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Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Mar. 09, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Aquabounty Technologies, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	0001603978
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2019
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Emerging Growth Company	true
Entity Small Business	true
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Ex Transition Period	false
Entity Public Float			$ 32.1
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		31,985,365
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 2,798,744	$ 3,002,557
Other receivables	55,198	115,982
Inventory	1,232,049	76,109
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	391,162	315,969
Total current assets	4,477,153	3,510,617
Property, plant and equipment, net	25,065,836	23,716,768
Right of use assets, net	399,477	0
Definite-lived intangible assets, net	157,588	171,292
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	101,661	191,800
Other assets	32,024	80,583
Total assets	30,233,739	27,671,060
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	1,462,809	824,900
Other current liabilities	62,286	20,423
Current debt	163,155	71,613
Total current liabilities	1,688,250	916,936
Long-term lease obligation	352,808	0
Long-term debt	4,432,052	3,519,821
Total liabilities	6,473,110	4,436,757
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized; 21,635,365, (2018: 15,098,837) shares outstanding	21,635	15,099
Additional paid-in capital	156,241,363	142,707,957
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(360,160)	(574,186)
Accumulated deficit	(132,142,209)	(118,914,567)
Total stockholders’ equity	23,760,629	23,234,303
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 30,233,739	$ 27,671,060

Consolidated Balance Sheets Parenthetical - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	50,000,000	200,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	21,635,365	15,098,837

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Revenues
Product Revenues	$ 186,738	$ 84,518.00	$ 53,278.00
Costs and expenses
Production costs	3,573,858	2,626,353	1,193,566
Sales and marketing	709,023	297,687	799,009
Research and development	2,359,441	3,458,564	3,371,767
General and administrative	6,723,060	4,067,710	3,921,035
Total costs and expenses	13,365,382	10,450,314	9,285,377
Operating loss	(13,178,644)	(10,365,796)	(9,232,099)
Other income (expense)
Interest expense	(62,988)	(22,257)	(21,537)
Other income (expense), net	13,990	5,994	(5,011)
Total other income (expense)	(48,998)	(16,263)	(26,548)
Net loss	(13,227,642)	(10,382,059)	(9,258,647)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	214,026	(360,302)	72,388
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	214,026	(360,302)	72,388
Comprehensive loss	(13,013,616)	(10,742,361)	(9,186,259)
Earnings per share
Net loss	(13,227,642)	(10,382,059)	(9,258,647)
Deemed dividend	0	(1,822,873)	0
Net loss available to common shareholders	$ (13,227,642)	$ (12,204,932)	$ (9,258,647)
Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common shareholders (in dollars per share)	$ (0.66)	$ (0.94)	$ (1.06)
Weighted average number of common shares -basic and diluted (in shares)	20,078,017	13,028,760	8,772,494

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) - USD ($)	Total	Common Stock	Additional paid-in capital	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	Accumulated deficit
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016		6,463,936
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 2,028,055	$ 6,464	$ 101,581,724	$ (286,272)	$ (99,273,861)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net loss	(9,258,647)				(9,258,647)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	72,388			72,388
Issuance of common stock, net of expenses (in shares)		2,421,073
Issuance of common stock, net of expenses	24,989,257	$ 2,421	24,986,836
Exercise of options for common stock (in shares)		8,334
Exercise of options for common stock	27,502	$ 8	27,494
Share based compensation (in shares)		1,751
Share based compensation	122,134	$ 2	122,132
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017		8,895,094
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2017	17,980,689	$ 8,895	126,718,186	(213,884)	(108,532,508)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net loss	(10,382,059)				(10,382,059)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(360,302)			(360,302)
Issuance of common stock, net of expenses (in shares)		3,692,307
Issuance of common stock, net of expenses	10,616,046	$ 3,692	10,612,354
Exercise of warrants for common stock, net of expenses (in shares)		2,500,285
Exercise of warrants for common stock, net of expenses	5,116,533	$ 2,501	5,114,032
Share based compensation (in shares)		11,151
Share based compensation	263,396	$ 11	263,385
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018		15,098,837
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2018	23,234,303	$ 15,099	142,707,957	(574,186)	(118,914,567)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net loss	(13,227,642)				(13,227,642)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	214,026			214,026
Issuance of common stock, net of expenses (in shares)		6,246,360
Issuance of common stock, net of expenses	$ 12,395,348	$ 6,246	12,389,102
Exercise of warrants for common stock, net of expenses (in shares)	83,564	83,564
Exercise of warrants for common stock, net of expenses	$ 272,417	$ 84	272,333
Share based compensation (in shares)		206,604
Share based compensation	872,177	$ 206	871,971
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019		21,635,365
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 23,760,629	$ 21,635	$ 156,241,363	$ (360,160)	$ (132,142,209)

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Operating activities
Net loss	$ (13,227,642)	$ (10,382,059)	$ (9,258,647)
Adjustment to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	1,285,902	843,387	184,946
Share-based compensation	872,177	263,396	122,134
Gain on disposal of equipment	(12,133)	(13,233)	(941)
Loss on asset held for sale	149,800	0	0
Impairment loss	103,116	0	0
Other non-cash charges	0	(1,364)	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Other receivables	65,002	56,212	(11,440)
Inventory	(1,154,222)	93,956	(169,991)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	59,942	289,868	(592,602)
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other liabilities	609,311	(966,928)	625,763
Net cash used in operating activities	(11,248,747)	(9,816,765)	(9,100,778)
Investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(2,316,809)	(4,009,736)	(18,893,264)
Deposits on equipment purchases	(160,675)	(95,001)	(153,663)
Proceeds from sale of equipment	15,848	23,233	941
Net cash used in investing activities	(2,461,636)	(4,081,504)	(19,045,986)
Financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of debt	900,767	771,858	256,807
Repayment of term debt	(85,802)	(55,615)	(35,812)
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock and warrants, net	12,395,348	10,616,046	24,989,257
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and warrants, net	272,417	5,116,533	27,502
Net cash provided by financing activities	13,482,730	16,448,822	25,237,754
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	23,840	(54,279)	80,018
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(203,813)	2,496,274	(2,828,992)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	3,002,557	506,283	3,335,275
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period	2,798,744	3,002,557	506,283
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information and non-cash transactions:
Interest paid in cash	62,988	22,257	21,537
Property and equipment included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	210,270	193,378	1,036,240
Acquisition of equipment under debt arrangement	$ 0	$ 74,068	$ 0

Nature of business and organization	12 Months Ended
Nature of business and organization	Dec. 31, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Nature of business and organization	Nature of business and organization Nature of business AquaBounty Technologies, Inc. (the “Parent” and, together with its subsidiaries, the “Company”) was incorporated in December 1991 in the State of Delaware for the purpose of conducting research and development of the commercial viability of a group of proteins commonly known as antifreeze proteins. In 1996, the Parent obtained the exclusive licensing rights for a gene construct (transgene) used to create a breed of farm‑raised Atlantic salmon that exhibit growth rates that are substantially faster than conventional salmon. In 2015, the Parent obtained approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”) for the production, sale, and consumption of its AquAdvantage Salmon product in the United States. In 2016, the Parent obtained approval from Health Canada for the sale and consumption of its AquAdvantage Salmon product in Canada. Previously, in 2013, the Parent obtained approval from Environment Canada for the production of the product. AQUA Bounty Canada Inc. (the “Canadian Subsidiary”) was incorporated in January 1994 for the purpose of establishing a commercial biotechnology laboratory to conduct research and development programs related to the Parent’s technologies and to commercialize the Parent’s products in Canada. AquaBounty Panama, S. de R.L. (the “Panama Subsidiary”) was incorporated in May 2008 in Panama for the purpose of conducting commercial trials of the Parent’s products. With the regulatory approval of the Company’s farms in Indiana and Rollo Bay, the site in Panama was no longer needed for commercial trials. Operations at the site ceased in May 2019. AquaBounty Farms, Inc. (the “U.S. Subsidiary”) was incorporated in December 2014 in the State of Delaware for the purpose of conducting field trials and commercializing the Parent’s products in the United States. AquaBounty Farms Indiana LLC (the “Indiana Subsidiary”), which is wholly owned by the U.S. Subsidiary, was formed in June 2017 in the State of Delaware for the purpose of operating its aquaculture facility in Albany, Indiana. AquaBounty Brasil Participações Ltda. (the “Brazil Subsidiary”) was incorporated in May 2015 for the purpose of conducting field trials and commercializing the Parent’s products in Brazil. Basis of presentation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AquaBounty Technologies, Inc. and its wholly owned direct subsidiaries, AQUA Bounty Canada Inc.; AquaBounty Panama, S. de R.L.; AquaBounty Farms, Inc.; AquaBounty Farms Indiana LLC; and AquaBounty Brasil Participacoes Ltda. The entities are collectively referred to herein as the “Company.” All inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated upon consolidation. Certain balances in the 2018 and 2017 Financial Statements have been reclassified to conform with the presentation of the 2019 Financial Statements. Liquidity matters The Company has experienced net losses and negative cash flows from operations since its inception and has cumulative losses attributable to common stockholders of $132 million as of December 31, 2019. At December 31, 2019, the Company’s cash balance totaled $2.8 million. Subsequent to year end, in February 2020, the Company completed a public offering of common shares resulting in net proceeds of $14.5 million (Note 16). Management has evaluated its cash resources in view of its planned spending for on-going operations, capital expenditures and working capital and believes that its cash resources will meet the Company’s cash requirements for at least the next twelve months from the filing date. Until such time, if ever, as the Company can generate positive operating cash flows, it may finance its cash needs through a combination of equity offerings, debt financings, government or other third-party funding, strategic alliances, and licensing arrangements.

Summary of significant accounting policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of significant accounting policies

Use of estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Comprehensive loss

The Company displays comprehensive loss and its components as part of its consolidated financial statements. Comprehensive loss consists of net loss and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) includes foreign currency translation adjustments.

