Carolinas Photonics & Optics Investor Conference
Presenting Company Bios
Growth Companies
Bioptigen:
Bioptigen's pioneering in vivo optical imaging technology allows researchers and clinicians to see pathologies at their earliest stages. The sophisticated SDOCT hardware and software system enables real-time non invasive imaging of internal tissue microstructure at an unmatched level of precision and depth. Our system extends the application space to cover a wide range of human and animal subjects. These advances make it possible for researchers to open up new avenues of biological exploration and development, and clinicians to foster advances in disease detection and management. Recognized with the 2007 Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Award for Excellence in Research, Bioptigen is the technology leader in spectral domain ophthalmic imaging systems. For more information contact Eric Buckland ebuckland@bioptigen.com
Semprius:
Semprius develops, manufactures and markets high concentration photovoltaic (HCPV) modules for large-scale solar power generation (solar farms). The HCPV module consists of a lens array which concentrates sunlight onto hundreds of very small, high efficiency solar cells, which convert the sunlight into electricity. Semprius employs a proprietary, automated manufacturing process that provides high module reliability, performance and high-volume production scalability and low cost. Semprius was founded in 2005 by Dr. John Rogers and Dr. Ralph Nuzzo at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana and Dr. George Whitesides at Harvard University. The company is based in Research Triangle Park, NC. For more information contact Bob Conner bob.conner@semprius.com
Sensory Analytics:
Sensory Analytics (www.sensoryanalytics.com) of Greensboro, North Carolina is a fast-growing leader in the development of innovative coating thickness measurement systems for precision manufacturers. SpecMetrix® portable and automated coating measurement systems are bringing real-time coating quality measurement and process validation to manufacturers within the packaging, aerospace, electronics, medical devices and industrial coatings markets. The Company’s SpecMetrix® technology was recently recognized by Finishing Today Magazine as one of the year’s hottest innovations in the global product finishing and coatings markets. For more information contact Greg Frisby tecgrowth@aol.com
Southeast TechInventures:
Southeast TechInventures (STI) focuses on the commercialization of technologies that originate from university campuses. STI has pioneered a commercialization process which involves a unique university licensing methodology, our ability to obtain funding for technology and prototype development (including SBIR funding) and to develop strategic industry partnerships. This process results in spin-off companies that are attractive to institutional investors. STI’s primary technology focus areas include: (1) Medical devices, (2) Photonics and Communications, (3) Nanotechnologies, and (4) Materials. To date 4 of our spin-off companies have raised external financing and operate independently in commercializing products while 8 spin-off companies are within the accelerator finalizing prototype development in preparation for external financing. For more information contact Karen LeVert klevert@setechinv.com
Early Stage Companies
InnerOptic:
With a vision of “Simpler, Safer Surgery through Visualization Technology,” InnerOptic is revolutionizing minimally invasive surgery (MIS) with its advanced image-guided products. InnerOptic’s innovative InVision™ System is a “GPS for the surgeon,” providing a computer-enhanced interface that improves a surgeon’s ability to accurately perform complex MIS procedures using intra-operative ultrasound. InnerOptic’s image-guided products improve minimally invasive surgery by reducing surgery time and injury rates, resulting in better patient outcomes. For more information contact Brian Heany brian@inneroptic.com
MBright:
MBright brings patented frame-buffer pixel technology to the emerging pocket projector market, forecast to grow from nominal sales to 6.5 million units in 2011. Embodied in an LCOS projector, this proprietary technology significantly improves brightness and contrast ratio, while reducing complexity and cost. This technology enables achievement of the price point necessary for market penetration by a projection solution for portable devices such as laptops, iPods, cell phones, portable video players and gaming systems, where there is an unmet need for display size to exceed system form factor. MBright has a working lab prototype proof of concept, and plans to have production prototypes/Beta units in 2 years, for market introduction and ramp. For more information contact Phil Nyborg pnyborg@bellsouth.net
Oncoscope:
Oncoscope develops proprietary optical systems that accurately locate pre-cancerous cells in epithelial tissues including the esophagus, colon, lung, bladder, and cervix. This breakthrough technology enables non-invasive, high-coverage detection of cancer not possible with existing methods. Total market opportunity is > $1B, with first product for the esophagus having a US market opportunity of $225M. The system for the esophagus will provide guided biopsy and consists of a base unit, a probe compatible with current esophageal endoscopes, and a disposable single use probe tip. A 510(k) path to FDA clearance is expected. For more information contact William Brown wbrown@oncoscope.com
Protochips:
Protochips, Inc. develops and manufactures the next generation of products required
for the research, development, and commercialization of a broad array of applications
for industries including electronics, energy and pharmaceuticals. Using its own novel
technology platform, Protochips is transforming the most widely used characterization
tools – electron and optical microscopes - from cameras into complete nano-scale laboratories.
Protochips is an early-stage, early revenue company that has demonstrated the ability to put
products into the market. From the testimonials of our current customers and the enthusiasm
of our future ones, Protochips is confident that this strategy of transforming electron and
optical microscopes into nano-scale laboratories will result in the most advanced and
sought-after tools in research, development and manufacturing. For more information contact David Nackashi david@protochips.com
Selah Technologies:
Selah Technologies, LLC is an advanced materials manufacturing company focused on the development of nanotechnology enabled products for the biomedical and consumer electronics industries. These innovative products are based on two patent pending platform technologies. Selah Dots™ are brightly luminescent carbon nanoparticles targeted to revolutionize the $40 billion per year In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) market by replacing fluorescent dyes and other contrast agents critical to early disease detection and rapid screening. Selah Tubes™ are enriched single-walled carbon nanotubes that will enable the next generation of transparent conductive electrodes in the $100 billion dollar per year flat panel display arena. Selah has established relationships with multiple multinational companies to accelerate adoption of its innovative products within these highly profitable markets. For more information contact Michael Bolick michael.bolick@selahtechnologies.com
Seed Stage Companies
Blue Angel Optics:
Blue Angel Optics makes multi-spectral infrared cameras that are capable of real-time, stand-off analysis of objects. BAO’s camera systems are faster, more compact, lower power, and more reliable than competing camera systems. BAO’s technology will allow infrared cameras to see “color”, since the majority of infrared cameras today are “black-and-white” and have only one color channel. The markets addressed by BAO include military surveillance and target recognition, medical diagnostics, and process/quality control. For more information contact Scott McCain smccain@blueangeloptics.com
Endls Optics:
Endls Optics Corporation is an early stage start-up company located in Research Triangle Park, NC. The company’s product, Illuminus, is a light-based device that guides the surgeon to completely remove the tumor at the time of initial surgery, thereby preventing patients from increased risk of cancer spread and unnecessary second surgeries. The company’s initial focus is in the excisional breast biopsy and breast cancer surgery market. About 145,000 women with breast cancer undergo a second invasive surgery each year because surgeons have no intraoperative instruments that ensure that the cancer has been completely removed at the time of the first surgery. The Illuminus product is currently being tested in a 150-patient clinical study at Duke University Medical Center. For more information contact Nimmi Ramanujam nimmi@duke.edu
HueMetrix:
HueMetrix, Inc. is dedicated to making the real-time control of color chemistry a reality through the development, production, and service of analytical instruments and adaptive color control systems for laboratory and production environments. HueMetrix’s entry market is textiles where the immediate business and environmental needs are very strong confirmed by our strategic partnerships with HanesBrands, Cotton Incorporated, and others. For more information about HueMetrix, visit www.huemetrix.com. For more information contact Russell Thomas r.thomas@huemetrix.com |
