Technology developed at UF spawns start-up companies
March 9, 2009
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Even as unemployment rates climb and economic news worsens, research at the University of Florida continues to spur start-up companies throughout the state.
UF officials say such start-up companies are key to keeping Florida college graduates in the state when they seek jobs. Start-ups also offer an alternative to the state’s traditional reliance on growth and development for economic progress.
This is the first in a series of periodic reports of some of these successful efforts.
Start-up company cuts the cords
WiPower Inc., a start-up company housed in the Gainesville Technology Enterprise Center and based on technology licensed from UF, was featured on the “Today Show” in January in a segment about wireless technologies. WiPower has developed a wireless pad that recharges electronic devices. The company began more than four years ago when Chief Executive Officer Ryan Tseng grew tired of sorting through power adapters and packing them for travel on a bi-weekly basis. The company’s universal wireless power system is simple and convenient. With a single connection to the wall, the system can charge multiple devices at the same time. For a demonstration, visit http://www.wipower.com/media.htm
Company site: www.wipower.com
Contact: Ryan Tseng, 407-402-6387, rtseng@wipowerinc.com
UF start-up develops solar energy products
As electricity consumption continues to increase worldwide, developing products to cost- effectively generate electricity using renewable energy sources is becoming a necessity. Sestar Technologies LLC, a start-up company based on technology licensed from the University of Florida Research Foundation, is developing polymer photovoltaic materials to be used in three markets:
- SolarTurf, a synthetic grass product laced with PV cells that turns a high-maintenance yard into a beautiful, care-free lawn capable of generating eco-friendly electricity.
- SolarFabrics, for use in military tents, camouflage and other fabric applications.
- SolarRec Equipment, in which camping gear incorporates the same capabilities as above.
Additionally, Sestar is developing High Conductive Transparent Electrodes that not only transfer the electricity from the polymer PV products mentioned above to the grid but also introduce a revolutionary patented process and application that will transform flat screen TV technology.
Sestar recently received a $350,000 investment from a UF alumnus for the continuing development of its solar energy products, which it will initially test in Florida, California, Nevada and Arizona.
Contact: Mike Starks, 352-872-2572, Mstarks1@gmail.com
Former UF student joins start-up
For some UF students, research in the lab turns into a promising career after graduation. That’s exactly what happened to Kenneth Chung. As a graduate student in materials science and engineering, he did research on the design, fabrication and testing of engineering surface technology in collaboration with physicians, engineers, biologists and chemists. He was the leader of studies investigating a surface for biofilm inhibition of S. aureus. This technology, inspired by the antimicrobial properties of shark skin, became the basis for a start-up company called Sharklet. Sharklet, the company’s core surface technology, is the first no-kill, nontoxic surface developed to control bacteria including Staph a., Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E. coli. Chung is now the director of research and development for the company.
Company site: www.sharklet.com
Contact: Joe Bagan, 386-418-0078, jbagan@sharklet.com