Foreign currency translation

The functional currency of the Parent is the US Dollar. The functional currency of the Canadian Subsidiary is the Canadian Dollar (C$), and the functional currency of the Panama, US, Indiana, and Brazil Subsidiaries is the US Dollar. For the Canadian Subsidiary, assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, equity accounts are translated at the historical exchange rate, and the income statement accounts are translated at the average rate for each period during the year. Net translation gains or losses are adjusted directly to a separate component of other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders’ equity (deficit).

Cash equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents consist primarily of business savings accounts and certificates of deposit.

Inventories

Inventories mainly comprise of feed, eggs, fish in process and packaging materials. Inventories are measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value (“NRV”), where NRV is defined as the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion and transportation.

Fish in process inventory is a biological asset that is measured based on the estimated biomass of fish on hand. The Company has established a standard procedure to estimate the biomass of fish on hand using counting and sampling techniques.

Asset held for sale

Equipment classified as held for sale is measured at the lower of fair value, less selling costs, or its carrying value. Gains or losses are recognized for any subsequent changes to fair value, less selling costs. Equipment held for sale is not depreciated.

In December 2019, the Company reclassified certain feed mill equipment at the Indiana farm, with a net book value of $248 thousand, as held for sale, a component of prepaid expenses and other current assets, and recorded a charge of $150 thousand to general and administrative expenses to reduce its value to fair value, less estimated selling costs.

Intangible assets

Definite-lived intangible assets include patents and licenses. Patent costs consist primarily of legal and filing fees incurred to file patents on proprietary technology developed by the Company. Patent costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over 20 years beginning with the filing date of the applicable patent. License fees are capitalized and expensed over the term of the licensing agreement.

Indefinite-lived intangible assets include trademark costs, which are capitalized with no amortization as they have an indefinite life.

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost, and depreciation expense commences when the asset is placed into service, which may include receiving applicable regulatory approval. The Company depreciates all asset classes over their estimated useful lives, as follows:



Building	20 - 25 years
Equipment	5 - 20 years
Office furniture and equipment	3 years
Leasehold improvements	shorter of asset life or lease term
Vehicles	3 years

Impairment of long-lived assets

The Company reviews the carrying value of its long-lived tangible assets and definite-lived intangible assets on an annual basis or more frequently if facts and circumstances suggest that they may be impaired. The carrying values of such assets are considered impaired when the anticipated identifiable undiscounted cash flows from such assets are less than their carrying values. An impairment loss, if any, is recognized in the amount of the difference between the carrying amount and fair value.

Indefinite-lived intangible assets are subject to impairment testing annually or more frequently if impairment indicators arise. The Company’s impairment testing utilizes a discounted cash flow analysis that requires significant management judgment with respect to revenue and expense growth rates, changes in working capital, and the selection and use of the appropriate discount rate. An impairment loss is recognized in the amount of the difference between the carrying amount and fair value.

During 2019, the Company recognized an impairment loss of $103 thousand, included in general and administrative expenses, and consisting of $90 thousand for one of its trademarks and a write-down of $13 thousand on the value of a long-term equity holding.

Leases

The Company leases certain facilities, property, and equipment under noncancelable operating leases. A determination is made if an arrangement is a lease at its inception, and leases with an initial term of twelve months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet.

The Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board's (FASB) Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-02 Leases on January 1, 2019, and recognized a lease liability of $532 thousand and a corresponding right-of-use asset of $512 thousand. Management calculated the lease liability based on the net present value of the remaining lease payments on the date of adoption using a weighted average discount rate of 8%. As most of the Company’s leases did not provide an implicit interest rate, management used an estimated incremental borrowing rate. The adoption did not result in any cumulative-effect adjustment to beginning retained earnings.

Lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. For operating leases, expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

The Company has agreements with lease (e.g., minimum rent payments) and non-lease components (e.g., maintenance), which are generally accounted for separately. The Company has not elected the practical expedient to account for lease and non-lease components as one lease component.

Revenue recognition

The Company records revenue on the sale of a product when all revenue recognition criteria are fulfilled, including identifying the contract with a customer; identifying the performance obligations in the contract; determining the transaction price; allocating the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and recognizing revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies a performance obligation. In addition, collectability is assessed before applying the revenue recognition criteria. The Company evaluates customer credit risk in order to conclude it is “probable” it will collect the amount of consideration due in exchange for the goods or services.

Income taxes

The Company uses the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting and income tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences reverse. A valuation allowance is established to reduce net deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

The Company follows accounting guidance regarding the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of uncertain tax positions in the financial statements. Tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Company’s tax returns are required to be evaluated to determine whether the tax positions are “more likely than not” to be upheld under regulatory review. The resulting tax impact of these tax positions is recognized in the financial statements based on the results of this evaluation. The Company did not recognize any tax liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions, nor has it recognized any interest or penalties related to unrecognized tax positions. In the event any arise, the Company classifies interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions as income tax expense. Generally, the Company is no longer subject to federal and state tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2016.

In 2016, the FASB issued amended guidance related to intra-entity transfers other than inventory. This guidance removes the current exception in GAAP prohibiting entities from recognizing current and deferred income tax expenses or benefits related to transfer of assets, other than inventory, within the consolidated entity. The current exception to defer the recognition of any tax impact on the transfer of inventory within the consolidated entity until it is sold to a third party remains unaffected. The amended guidance became effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. During 2019, the Company transferred certain IP rights from its Canadian subsidiary to the US. The tax effects of this intra-entity transfer are reflected within the components of deferred taxes with an adjustment to the valuation allowance.

Net loss per share

Basic and diluted net loss per share available to common stockholders has been calculated by dividing net loss attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Basic net loss per share is based solely on the number of common shares outstanding during the year. Fully diluted net loss per share includes the number of shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants and options with an exercise price less than the fair value of the common stock. Since the Company is reporting a net loss for all periods presented, all potential common shares are considered anti-dilutive and are excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share.

Share-based compensation

The Company measures and recognizes all share-based payment awards, including stock options made to employees and Directors, based on estimated fair values. The fair value of a share-based payment award is estimated on the date of grant using an option pricing model. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as an expense over the requisite service period in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model (“Black-Scholes”) as its method of valuation. Non-employee stock-based compensation is accounted for using Black-Scholes to determine the fair value of warrants or options awarded to non-employees with the fair value of such issuances expensed over the period of service.

Risks and uncertainties	12 Months Ended
Risks and uncertainties	Dec. 31, 2019
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Risks and uncertainties	Risks and uncertainties The Company is subject to risks and uncertainties common in the biotechnology and aquaculture industries. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: (i) results from current and planned product development studies and trials; (ii) decisions made by the FDA or similar regulatory bodies in other countries with respect to approval and commercial sale of any of the Company’s proposed products; (iii) the commercial acceptance of any products approved for sale and the Company’s ability to manufacture, distribute, and sell for a profit any products approved for sale; (iv) the Company’s ability to obtain the necessary patents and proprietary rights to effectively protect its technologies; and (v) the outcome of any collaborations or alliances entered into by the Company. Concentration of credit risk Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and certificates of deposit. This risk is mitigated by the Company’s policy of investing in financial instruments with short-term maturities issued by highly rated financial institutions. The Company’s cash balances may at times exceed insurance limitations. The Company holds cash balances in bank accounts located in Canada to fund its local operations. These amounts are subject to foreign currency exchange risk, which is minimized by the Company’s policy to limit the balances held in these accounts. Balances in Canadian bank accounts totaled $186 thousand at December 31, 2019. Financial instruments The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for other receivables and accounts payable approximate fair value based on the short-term maturity of these instruments. The carrying value of term debt approximates its fair value since it provides for market terms and interest rates. Included in other assets is a long-term investment that consists of 216,281 shares of common stock of A/F Protein, Inc. (AFP), equating to less than 1% ownership. During 2019, the cost basis for these shares was reduced from $22 thousand to $9 thousand, which the Company believes to be the best estimate of market value. AFP and the Company have certain shareholders in common.

Inventory

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Inventory

Major classifications of inventory are summarized as follows for December 31, 2019 and 2018:



	2019		2018
Feed	$	251,778	24,288
Eggs	55,887		—
Packaging	—		8,913
Fish in process	924,384		42,908
Total inventory	$	1,232,049	$	76,109

Property, plant and equipment

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, plant and equipment

Major classifications of property, plant and equipment are summarized as follows for December 31, 2019 and 2018:



	2019			2018
Land	$	718,586		$	704,567
Building and improvements	13,297,489			9,244,737
Construction in process	2,105,873			6,091,265
Equipment	12,275,619			9,713,030
Office furniture and equipment	201,813			192,606
Vehicles	28,097			26,832
Total property and equipment	$	28,627,477		$	25,973,037
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(3,561,641		)	(2,256,269		)
Property, plant and equipment, net	$	25,065,836		$	23,716,768

Depreciation and amortization expense for 2019 on property, plant and equipment was $1.3 million (2018: $830 thousand; 2017: $171 thousand).

During 2019, the Company’s grow-out facility at its Rollo Bay farm was placed in service, and as a result, the Company transferred $5.2 million of construction in process to building and improvements and equipment and commenced deprecation of these assets. Included in construction in process at December 31, 2019, is $1.9 million for construction costs related to the farm site. An additional $257 thousand has been committed.

In June 2017, the Company purchased an aquaculture farm in Indiana, for $14.2 million. Through December 31, 2019, the Company has invested an additional $3.2 million to upgrade the farm and has $227 thousand in construction in process and an additional $216 thousand committed. This farm is operational, although the Company expects that upgrades will continue through 2020.

