Manager, also highlighted the need for immediate action to eliminate hidden airborne dangers that potentially threaten health within buildings. As SafeTraces embarks on this ambitious project, the aim is to shift from passive risk environments to proactive health safeguarding.

Conclusion

As SafeTraces embarks on this significant program, it represents not just a technological advancement but a commitment to public health and military welfare. The BREATHE initiative is poised to make lasting improvements in air quality management, setting a new benchmark for indoor environments not just for military installations but potentially for a wide array of building types worldwide. SafeTraces' pioneering work will undoubtedly shape the landscape of indoor health standards for years to come.