Streamlining zebrafish research through intelligent colony management
A unified platform built to eliminate fragmented workflows, reduce administrative burden, and empower researchers to focus on discovery.
Because better tracking means better science.
The Challenge We Solve
Zebrafish research demands precision, compliance, and collaboration—but legacy systems create friction at every step.
Fragmented Recordkeeping
Researchers juggle spreadsheets, paper logs, and disconnected databases. Critical lineage data gets lost. Handoffs between team members fail.
Compliance Stress
IACUC audits loom. Animal counts are manual. Reporting is tedious. One missing log entry can derail an entire protocol review.
Communication Silos
Researchers and facility staff operate in parallel universes. Tank maintenance alerts arrive too late. Cross-lab collaboration is nearly impossible.
We built zSwim because we've lived these problems.
Born from daily frustrations in an active zebrafish facility at Duke University, zSwim consolidates genetic tracking, husbandry workflows, and compliance reporting into a single, intelligent system. We're not consultants building software for labs—we're researchers building software from within the lab.
One Platform, Complete Control
zSwim integrates the tools researchers and facility managers need into a cohesive ecosystem designed for modern scientific workflows.
Genetic & Husbandry Database
Track lineage, genotypes, breeding outcomes, and phenotypic data with complete fidelity. Automated pedigree visualization ensures you never lose critical inheritance patterns.
- Multi-generation lineage tracking
- Genotype-phenotype associations
- Automated breeding pair recommendations
QR Code-Driven Workflow
Every tank gets a unique QR code. Scan to log feedings, water changes, or animal transfers. No more hunting through spreadsheets or deciphering handwritten notes.
- Instant mobile access to tank records
- One-tap logging for routine tasks
- Audit-ready timestamps for all actions
Compliance & Audit Logs
Generate IACUC-compliant reports with a single click. Automated animal counts, protocol alignment tracking, and historical records ensure you're always audit-ready.
- Real-time protocol compliance monitoring
- Automated census reporting
- Immutable audit trail for all modifications
Cross-Lab Collaboration
Multi-lab architecture with role-based permissions. PIs, researchers, and facility staff see exactly what they need—nothing more, nothing less.
- Granular permission controls
- Shared resources across research groups
- Centralized facility management dashboard
Scalable Infrastructure
Built for institutions, not just individual labs. Shibboleth integration, SSO support, and enterprise-grade security ensure seamless deployment at any scale.
- Institutional authentication (Shibboleth/OAuth2)
- Cloud-native architecture
- SOC2-ready security practices
Built for Reproducibility & Scale
Modern stack. Production-grade reliability. Designed by scientists who understand the importance of data integrity and system uptime.
Python/Flask Backend
6,700+ lines of battle-tested code powering genetic algorithms and workflow automation
Role-Based Authentication
Granular permissions with institutional SSO integration for seamless access control
Mobile-First Design
Responsive interface optimized for both lab benches and mobile devices
QR Automation
Unique identifiers for every tank with instant record retrieval and logging capabilities
Data Integrity
Immutable audit logs and automated backups ensure your research data is never lost
Cloud Infrastructure
Scalable deployment on Digital Ocean with enterprise-grade security and uptime SLAs
Because Better Tracking Means Better Science
Our core belief: administrative tools should amplify research, not impede it.
Reduce Administrative Load
Every minute spent on paperwork is a minute not spent on discovery. zSwim automates the tedious so researchers can focus on what matters: the science.
Increase Data Fidelity
Reproducible research requires reproducible data. Automated logging, timestamped actions, and immutable records eliminate human error and ensure experimental integrity.
Enable Discovery
When colony management is effortless, researchers can ask bolder questions. Cross-lab collaboration becomes frictionless. Insights emerge from data that was previously trapped in silos.
Join the Next Generation of Zebrafish Research
We're piloting zSwim with select institutions to refine the platform before broader release. Early partners receive priority feature development, dedicated support, and the opportunity to shape the future of laboratory management software.