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Abstract]

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets include the following at December 31, 2019 and 2018:



	2019		2018
Prepaid insurance	$	100,374	$	90,754
Prepaid supplies	26,892		19,422
Prepaid professional services	97,513		38,375
Prepaid rent and lease deposits	25,581		13,508
Asset held for sale	98,000		—
Other current assets	42,802		153,910
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	391,162	$	315,969

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Payables and Accruals [Abstract]

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities include the following at December 31, 2019 and 2018:



	2019		2018
Accounts payable	$	809,444	$	366,917
Accrued payroll including vacation	236,489		223,481
Accrued professional fees and contract services	346,349		185,992
Accrued taxes	68,831		23,678
Accrued construction costs	—		13,716
Accrued other	1,696		11,116
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	1,462,809	$	824,900

Debt

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Debt

The current terms and conditions of long-term debt outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018, are as follows:



	Interest rate	Monthly repayment	Maturity date	2019			2018
ACOA AIF grant (C$2,871,919)	0%	Royalties	-	$	2,206,208		$	2,106,840
ACOA term loan#1 (C$337,000)	0%	C$3,120	June 2026	184,583			203,735
ACOA term loan#2 (C$500,000)	0%	C$4,630	November 2028	384,100			—
Kubota Canada Ltd (C$95,961)	0%	C$1,142	Jan 2025	53,533			61,178
PEI Finance term loan (C$2,717,093)	4%	C$4,333	July 2023	1,766,783			1,219,681
Total debt				$	4,595,207		$	3,591,434
less: current portion				(163,155		)	(71,613		)
Long-term debt				$	4,432,052		$	3,519,821

Principal payments due on the long-term debt are as follows:



Year	AIF	ACOA #1	ACOA #2	Kubota	FPEI	Total
2020	—	28,761	42,681	10,531	81,182	163,155
2021	—	28,761	42,681	10,531	84,494	166,467
2022	—	28,761	42,681	10,531	87,936	169,909
2023	—	28,761	42,681	10,531	1,513,171	1,595,144
2024	—	28,761	42,681	10,531	—	81,973
Thereafter	2,206,208	40,778	170,695	878	—	2,418,559
Total	2,206,208	184,583	384,100	53,533	1,766,783	4,595,207

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (“ACOA”)

ACOA is a Canadian government agency that provides funding to support the development of businesses and promote employment in the Atlantic region of Canada.

ACOA Atlantic Innovation Fund (“AIF”) Grant

In January 2009, the Canadian Subsidiary was awarded an AIF grant from ACOA to provide a contribution towards the funding of a research and development project. Contributions under the grant were made through 2014 and no further funds are available. Amounts claimed by the Canadian Subsidiary must be repaid in the form of a 10% royalty on any products that are commercialized out of this research project until the loan is fully repaid. Revenue from the sale of AquAdvantage Salmon are not subject to the royalty, and the Company does not expect to commercialize products that would be subject to the royalty in the next five years.

ACOA term loans

In February 2016, the Canadian Subsidiary executed an agreement with ACOA to partially finance the renovations to the Rollo Bay farm site. All available funding under the agreement was disbursed through May 2017, and no further amounts are available. The loan is being repaid over a period of nine years.

In November 2018, the Canadian Subsidiary executed a second agreement with ACOA to partially finance the renovations to the Rollo Bay site. All available funding under the agreement was disbursed through March 2019, and no further amounts are available. The loan term is nine years with a zero percent interest rate. Repayments begin in January 2020.

Kubota

Kubota is a manufacturer of power equipment for the construction, agriculture, commercial, and residential industries.

In January 2018, the Canadian Subsidiary financed the purchase of equipment through a loan with Kubota. The total amount is being repaid in monthly installments. The loan is secured by the underlying equipment.

Finance PEI (“FPEI”)

FPEI is a corporation of the Ministry of Economic Development and Tourism for Prince Edward Island, Canada, and administers business financing programs for the provincial government.

In August 2016, the Canadian Subsidiary obtained a loan from FPEI to partially finance the purchase of the assets of the former Atlantic Sea Smolt plant in Rollo Bay West on Prince Edward Island.

In 2018, the Canadian Subsidiary obtained a new loan from FPEI, which incorporates the existing loan and provides

C$2.0 million ($1.5 million) of additional funds. As of December 31, 2019, C$1.7 million ($1.3 million) has been drawn down. The final C$300 thousand ($230 thousand) is anticipated to be drawn down during the first quarter of 2020, though repayment has commenced. The loan has an interest rate of 4% and is collateralized by a mortgage executed by the Canadian Subsidiary, which conveys a first security interest in all of its current and acquired assets. The loan is guaranteed by the Parent.

The Company recognized interest expense in 2019 of $62 thousand (2018: $22 thousand; 2017: $22 thousand) on its interest-bearing debt.

Stockholders' equity

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Equity [Abstract]

Stockholders' equity

Stockholders’ equity

The Company’s shareholders have authorized 55 million shares of stock, of which 5 million are authorized as preferred stock and 50 million as common stock. At December 31, 2019, the Company had zero shares (2018: zero) of preferred stock and 21,635,365 shares (2017: 15,098,837) of common stock, issued and outstanding.

Common stock

The holders of the common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held at all meetings of stockholders. Dividends and distribution of assets of the Company in the event of liquidation are subject to the preferential rights of any outstanding preferred shares.

Recent issuances

In January 2017, the Company closed an equity subscription of $25 million with Precigen for 2,421,073 common shares at a price of $10.326.

In January 2018, the Company completed a public offering of 3,692,307 Common Shares and warrants for 4,246,153 Common Shares. Net proceeds to the Company were $10.6 million after deducting discounts, fees, and expenses. Precigen, the Company’s then majority shareholder, participated in the offering, purchasing 1,538,461 Common Shares and warrants for 1,538,461 Common Shares for gross proceeds of $5.0 million.

On October 24, 2018, 2,250,461 Common Shares were issued through the exercise of outstanding warrants at a discounted price of $2.00. Net proceeds to the Company were $4.3 million after deducting discounts, fees, and expenses. Precigen participated in the exercise, converting warrants for the issuance of 1,538,461 Common Shares, resulting in gross proceeds of $3.1 million.

During 2018, the Company issued 249,824 Common Shares in conjunction with the exercise of warrants, with total proceeds of $0.8 million.

During 2019, the Company issued 83,564 Common Shares in connection with the exercise of warrants, with total proceeds of $0.3 million.

On March 21, 2019, we completed a public offering of 3,345,282 shares of our common stock for net proceeds of approximately $6.6 million.

On April 5, 2019, we completed a public offering of 2,554,590 shares of our common stock for net proceeds of approximately $5.1 million.

On April 17, 2019, we completed a public offering of 346,488 shares of our common stock for net proceeds of approximately $0.7 million.

Subsequent to year end, on February 13, 2020, we completed a public offering of 10,350,000 shares of our common stock for net proceeds of approximately $14.5 million.

Warrants

In connection with the public offering of Common Shares that was completed in January 2018, the Company issued warrants to purchase 4,246,153 Common Shares. Each warrant has an exercise price per share of $3.25, is immediately exercisable, and will expire five years from the date of issuance.

During 2018, 249,824 warrants were exercised at $3.25 and the Board approved the exercise of 2,250,461 warrants in October 2018 at a discounted price of $2.00. The intrinsic value of the warrants that were converted at the discounted price was $1.8 million. The warrant inducement was treated as an extinguishment of an equity contract, as the warrant holders had to exercise their warrants in order to take advantage of the discounted conversion price. In accounting for the transaction the Company analogized to guidance regarding the treatment of preferred stock extinguishments and recognized the intrinsic value of the inducement, totaling $1.8 million, as a return of capital and as an addition to net loss for the purpose of calculating basic and diluted earnings per share.

During 2019, 83,564 warrants were exercised at $3.25.

The following table summarizes information about outstanding warrants at December 31, 2019:



	Number of warrant shares		Weighted average exercise price
Outstanding at December 31, 2018	1,745,868			$3.25
Issued	—		0.00
Exercised	(83,564	)	3.25
Outstanding at December 31, 2019	1,662,304			$3.25
Exercisable at December 31, 2019	1,662,304			$3.25

Share-based compensation

In 2006, the Company established the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”). The 2006 Plan provided for the issuance of incentive stock options to employees of the Company and non-qualified stock options and awards of restricted stock to Directors, officers, employees, and consultants of the Company. In accordance with its original terms, the 2006 Plan terminated on March 18, 2016. All outstanding awards under the 2006 Plan will continue until their individual termination dates.

In March 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted the AquaBounty Technologies, Inc. 2016 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2016 Plan”) to replace the 2006 Plan. The 2016 Plan provides for the issuance of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, and awards of restricted and direct stock purchases to Directors, officers, employees, and consultants of the Company. The 2016 Plan was approved by the Company’s shareholders at its Annual Meeting on April 26, 2016 and the aggregate number of shares of common stock that were to be issued pursuant to awards granted under the 2016 Plan could not exceed 450,000. At the April 30, 2019, Annual Meeting, an additional 450,000 shares of common stock that may be issued pursuant to awards granted under the 2016 Plan were authorized, for a total of 900,000.

Restricted stock

The Company’s restricted stock activity under the 2006 Plan and the 2016 Plan is summarized as follows:



	Shares		Weighted average grant date fair value
Unvested at December 31, 2018	8,867		$	3.51
Granted	206,604		2.16
Vested	(175,571	)	2.19
Unvested at December 31, 2019	39,900		$	2.31

During 2019, the Company expensed $385 thousand (2018: $27 thousand; 2017: $26 thousand) related to restricted stock awards. At December 31, 2019, the balance of unearned share-based compensation to be expensed in future periods related to the restricted stock awards is $92 thousand. The period over which the unearned share-based compensation is expected to be earned is approximately 2.2 years.

Stock options

The Company’s option activity under the 2006 Plan and the 2016 Plan is summarized as follows:



	Number of options		Weighted average exercise price
Outstanding at December 31, 2018	339,964		$	7.09
Issued	313,500		2.23
Expired	(79,539	)	3.41
Outstanding at December 31, 2019	573,925		$	4.94
Exercisable at December 31, 2019	467,357		$	5.52

Unless otherwise indicated, options issued to employees, members of the Board of Directors, and non-employees are vested over one to three years and are exercisable for a term of ten years from the date of issuance.

The weighted average fair value of stock options granted during 2019 was $1.62 (2018: $2.5; 2017: $4.55). There were no options exercised in 2019 and 2018. The total intrinsic value of options exercised in 2019 and 2018 was $0 (2017: $43 thousand). At December 31, 2019, the total intrinsic value of all options outstanding was $1 thousand (2018: $0; 2017: $17 thousand), the total intrinsic value of exercisable options was $0 (2018: $0; 2017 $17 thousand), and the total number of shares available for grant under the 2016 Plan was 198,034 (2018: 268,138; 2017: 397,500).

The following table summarizes information about options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2019:



Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options	Number of options outstanding	Weighted average remaining estimated life (in years)	Number of options exercisable	Weighted average price of outstanding and exercisable options
$2.11 - $5.70	438,663	9.0	333,465
$6.90 - $9.60	52,841	3.1	52,841
$10.50 - $10.80	4,000	4.6	4,000
$14.20 - $23.40	78,421	5.9	77,051
	573,925		467,357	$5.52

The fair values of stock option grants to employees and members of the Board of Directors during 2019, 2018, and 2017 were measured on the date of grant using Black-Scholes, with the following weighted average assumptions:



	2019	2018	2017
Expected volatility	89% - 100%	81%	78%
Risk free interest rate	1.55% - 2.85%	2.60%	1.80%
Expected dividend yield	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%
Expected life (in years)	5	5	5

The risk-free interest rate is estimated using the Federal Funds interest rate for a period that is commensurate with the expected term of the awards. The expected dividend yield is zero because the Company has never paid a dividend and does not expect to do so for the foreseeable future. The expected life was based on a number of factors including historical experience, vesting provisions, exercise price relative to market price, and expected volatility. The Company believes that all groups of employees demonstrate similar exercise and post-vesting termination behavior and, therefore, does not stratify employees into multiple groups and forfeitures are recognized as they occur. The expected volatility was estimated using the Company’s historical price volatility over a period that is commensurate with the expected term of the awards.

Total share-based compensation on stock-option grants amounted to $487 thousand in 2019 (2018: $236 thousand; 2017: $96 thousand). At December 31, 2019, the balance of unearned share-based compensation to be expensed in future periods related to unvested share-based awards is $179 thousand. The period over which the unearned share-based compensation is expected to be earned is 0.9 years.

In June 2019, the Company recognized share based compensation of $134 thousand related to the accelerated vesting and exercisable term change for options to purchase an aggregate of 153,940 shares for the Company’s former CEO, who retired June 30, 2019. Each option granted was revalued as of June 30, 2019, using the following Black-Scholes values to determine the incremental charges for the option modification: expected volatility of 97%, risk free interest rate of 1.71% to 1.92%, expected dividend yield of 0.0%, and expected life of 1.5 to 5 years.

The following table summarizes the expense related to the options revalued in June 2019:



Grant date	Number of options	Previous		Accelerated		Incremental		Total
1/11/2011	16,667	$	109,769	$	—	$	11,782	$	121,551
1/20/2014	6,667	120,712		—		7,621		128,333
2/27/2018	60,606	99,738		—		12,313		112,051
4/21/2017	20,000	70,346		20,736		13,485		104,567
4/30/2019	50,000	13,453		67,047		1,274		81,774
	153,940	$	414,018	$	87,783	$	46,475	$	548,276

Share-based compensation

The following table summarizes share-based compensation costs recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017:



	2019		2018		2017
Research and development	$	3,127	$	3,238	$	3,168
Sales and marketing	12,578		—		9,315
General and administrative	856,472		260,158		109,651
Total share-based compensation	$	872,177	$	263,396	$	122,134

Income taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income taxes

The components of loss before income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, are presented below:



	2019			2018			2017
Domestic	$	(12,950,725	)	$	(9,702,869	)	$	(6,526,706	)
Foreign	(276,917		)	(679,190		)	(2,731,941		)
Loss before income taxes	$	(13,227,642	)	$	(10,382,059	)	$	(9,258,647	)

Income taxes computed using the federal statutory income tax rate differs from the Company’s effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, primarily due to the following:



	2019			2018			2017
Income tax benefit	$	(2,777,805	)	$	(2,180,233	)	$	(3,147,940	)
State and provincial income tax, net of federal benefit	397,081			(534,789		)	(678,438		)
Permanent differences	219,549			53,795			(2,923		)
US-Foreign rate differential	38,776			(13,955		)	371,551
Other, net	866,250			1,182,900			(98,947		)
Effect of tax reform	—			—			3,687,844
	(1,256,149		)	(1,492,282		)	131,147
Change in valuation allowance	1,256,149			1,492,282			(131,147		)
Total income tax	$	—		$	—		$	—

As of December 31, 2019, the Company has domestic net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $39 million, after consideration of limitations pursuant to section 382, to offset future federal taxable income, which begin to expire in 2031. The future utilization of certain historic net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, however, is subject to annual use limitations based on the change in stock ownership rules of Internal Revenue Code Sections 382 and 383. The Company experienced a change in ownership under these rules during 2012 and revised its calculation of net operating loss carryforwards based on annual limitation rules. The Company also has foreign research loss carryforwards totaling approximately $8.0 million and foreign research and development expense tax credits of approximately $2.6 million at December 31, 2019, which expire at various times commencing in 2020. Since the Company has incurred only losses from inception and there is uncertainty related to the ultimate use of the loss carryforwards and tax credits, a valuation allowance has been recognized to offset the Company’s deferred tax assets, and no benefit for income taxes has been recorded.

Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:



	2019			2018
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$	12,251,892		$	14,120,607
Foreign research and development tax credit carryforwards	2,564,679			2,628,190
Property and equipment	429,764			463,343
Intangibles	3,055,820			(75,269		)
Other	185,829			94,964
Total deferred tax assets	$	18,487,984		$	17,231,835
Valuation allowance	$	(18,487,984	)	$	(17,231,835	)
Net deferred tax assets	$	—		$	—

Commitments and contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and contingencies

The Company recognizes and discloses commitments when it enters into executed contractual obligations with other parties. The Company accrues contingent liabilities when it is probable that future expenditures will be made and such expenditures can be reasonably estimated.

The Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims arising in the normal course of business. Management believes that final disposition of any such matters existing at December 31, 2019, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Lease commitments

In July 2017, the Company extended the lease for its office space in Maynard, Massachusetts. The new lease for 3,558 square feet of office space has a term of five years and seven months, ending March 2023. Lease payments over the term total $333 thousand.

In 2017, the Company assumed a lease for well water rights as part of its purchase of certain assets of Bell Aquaculture. The lease has a thirty year term with auto-renewal for an additional twenty years. Semi-annual payments total $7 thousand with annual increases of 3% over the term.

The Company leases office space in Brazil on a month-to-month basis.

Lease expense for the year ended December 31, 2019, amounted to $140 thousand. The weighted average remaining lease term of the Company’s operating leases was 22.8 years as of December 31, 2019. Lease payments included in operating cash flows totaled $143 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019.

The table below summarizes the Company’s lease obligations and remaining payments at December 31, 2019:



				December 31, 2019						January 1, 2019
	Lease Type	End Date	Remaining Years	Remaining Payments			Lease Liability			Remaining Payments			Lease Liability
Maynard Office Lease	Operating	Mar 2023	3.3	$	215,556		$	186,323		$	278,414		$	234,685
Panama Farm Lease	Operating	Apr 2019	—	—			—			60,000			59,013
Indiana Auto Lease	Operating	Feb 2021	1.2	5,999			5,533			10,842			9,897
Indiana Well Lease	Operating	Dec 2048	29.0	702,341			223,238			717,420			228,844
Total leases				$	923,896		$	415,094		$	1,066,676		$	532,439
Less: current portion				(85,011		)	(62,286		)	(142,780		)	(117,345		)
Long-term leases				$	838,885		$	352,808		$	923,896		$	415,094

The current portion of the lease liability is included as a component of other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

Remaining payments under leases are as follows at December 31, 2019:



Year	Office		Auto		Well		Amount
2020	$	64,637	$	4,842	$	15,532	$	85,011
2021	66,416		1,157		15,998		83,571
2022	67,602		—		16,478		84,080
2023	16,901		—		16,972		33,873
2024	—		—		17,481		17,481
Thereafter	—		—		619,880		619,880
Total Lease Payments	$	215,556	$	5,999	$	702,341	$	923,896

Retirement plan	12 Months Ended
Retirement plan	Dec. 31, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Retirement plan	Retirement plan The Company has a savings and retirement plan for its US employees that qualifies under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The plan covers substantially all employees and provides for voluntary contributions by participating employees up to the maximum contribution allowed under the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions by the Company can be made, as determined by the Board of Directors, provided the amount does not exceed the maximum permitted by the Internal Revenue Code. Company contributions made and expensed in operations in connection with the plan during the year ended December 31, 2019, amounted to $64 thousand (2018: $44 thousand; 2017: $31 thousand). The Company also has a Registered Retirement Savings Plan for its Canadian employees. Company contributions made and expensed in operations in connection with the plan during the year ended December 31, 2019, amounted to $28 thousand (2018: $26 thousand; 2017: $27 thousand).

Related Party Collaboration Agreement	12 Months Ended
Related Party Collaboration Agreement	Dec. 31, 2019
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Collaboration Agreement	Related Party Collaboration Agreement In February 2013, the Company entered into an Exclusive Channel Collaboration Agreement with Precigen, its then majority shareholder, pursuant to which the Company will use Precigen’s technology platforms to develop and commercialize additional bioengineered traits in finfish for human consumption. The Company will pay Precigen quarterly 16.66% of the gross profits calculated under the terms of the agreement for each developed product. The Company has likewise agreed to pay Precigen 50% of quarterly revenue obtained from a sublicensor in the event of a sublicensing arrangement. In addition, the Company will reimburse Precigen for the costs of certain services provided by Precigen. No royalties were paid to Precigen in 2019, and the Company does not expect to pay royalties in 2020. Total Precigen service costs incurred under the terms of this agreement amounted to $18 thousand in 2019 (2018: $218 thousand; 2017: $562 thousand), of which $0 is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities at December 31, 2019 (2018: $1 thousand), and is included as a component of research and development expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards	12 Months Ended
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	Dec. 31, 2019
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	Recently Issued Accounting Standards Management does not expect any recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards to have a material effect on its results of operations or financial condition.

Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)

The following information has been derived from unaudited consolidated statements that, in the opinion of management, include all recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of such information.



	Three Months Ended 2019
	March 31			June 30			September 30			December 31
Revenue	$	97,885		$	42,486		$	—		$	46,367
Operating loss	(2,755,694		)	(4,019,719		)	(2,999,592		)	(3,403,639		)
Net loss	(2,763,932		)	(4,026,731		)	(3,018,222		)	(3,418,757		)
Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common shareholders	$	(0.17	)	$	(0.19	)	$	(0.14	)	$	(0.16	)
	Three Months Ended 2018
	March 31			June 30			September 30			December 31
Revenue	$	19,097		$	47,898		$	10,938		$	6,585
Operating loss	(2,443,472		)	(2,784,583		)	(2,720,027		)	(2,417,714		)
Net loss	(2,449,787		)	(2,781,149		)	(2,727,028		)	(2,424,095		)
Deemed dividend	—			—			—			(1,822,873)
Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common shareholders	$(0.21)			$(0.22)			$(0.21)			$(0.30)

Subsequent events	12 Months Ended
Subsequent events	Dec. 31, 2019
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent events	Subsequent events On February 13, 2020, the Company completed a public offering of 10,350,000 shares of common stock for net proceeds of approximately $14.5 million. On March 2, 2020, the Company settled an outstanding legal claim against a third party with gross proceeds to the Company of $1.2 million.

Summary of significant accounting policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AquaBounty Technologies, Inc. and its wholly owned direct subsidiaries, AQUA Bounty Canada Inc.; AquaBounty Panama, S. de R.L.; AquaBounty Farms, Inc.; AquaBounty Farms Indiana LLC; and AquaBounty Brasil Participacoes Ltda. The entities are collectively referred to herein as the “Company.” All inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated upon consolidation.

Use of estimates

Comprehensive loss

Foreign currency translations

Indefinite-lived intangible assets include trademark costs, which are capitalized with no amortization as they have an indefinite life.

Property, plant and equipment



Building	20 - 25 years
Equipment	5 - 20 years
Office furniture and equipment	3 years
Leasehold improvements	shorter of asset life or lease term
Vehicles	3 years

Impairment of long-lived assets

Share-based compensation

Recently issued accounting standards

Management does not expect any recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards to have a material effect on its results of operations or financial condition.

Summary of significant accounting policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Property, plant and equipment

The Company depreciates all asset classes over their estimated useful lives, as follows:



Building	20 - 25 years
Equipment	5 - 20 years
Office furniture and equipment	3 years
Leasehold improvements	shorter of asset life or lease term
Vehicles	3 years

Major classifications of property, plant and equipment are summarized as follows for December 31, 2019 and 2018:



	2019			2018
Land	$	718,586		$	704,567
Building and improvements	13,297,489			9,244,737
Construction in process	2,105,873			6,091,265
Equipment	12,275,619			9,713,030
Office furniture and equipment	201,813			192,606
Vehicles	28,097			26,832
Total property and equipment	$	28,627,477		$	25,973,037
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(3,561,641		)	(2,256,269		)
Property, plant and equipment, net	$	25,065,836		$	23,716,768

Inventory (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Inventory

Major classifications of inventory are summarized as follows for December 31, 2019 and 2018:



	2019		2018
Feed	$	251,778	24,288
Eggs	55,887		—
Packaging	—		8,913
Fish in process	924,384		42,908
Total inventory	$	1,232,049	$	76,109

Property, plant and equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, plant and equipment

The Company depreciates all asset classes over their estimated useful lives, as follows:



Building	20 - 25 years
Equipment	5 - 20 years
Office furniture and equipment	3 years
Leasehold improvements	shorter of asset life or lease term
Vehicles	3 years

Major classifications of property, plant and equipment are summarized as follows for December 31, 2019 and 2018:



	2019			2018
Land	$	718,586		$	704,567
Building and improvements	13,297,489			9,244,737
Construction in process	2,105,873			6,091,265
Equipment	12,275,619			9,713,030
Office furniture and equipment	201,813			192,606
Vehicles	28,097			26,832
Total property and equipment	$	28,627,477		$	25,973,037
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(3,561,641		)	(2,256,269		)
Property, plant and equipment, net	$	25,065,836		$	23,716,768

Prepaid expenses and other current assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Abstract]

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets include the following at December 31, 2019 and 2018:



	2019		2018
Prepaid insurance	$	100,374	$	90,754
Prepaid supplies	26,892		19,422
Prepaid professional services	97,513		38,375
Prepaid rent and lease deposits	25,581		13,508
Asset held for sale	98,000		—
Other current assets	42,802		153,910
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	391,162	$	315,969

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Payables and Accruals [Abstract]

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities include the following at December 31, 2019 and 2018:



	2019		2018
Accounts payable	$	809,444	$	366,917
Accrued payroll including vacation	236,489		223,481
Accrued professional fees and contract services	346,349		185,992
Accrued taxes	68,831		23,678
Accrued construction costs	—		13,716
Accrued other	1,696		11,116
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	1,462,809	$	824,900

Debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Principal payments due on long-term debt

The current terms and conditions of long-term debt outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018, are as follows:



	Interest rate	Monthly repayment	Maturity date	2019			2018
ACOA AIF grant (C$2,871,919)	0%	Royalties	-	$	2,206,208		$	2,106,840
ACOA term loan#1 (C$337,000)	0%	C$3,120	June 2026	184,583			203,735
ACOA term loan#2 (C$500,000)	0%	C$4,630	November 2028	384,100			—
Kubota Canada Ltd (C$95,961)	0%	C$1,142	Jan 2025	53,533			61,178
PEI Finance term loan (C$2,717,093)	4%	C$4,333	July 2023	1,766,783			1,219,681
Total debt				$	4,595,207		$	3,591,434
less: current portion				(163,155		)	(71,613		)
Long-term debt				$	4,432,052		$	3,519,821

Terms and conditions of long-term debt

Principal payments due on the long-term debt are as follows:



Year	AIF	ACOA #1	ACOA #2	Kubota	FPEI	Total
2020	—	28,761	42,681	10,531	81,182	163,155
2021	—	28,761	42,681	10,531	84,494	166,467
2022	—	28,761	42,681	10,531	87,936	169,909
2023	—	28,761	42,681	10,531	1,513,171	1,595,144
2024	—	28,761	42,681	10,531	—	81,973
Thereafter	2,206,208	40,778	170,695	878	—	2,418,559
Total	2,206,208	184,583	384,100	53,533	1,766,783	4,595,207

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of long-debt instruments or arrangements, including identification, terms, features, collateral requirements and other information necessary to a fair presentation. These are debt arrangements that originally required repayment more than twelve months after issuance or greater than the normal operating cycle of the entity, if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775744&loc=d3e28541-108399

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(e),(f))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 5: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775744&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 6: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21521-112644

Reference 7: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21538-112644

Reference 8: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 470
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=75038535&loc=d3e64711-112823

Reference 9: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775985&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 10: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21475-112644

+ Details

Stockholders' equity (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Equity [Abstract]

Outstanding stock option warrants

The following table summarizes information about outstanding warrants at December 31, 2019:



	Number of warrant shares		Weighted average exercise price
Outstanding at December 31, 2018	1,745,868			$3.25
Issued	—		0.00
Exercised	(83,564	)	3.25
Outstanding at December 31, 2019	1,662,304			$3.25
Exercisable at December 31, 2019	1,662,304			$3.25

Restricted stock activity

The Company’s restricted stock activity under the 2006 Plan and the 2016 Plan is summarized as follows:



	Shares		Weighted average grant date fair value
Unvested at December 31, 2018	8,867		$	3.51
Granted	206,604		2.16
Vested	(175,571	)	2.19
Unvested at December 31, 2019	39,900		$	2.31

Stock option activity

The Company’s option activity under the 2006 Plan and the 2016 Plan is summarized as follows:



	Number of options		Weighted average exercise price
Outstanding at December 31, 2018	339,964		$	7.09
Issued	313,500		2.23
Expired	(79,539	)	3.41
Outstanding at December 31, 2019	573,925		$	4.94
Exercisable at December 31, 2019	467,357		$	5.52

Options outstanding and exercisable

The following table summarizes information about options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2019:



Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options	Number of options outstanding	Weighted average remaining estimated life (in years)	Number of options exercisable	Weighted average price of outstanding and exercisable options
$2.11 - $5.70	438,663	9.0	333,465
$6.90 - $9.60	52,841	3.1	52,841
$10.50 - $10.80	4,000	4.6	4,000
$14.20 - $23.40	78,421	5.9	77,051
	573,925		467,357	$5.52

Fair value of stock option grants to employees and board of directors



	2019	2018	2017
Expected volatility	89% - 100%	81%	78%
Risk free interest rate	1.55% - 2.85%	2.60%	1.80%
Expected dividend yield	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%
Expected life (in years)	5	5	5

The following table summarizes the expense related to the options revalued in June 2019:



Grant date	Number of options	Previous		Accelerated		Incremental		Total
1/11/2011	16,667	$	109,769	$	—	$	11,782	$	121,551
1/20/2014	6,667	120,712		—		7,621		128,333
2/27/2018	60,606	99,738		—		12,313		112,051
4/21/2017	20,000	70,346		20,736		13,485		104,567
4/30/2019	50,000	13,453		67,047		1,274		81,774
	153,940	$	414,018	$	87,783	$	46,475	$	548,276

Share-based compensation related costs



	2019		2018		2017
Research and development	$	3,127	$	3,238	$	3,168
Sales and marketing	12,578		—		9,315
General and administrative	856,472		260,158		109,651
Total share-based compensation	$	872,177	$	263,396	$	122,134

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of warrants or rights issued. Warrants and rights outstanding are derivative securities that give the holder the right to purchase securities (usually equity) from the issuer at a specific price within a certain time frame. Warrants are often included in a new debt issue to entice investors by a higher return potential. The main difference between warrants and call options is that warrants are issued and guaranteed by the company, whereas options are exchange instruments and are not issued by the company. Also, the lifetime of a warrant is often measured in years, while the lifetime of a typical option is measured in months. Disclose the title of issue of securities called for by warrants and rights outstanding, the aggregate amount of securities called for by warrants and rights outstanding, the date from which the warrants or rights are exercisable, and the price at which the warrant or right is exercisable.

+ References + Details

Income taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Income (Loss) before Income Taxes

The components of loss before income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, are presented below:



	2019			2018			2017
Domestic	$	(12,950,725	)	$	(9,702,869	)	$	(6,526,706	)
Foreign	(276,917		)	(679,190		)	(2,731,941		)
Loss before income taxes	$	(13,227,642	)	$	(10,382,059	)	$	(9,258,647	)

Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation



	2019			2018			2017
Income tax benefit	$	(2,777,805	)	$	(2,180,233	)	$	(3,147,940	)
State and provincial income tax, net of federal benefit	397,081			(534,789		)	(678,438		)
Permanent differences	219,549			53,795			(2,923		)
US-Foreign rate differential	38,776			(13,955		)	371,551
Other, net	866,250			1,182,900			(98,947		)
Effect of tax reform	—			—			3,687,844
	(1,256,149		)	(1,492,282		)	131,147
Change in valuation allowance	1,256,149			1,492,282			(131,147		)
Total income tax	$	—		$	—		$	—

Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:



	2019			2018
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$	12,251,892		$	14,120,607
Foreign research and development tax credit carryforwards	2,564,679			2,628,190
Property and equipment	429,764			463,343
Intangibles	3,055,820			(75,269		)
Other	185,829			94,964
Total deferred tax assets	$	18,487,984		$	17,231,835
Valuation allowance	$	(18,487,984	)	$	(17,231,835	)
Net deferred tax assets	$	—		$	—

Commitments and contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Summary of lease obligations and remaining payments

The table below summarizes the Company’s lease obligations and remaining payments at December 31, 2019:



				December 31, 2019						January 1, 2019
	Lease Type	End Date	Remaining Years	Remaining Payments			Lease Liability			Remaining Payments			Lease Liability
Maynard Office Lease	Operating	Mar 2023	3.3	$	215,556		$	186,323		$	278,414		$	234,685
Panama Farm Lease	Operating	Apr 2019	—	—			—			60,000			59,013
Indiana Auto Lease	Operating	Feb 2021	1.2	5,999			5,533			10,842			9,897
Indiana Well Lease	Operating	Dec 2048	29.0	702,341			223,238			717,420			228,844
Total leases				$	923,896		$	415,094		$	1,066,676		$	532,439
Less: current portion				(85,011		)	(62,286		)	(142,780		)	(117,345		)
Long-term leases				$	838,885		$	352,808		$	923,896		$	415,094

Summary of remaining payments under leases

Remaining payments under leases are as follows at December 31, 2019:



Year	Office		Auto		Well		Amount
2020	$	64,637	$	4,842	$	15,532	$	85,011
2021	66,416		1,157		15,998		83,571
2022	67,602		—		16,478		84,080
2023	16,901		—		16,972		33,873
2024	—		—		17,481		17,481
Thereafter	—		—		619,880		619,880
Total Lease Payments	$	215,556	$	5,999	$	702,341	$	923,896

Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Information



	Three Months Ended 2019
	March 31			June 30			September 30			December 31
Revenue	$	97,885		$	42,486		$	—		$	46,367
Operating loss	(2,755,694		)	(4,019,719		)	(2,999,592		)	(3,403,639		)
Net loss	(2,763,932		)	(4,026,731		)	(3,018,222		)	(3,418,757		)
Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common shareholders	$	(0.17	)	$	(0.19	)	$	(0.14	)	$	(0.16	)
	Three Months Ended 2018
	March 31			June 30			September 30			December 31
Revenue	$	19,097		$	47,898		$	10,938		$	6,585
Operating loss	(2,443,472		)	(2,784,583		)	(2,720,027		)	(2,417,714		)
Net loss	(2,449,787		)	(2,781,149		)	(2,727,028		)	(2,424,095		)
Deemed dividend	—			—			—			(1,822,873)
Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common shareholders	$(0.21)			$(0.22)			$(0.21)			$(0.30)

Nature of business and organization (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Nature of business and organization (Details) - USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cumulative losses attributable to common shareholders		$ 23,760,629	$ 23,234,303	$ 17,980,689	$ 2,028,055
Cash and cash equivalents		2,798,744	3,002,557	506,283	3,335,275
Retained Earnings
Cumulative losses attributable to common shareholders		(132,142,209)	$ (118,914,567)	$ (108,532,508)	$ (99,273,861)
February 2020 Public Offering [Member]
Proceeds from issuance or sale of equity	$ 14,500,000	$ 14,500,000

Summary of significant accounting policies (Details)	12 Months Ended
Summary of significant accounting policies (Details)	Dec. 31, 2019
Building \| Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	20 years
Building \| Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	25 years
Equipment \| Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	5 years
Equipment \| Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	20 years
Office furniture and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	3 years
Vehicles
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	3 years
Patents
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Patents, useful life	20 years

Summary of significant accounting policies Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Intangible asset impairment	$ 103,000
Trademark impairment	90,000
Equity holding write-down	13,000
Lease liability	415,094	$ 532,439
Right of use assets, net	399,477	$ 512,000	$ 0
Discount rate used in calculation of lease liability		8.00%
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale, Name [Domain]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Assets held for sale	248,000
Asset impairment expense	$ 150,000

Risks and uncertainties (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
A/F Protein, Inc.
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Common stock included in other assets (in shares)	216,281
Ownership percent, less than	1.00%
Long-term Investments	$ 9,000	$ 22,000
Canada \| Cash \| Credit Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Cash in Canadian bank accounts	$ 186,332

Inventory (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventory	$ 1,232,049	$ 76,109
Feed
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventory	251,778	24,288
Eggs
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventory	55,887	0
Packaging
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventory	0	8,913
Fish in process
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventory	$ 924,384	$ 42,908

Property, plant and equipment - Schedule of Property, plant and equipment (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment	$ 28,627,477	$ 25,973,037
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(3,561,641)	(2,256,269)
Property, plant and equipment, net	25,065,836	23,716,768
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment	718,586	704,567
Building and improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment	13,297,489	9,244,737
Construction in process
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment	2,105,873	6,091,265
Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment	12,275,619	9,713,030
Office furniture and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment	201,813	192,606
Vehicles
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment	$ 28,097	$ 26,832

Property, plant and equipment - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 22, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization expense		$ 1,300,000	$ 830,000	$ 171,000
Gross property, plant, and equipment		28,627,477	25,973,037
Payments to acquire property, plant, and equipment		2,316,809	4,009,736	$ 18,893,264
Construction in process
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant, and equipment		2,105,873	6,091,265
Building and improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant, and equipment		13,297,489	$ 9,244,737
Rollo Bay Farm Site [Member] \| Capital Addition Purchase Commitments
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Commitments to purchase property, plant, and equipment		257,000
Rollo Bay Farm Site [Member] \| Buildings, improvements, and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant, and equipment		5,200,000
Rollo Bay Farm Site [Member] \| Construction in process
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant, and equipment		1,900,000
Indiana Aquaculture Farm [Member] \| Capital Addition Purchase Commitments
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Commitments to purchase property, plant, and equipment		216,000
Indiana Aquaculture Farm [Member] \| Construction in process
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant, and equipment		200,000
Indiana Aquaculture Farm [Member] \| Building
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Payments to acquire property, plant, and equipment	$ 14,200,000
Indiana Aquaculture Farm [Member] \| Building and improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant, and equipment		$ 3,200,000

Prepaid expenses and other current assets (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Abstract]
Prepaid insurance	$ 100,374	$ 90,754
Prepaid supplies	26,892	19,422
Prepaid professional services	97,513	38,375
Prepaid rent and lease deposits	25,581	13,508
Asset held for sale	98,000	0
Other current assets	42,802	153,910
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets	$ 391,162	$ 315,969

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accounts payable	$ 809,444	$ 366,917
Accrued payroll including vacation	236,489	223,481
Accrued professional fees and contract services	346,349	185,992
Accrued taxes	68,831	23,678
Accrued construction costs	0	13,716
Accrued other	1,696	11,116
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$ 1,462,809	$ 824,900

Debt - Conditions of Long Term Debt Outstanding (Details)	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2018	Feb. 29, 2016	Dec. 31, 2019 CAD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 CAD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Nov. 13, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt				$ 4,595,207		$ 3,591,434
less: current portion				(163,155)		(71,613)
Long-term debt				$ 4,432,052		3,519,821
Loans Payable \| ACOA AIF grant (C$2,871,919)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount					$ 2,871,919
Interest rate			0.00%	0.00%
Total debt				$ 2,206,208		2,106,840
Loans Payable \| Kubota Canada Ltd (C$95,961)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt				$ 53,533
Secured Debt \| ACOA term loan 1 (C$337,000)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount					337,000
Interest rate			0.00%	0.00%
Monthly repayment			$ 3,120
Total debt				$ 184,583		203,735
Secured Debt \| ACOA term loan 2 (C$500,000)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount			$ 500,000
Interest rate			0.00%	0.00%			0.00%
Monthly repayment			$ 4,630
Total debt				$ 384,100		0
Debt Instrument, Term	9 years	9 years
Secured Debt \| Kubota Canada Ltd (C$95,961)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount					95,961
Interest rate			0.00%	0.00%
Monthly repayment			$ 1,142
Total debt				$ 53,533		61,178
Secured Debt \| PEI Finance term loan (C$2,717,093)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount					$ 2,717,093
Interest rate			4.00%	4.00%
Monthly repayment			$ 4,333
Total debt				$ 1,766,783		$ 1,219,681

Debt - Debt Maturities (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2020	$ 163,155
2021	166,467
2022	169,909
2023	1,595,144
2024	81,973
Thereafter	2,418,559
Total debt	4,595,207	$ 3,591,434
Loans Payable \| AIF
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2020	0
2021	0
2022	0
2023	0
2024	0
Thereafter	2,206,208
Total debt	2,206,208	2,106,840
Loans Payable \| Kubota
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2020	10,531
2021	10,531
2022	10,531
2023	10,531
2024	10,531
Thereafter	878
Total debt	53,533
Secured Debt \| ACOA 1
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2020	28,761
2021	28,761
2022	28,761
2023	28,761
2024	28,761
Thereafter	40,778
Total debt	184,583	203,735
Secured Debt \| ACOA 2
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2020	42,681
2021	42,681
2022	42,681
2023	42,681
2024	42,681
Thereafter	170,695
Total debt	384,100	0
Secured Debt \| Kubota
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	53,533	61,178
Secured Debt \| FPEI
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2020	81,182
2021	84,494
2022	87,936
2023	1,513,171
2024	0
Thereafter	0
Total debt	$ 1,766,783	$ 1,219,681

Debt - Narrative (Details)	1 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
Debt - Narrative (Details)	Nov. 30, 2018	Feb. 29, 2016	Jan. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019 CAD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 CAD ($)	Nov. 13, 2018	Oct. 16, 2018 CAD ($)	Oct. 16, 2018 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest expense				$ 61,920	$ 22,185	$ 21,520
Loans Payable \| AIF
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Royalty percentage			10.00%
Debt instrument, face amount									$ 2,871,919
Interest rate							0.00%	0.00%
Secured Debt \| ACOA 2
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount							$ 500,000
Interest rate							0.00%	0.00%		0.00%
Debt Instrument, Term	9 years	9 years
Secured Debt \| PEI Finance Term Loan October 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount											$ 2,000,000	$ 1,500,000
Funds drawn on loan							$ 1,700,000	$ 1,300,000
Anticipated funds drawn on loan							$ 300,000	$ 230,000
Interest rate											4.00%	4.00%

Stockholders' equity - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Stockholders' equity - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Stockholders' Equity
Authorized Shares of Common Stock			50,000,000	200,000,000
Issued and Outstanding Shares of Preferred Stock			0	0
Issued and Outstanding Shares of Common Stock			21,635,365	15,098,837
Common Stock
Common Stock, Voting Rights, Number of Votes Per Share			1
Warrants [Abstract]
Exercise price (in dollars per share)			$ 3.25
Share-based Compensation
Share-based Compensation Expense			$ 872,177	$ 263,396	$ 122,134
Stock option grants (in dollars per share)			$ 1.62	$ 2.50	$ 4.55
Intrinsic vale of options exercised				$ 0	$ 43,420
Intrinsic vale of options outstanding			$ 776	0	17,454
Intrinsic vale of options exercisable			0	0	17,454
Nonvested Share-based Compensation				179,410
Share-based compensation			$ 872,177	263,396	122,134
Current Number of Shares Authorized
Stockholders' Equity
Authorized Shares of Common and Preferred Stock			55,000,000
Authorized Shares of Preferred Stock			5,000,000
Authorized Shares of Common Stock			50,000,000
Employee Stock Option
Share-based Compensation
Share-based Compensation Expense			$ 486,773	$ 236,098	$ 95,734
Unearned Share-based Compensation earn period			10 months 24 days
Share-based Compensation, Exercise Term				10 years
Expected dividend yield			0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected volatility				81.00%	78.00%
Risk free interest rate				2.60%	1.80%
Expected life (in years)			5 years	5 years	5 years
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation
Nonvested Share-based Compensation Expense in Future Periods				$ 91,930
Unearned Share-based Compensation earn period			2 years 2 months 12 days
Board of Directors Chairman [Member] \| Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation
Share-based Compensation Expense			$ 385,404	$ 27,298	$ 26,400
Minimum \| Employee Stock Option
Share-based Compensation
Award Vesting Period				1 year
Expected volatility			89.00%
Risk free interest rate			1.55%
Maximum \| Employee Stock Option
Share-based Compensation
Award Vesting Period				3 years
Expected volatility			100.00%
Risk free interest rate			2.85%
2016 Equity Incentive Plan, Original Grants [Member]
Share-based Compensation
Share-based Compensation, Shares Available for Grant						450,000
2016 Equity Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation
Share-based Compensation, Shares Available for Grant			198,034	268,138	397,500	900,000
2016 Equity Incentive Plan, Additional Grants [Member]
Share-based Compensation
Share-based Compensation, Shares Available for Grant						450,000
Warrant [Member]
Warrants [Abstract]
Issued (in shares)			0
Exercise price (in dollars per share)			$ 3.25	$ 3.25
Accelerated share-based compensation summary [Member] \| Chief Executive Officer [Member]
Share-based Compensation
Expected dividend yield		0.00%
Share-based compensation		$ 134,258
Number of options for the Company's former CEO		153,940
Expected volatility		97.00%
Accelerated share-based compensation summary [Member] \| Chief Executive Officer [Member] \| Minimum
Share-based Compensation
Risk free interest rate		1.71%
Expected life (in years)		1 year 6 months
Accelerated share-based compensation summary [Member] \| Chief Executive Officer [Member] \| Maximum
Share-based Compensation
Risk free interest rate		1.92%
Expected life (in years)		5 years
January 2018 Public Offering [Member] \| Warrant [Member]
Warrants [Abstract]
Issued (in shares)	4,246,153		4,246,153
Exercise price (in dollars per share)			$ 3.25
January 2018 Public Offering [Member] \| January 2018 Public Offering, Discounted Warrants [Member] \| Warrant [Member]
Warrants [Abstract]
Issued (in shares)			2,250,461
Exercise price (in dollars per share)			$ 2.00
Intrinsic value of warrants converted			$ 1,800,000

Stockholders' equity - Recent Stock Issuances (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended					3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Oct. 31, 2018	Jan. 31, 2018	Jan. 31, 2017	Jun. 17, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Oct. 24, 2018
Value of equity subscription							$ 12,395,348	$ 10,616,046	$ 24,989,257
Common shares issued in connection with the exercise of warrants							83,564
Common stock issued (in dollars per share)							$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common Stock
Value of equity subscription							$ 6,246	$ 3,692	$ 2,421
Issued (in shares)							6,246,360	3,692,307	2,421,073
Common shares issued in connection with the exercise of warrants							83,564	2,500,285
January 2017 Equity Subscription [Member] \| Common Stock \| Intrexon [Member]
Value of equity subscription					$ 25,000,000
Shares Issued, Price Per Share					$ 10.326
Issued (in shares)					2,421,073
January 2018 Public Offering [Member]
Proceeds from issuance or sale of equity				$ 10,600,000
January 2018 Public Offering [Member] \| Majority Shareholder
Proceeds from issuance or sale of equity				$ 5,000,000
October 2018 Common Share Offering [Member]
Proceeds from issuance or sale of equity			$ 4,300,000
Common stock issued (in dollars per share)										$ 2.00
March 8, 2019 to June 17, 2019 common stock issued [Member]
Proceeds from issuance or sale of equity						$ 300,000
Common shares issued in connection with the exercise of warrants						83,564
March 2019 Public Offering [Member]
Proceeds from issuance or sale of equity		$ 6,600,000
April 2019 Public Offering [Member]
Proceeds from issuance or sale of equity	$ 5,100,000
Overallotment exercise [Member]
Proceeds from issuance or sale of equity	700,000
February 2020 Public Offering [Member]
Proceeds from issuance or sale of equity	$ 14,500,000						$ 14,500,000
Common Stock \| January 2018 Public Offering [Member]
Issued (in shares)				3,692,307
Common Stock \| January 2018 Public Offering [Member] \| Majority Shareholder
Issued (in shares)				1,538,461
Common Stock \| October 2018 Common Share Offering [Member]
Issued (in shares)			2,250,461
Common Stock \| March 2019 Public Offering [Member]
Issued (in shares)		3,345,282
Common Stock \| April 2019 Public Offering [Member]
Issued (in shares)	2,554,590
Common Stock \| Overallotment exercise [Member]
Issued (in shares)	346,488
Common Stock \| February 2020 Public Offering [Member]
Issued (in shares)		10,350,000
Warrant [Member]
Issued (in shares)							0
Common shares issued in connection with the exercise of warrants							83,564
Warrant [Member] \| January 2018 Public Offering [Member]
Issued (in shares)				4,246,153			4,246,153
Proceeds from issuance or sale of equity								$ 800,000
Common shares issued in connection with the exercise of warrants							249,824	249,824
Warrant [Member] \| January 2018 Public Offering [Member] \| Majority Shareholder
Issued (in shares)				1,538,461
Majority Shareholder \| October 2018 Common Share Offering [Member]
Proceeds from issuance or sale of equity			$ 3,100,000
Majority Shareholder \| Common Stock \| October 2018 Common Share Offering [Member]
Issued (in shares)			1,538,461

Stockholders' equity - Warrants (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
Stockholders' equity - Warrants (Details) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Number of warrant shares
Exercised (in shares)	(83,564)
Weighted average exercise price
Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 3.25
Warrant [Member]
Number of warrant shares
Outstanding (in shares)	1,662,304	1,745,868.00
Issued (in shares)	0
Exercised (in shares)	(83,564)
Exercisable (in shares)	1,662,304
Weighted average exercise price
Outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 3.25	$ 3.25
Issued (in dollars per share)	0.00
Exercised (in dollars per share)	3.25
Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 3.25

Stockholders' equity - Restricted stock (Details) - Restricted Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019 $ / shares shares
Shares
Unvested beginning balance (in shares) \| shares	8,867
Granted (in shares) \| shares	206,604
Vested (in shares) \| shares	(175,571)
Unvested ending balance (in shares) \| shares	39,900
Weighted average grant date fair value
Unvested beginning balance (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 3.51
Granted (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	2.16
Vested (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	2.19
Unvested ending balance (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 2.31

Stockholders' equity - Stock Option Activity (Details)	12 Months Ended
Stockholders' equity - Stock Option Activity (Details)	Dec. 31, 2019 $ / shares shares
Number of options
Beginning balance (in shares) \| shares	339,964
Issued (in shares) \| shares	313,500
Expired (in shares) \| shares	(79,539)
Ending balance (in shares) \| shares	573,925
Exercisable (in shares) \| shares	467,357
Weighted average exercise price
Beginning balance (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 7.09
Issued (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	2.23
Expired (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	3.41
Ending balance (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	4.94
Exercisable (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 5.52

Stockholders' equity - Summary of Options Outstanding and Exercisable (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019 $ / shares shares
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Number of options outstanding (in shares)	573,925
Number of options exercisable (in shares)	467,357
Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 5.52
$2.50 - $5.70
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Number of options outstanding (in shares)	438,663
Weighted average remaining estimated life (in years)	9 years
Number of options exercisable (in shares)	333,465
$6.90 - $9.60
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Number of options outstanding (in shares)	52,841
Weighted average remaining estimated life (in years)	3 years 1 month 6 days
Number of options exercisable (in shares)	52,841
$10.50 - $10.80
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Number of options outstanding (in shares)	4,000
Weighted average remaining estimated life (in years)	4 years 7 months 6 days
Number of options exercisable (in shares)	4,000
$14.20 - $23.40
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Number of options outstanding (in shares)	78,421
Weighted average remaining estimated life (in years)	5 years 10 months 24 days
Number of options exercisable (in shares)	77,051
Minimum \| $2.50 - $5.70
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 2.11
Minimum \| $6.90 - $9.60
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	6.90
Minimum \| $10.50 - $10.80
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	10.50
Minimum \| $14.20 - $23.40
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	14.20
Maximum \| $2.50 - $5.70
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	5.70
Maximum \| $6.90 - $9.60
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	9.60
Maximum \| $10.50 - $10.80
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	10.80
Maximum \| $14.20 - $23.40
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 23.40

Stockholders' equity - Weighted Average Assumptions (Details) - Employee Stock Option	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected volatility		81.00%	78.00%
Risk free interest rate		2.60%	1.80%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected life (in years)	5 years	5 years	5 years
Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected volatility	100.00%
Risk free interest rate	2.85%
Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected volatility	89.00%
Risk free interest rate	1.55%

Stockholders' equity - Compensation Costs Recognized on Financial Statements (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Total share-based compensation	$ 872,177	$ 263,396	$ 122,134
Research and development
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Total share-based compensation	3,127	3,238	3,168
Sales and marketing
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Total share-based compensation	12,578	0	9,315
General and administrative
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Total share-based compensation	$ 856,472	$ 260,158	$ 109,651

Income taxes - Components of Loss Before Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Domestic	$ (12,950,725)	$ (9,702,869)	$ (6,526,706)
Foreign	(276,917)	(679,190)	(2,731,941)
Loss before income taxes	$ (13,227,642)	$ (10,382,059)	$ (9,258,647)

Income taxes - Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax benefit	$ (2,777,805)	$ (2,180,233)	$ (3,147,940)
State and provincial income tax, net of federal benefit	397,081	(534,789)	(678,438)
Permanent differences	219,549	53,795	(2,923)
US-Foreign rate differential	38,776	(13,955)	371,551
Other, net	866,250	1,182,900	(98,947)
Effect of tax reform	0	0	3,687,844
Income tax, prior to change in valuation allowance	(1,256,149)	(1,492,282)	131,147
Change in valuation allowance	1,256,149	1,492,282	(131,147)
Total income tax	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Income taxes - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Domestic Tax Authority
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Domestic operating loss carryforwards	$ 39.0
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Foreign operating loss carryforwards	8.0
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] \| Research Tax Credit Carryforward
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Foreign research and development tax credit carryforwards	$ 2.6

Income taxes - Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 12,251,892	$ 14,120,607
Foreign research and development tax credit carryforwards	2,564,679	2,628,190
Property and equipment	429,764	463,343
Intangibles	3,055,820	(75,269)
Other	185,829	94,964
Total deferred tax assets	18,487,984	17,231,835
Valuation allowance	(18,487,984)	(17,231,835)
Net deferred tax assets	$ 0	$ 0

Commitments and contingencies - Narrative (Details)	12 Months Ended
Commitments and contingencies - Narrative (Details)	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2017 USD ($) ft²
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Lease expense	$ 140,000
Lease payment	$ 143,000
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term	22 years 9 months 18 days
Maynard Office Lease [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Square feet of office space \| ft²		3,558
Lease term (in years)	5 years 7 months
Future minimum lease payments		$ 332,824
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term	3 years 3 months
Bell Aquaculture Lease [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Lease term (in years)	30 years
Semi-annual lease payment	$ 7,000
Annual increase in lease payment	3.00%
Lease auto-renewal term	20 years

Commitments and contingencies Lease Obligations (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term	22 years 9 months 18 days
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due	$ 923,896	$ 1,066,676
Lease liability	415,094	532,439
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months	(85,011)	(142,780)
Operating Lease, Liability, Current	(62,286)	(117,345)
Operating lease, payments due, long-term	838,885	923,896
Long-term lease obligation	$ 352,808	415,094	$ 0
Maynard Office Lease [Member]
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term	3 years 3 months
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due	$ 215,556	278,414
Lease liability	$ 186,323	234,685
Panama Farm Lease [Member]
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term	0 years
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due	$ 0	60,000
Lease liability	$ 0	59,013
Indiana auto lease [Member]
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term	1 year 2 months 1 day
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due	$ 5,999	10,842
Lease liability	$ 5,533	9,897
Indiana well lease [Member]
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term	29 years 7 days
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due	$ 702,341	717,420
Lease liability	$ 223,238	$ 228,844

Commitments and contingencies Leases (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
2020	$ 85,011	$ 142,780
2021	83,571
2022	84,080
2023	33,873
2024	17,481
Thereafter	619,880
Total Lease Payments	923,896	$ 1,066,676
Office [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
2020	64,637
2021	66,416
2022	67,602
2023	16,901
2024	0
Thereafter	0
Total Lease Payments	215,556
Auto [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
2020	4,842
2021	1,157
2022	0
2023	0
2024	0
Thereafter	0
Total Lease Payments	5,999
Well [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
2020	15,532
2021	15,998
2022	16,478
2023	16,972
2024	17,481
Thereafter	619,880
Total Lease Payments	$ 702,341

Retirement plan (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Retirement plan (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
United States
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer contributions to retirement plan	$ 63,604	$ 43,866	$ 31,308
Canada
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer contributions to retirement plan	$ 28,474	$ 25,900	$ 26,578

Related Party Collaboration Agreement (Details) - Exclusive Channel Collaborations Agreement - Majority Shareholder - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of gross profits due quarterly to Precigen	16.66%
Percentage of quarterly revenue from sublicensor due to Precigen	50.00%
Service costs incurred	$ 17,550	$ 217,833	$ 562,039
Service costs included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$ 0	$ 800

Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 46,367	$ 0	$ 42,486	$ 97,885	$ 6,585	$ 10,938	$ 47,898	$ 19,097	$ 186,738	$ 84,518.00	$ 53,278.00
Operating loss	(3,403,639)	(2,999,592)	(4,019,719)	(2,755,694)	(2,417,714)	(2,720,027)	(2,784,583)	(2,443,472)	(13,178,644)	(10,365,796)	(9,232,099)
Net loss	$ 3,418,757	$ 3,018,222	$ 4,026,731	$ 2,763,932	2,424,095	2,727,028	2,781,149	2,449,787	13,227,642	10,382,059	9,258,647
Deemed dividend					$ (1,822,873)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ (1,822,873)	$ 0
Basic and diluted net loss per share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.16)	$ (0.14)	$ (0.19)	$ (0.17)	$ (0.30)	$ (0.21)	$ (0.22)	$ (0.21)	$ (0.66)	$ (0.94)	$ (1.06)

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References + Details

Subsequent events (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
Subsequent events (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020	Feb. 29, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
February 2020 Public Offering [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance or sale of equity			$ 14.5		$ 14.5
February 2020 Public Offering [Member] \| Common Stock
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Issued (in shares)				10,350,000
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Proceeds from Legal Settlements	$ 1.2
Subsequent Event [Member] \| February 2020 Public Offering [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance or sale of equity		$ 14.5
Subsequent Event [Member] \| February 2020 Public Offering [Member] \| Common Stock
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Issued (in shares)		10,350,000