Economic Engine
Results from the past few years prove what many economists have long claimed, that the University of Utah is an economic engine for the State of Utah. Twenty-three companies were launched from new technologies developed at the university within the last year. The companies not only move research forward through the licensing royalty revenue they bring in, but they provide jobs for the people of Utah and help to strengthen the economy of the state.
University of Utah Start-Up Companies 2008-2009
BlackRock is a new entity that provides enabling tools for the neuroscience, neural engineering and neuroprosthetics research and clinical community worldwide.
Branching Tree is developing drug delivery products using injectable thermogels.
Energence Partners is a new energy and environmental company that accelerates the selection and implementation of breakthrough technologies.
Ergonomic Tool Development manufactures a tool for loosening metal rods to check for natural gas leaks or other pipeline problems.
H20 Tech is developing a new process of wastewater clean-up using electro-biochemical technology.
Headwaters Clean Carbon Services is a joint venture between the University of Utah and Headwaters, Incorporated that is focused on developing carbon capture and storage projects and developing carbon-neutral power plants.
HiFunda is a technology company that aims to use magnetostrictive materials to generate electricity from ocean waves.
Integratech hopes to develop a new screening system for the development of new drugs against HIV.
JSK Therapeutics is developing novel anti-cancer drugs using an approved compound to inhibit the growth of cancer cells, a paradigm shift in cancer therapy.
Safe Driving Systems is commercializing a cost-effective device, Key2Safe Driving, that automatically restricts texting and cell phone usage while driving. For more information visit www.safedrivingsystems.com.
Marrek is developing novel algorithms for post-ablation monitoring and tracking of lesions.
Miriacotech is commercializing a soil remediation technology and is currently developing a prototype system.
Nanomedic is developing technology for diagnosis and treatment of age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's, osteoporosis and cancer.
Optema's technology will allow industries such as the construction sector to shift away from labor intensive onsite assembly of structures to an automated factory production process.
Purple Energy is prototyping a new type of geothermal power plant with plans eventually build a full-scale facility in Utah.
RNA Biosciences is developing diagnostic and personalized health clinical tests that improve the care of patients with liver disease.
SCI-U develops cell phone games designed to teach science-related subjects.
Sera Prognostics was created to commercialize a joint invention with BYU to establish a diagnostic platform for preeclampsia and pre-term birth.
Seasonal Energy is built around the development of the Utah Thermal Energy Siphon, a technology taking advantage of the ability to store and transfer energy from the ground.
TheraRenal is developing anti-obesity compounds using novel nitrated fatty acids.
TheraTarget is a USTAR company created to commercialize innovative polymer delivery technologies coupled with therapeutics for the treatment of cancer.
WasteWater Compliance Systems manufactures a wastewater digest, "Poo-Gloo," for lagoons and municipalities.
University of Utah Start-Up Companies 2007-2008
Advanced Signal Detections is developing algorithms for various modes of secure wireless communication such as jam-resistant communications.
Akadi Technologies LLC is commercializing a web-based display and digital signage technology.
Allegro Diagnostics is a leader in the field of gene expression molecular diagnostic testing for lung cancer and other diseases.
Baby Jock Company is focusing on the marketing of children’s exercise videos and merchandise utilizing the services of Angry Duck Productions.
BioEnergenix is developing novel therapeutic strategies for obesity, diabetes and other metabolic diseases.
Catheter Connections has a technology designed to significantly reduce healthcare acquired infections from catheters and related vascular access systems.
Celux Technologies is based on a platform technology that has the potential to develop a broad array of new products in biosensors, biocompatible materials, bioseparations, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals.
Epitel Inc. has developed a telemetry device to wirelessly detect, monitor, and analyze brainwaves for epilepsy and sleep disorders.
GeoMind LLC has developed novel algorithms to visualize geological formations.
GlycoMyra Pharmaceutical is focused on treatments for skin ailments such as Rosacea and Psoriasis. They are also looking into the possibility of developing a biologically based line of anti-aging cosmetics.
Heavy Stone Labs is manufacturing and selling a new composite drill cutter design that has superior chipping resistance compared to conventional shear cutter designs.
I2S is streamlining the processing, managing, and assessment of federal grants for international companies. The company is already managing a large DARPA grant for the benefit of the Fraunhofer Institute.
Nanonc Inc. is developing a novel drug delivery system to better package therapeutics using nano-sized bubbles. These drug containing nanobubbles can then be injected intravenously whereupon they accumulate in cancerous tissues and can be activated and destroyed using ultrasound.
Nano-Oxides is focusing on the scale-up and production of nano-sized ceramic oxide powders for a broad range of applications including the development of new fuel cells and energy catalysts.
PFO Technologies LLC is combining a patented medical device to close Patent Foreman Ovales (a hole in a baby’s heart), one of the most prevalent abnormalities that exist in humans.
Philotek LLC is developing micro-array technology to improve the sensitivity of detection of specific DNA fragments, e.g. expression of specific genes. Their micro-array chips can be used in existing products sold by all major companies.
Riggalya is developing a novel drug delivery system to better package therapeutics using nano-sized bubbles. These drug containing nanobubbles can then be injected intravenously whereupon they accumulate in cancerous tissues and can be activated and destroyed using ultrasound.
RU Ready was developed by the University of Utah’s Continuing Educational personnel. It is a college readiness learning and self-assessment program to help increase students’ chances for college success.
Surfagen has recently designed and developed a class of novel multifunctional carriers that have the ability to form stable nanoparticulate complexes that efficiently release siRNA.
Trapeze Media Solutions has developed a novel piece of software to capture and preserve scientific posters. The software creates a single interactive file to which media and other interactive files can prosper.
ViroPan is developing a proprietary, intra-vaginal delivery method for prevention of human papillomavirus and other viral sexually transmitted diseases.
VisTrails LLC has developed a new scientific workflow management system that streamlines the creation, execution and sharing of complex visualizations, data mining, or other large-scale data analysis applications.
Wasatch Nanopore Sensors LLC manufactures devices, which can be used to measure very small particles (about 50nm in size), organic and inorganic molecules, and potentially sequence nucleic acids (e.g. DNA).
University of Utah Start-Up Companies 2006-2007
Boulder Technology Development Labs is focusing on an invention developed primarily for exercise physiology and training using a “Single Leg Ergometer.”
Rescue Medical Systems Inc. has developed a novel CPR training device for the mass market and was recently featured on NASA’s online journal.
ThermImage has a unique imaging system to detect pediatric kidney infections. The technology eliminates the need for painful catheters currently in use by pediatricians.
Osteoseek Inc. is developing bone-targeting polymeric drug delivery systems and the manufacturing methods to produce the polymers and related copolymers used to deliver such drugs.
Larada Inc. is developing a non-chemical application to kill head lice using a combination of heat and air flow. The device is highly efficient in killing both lice and nits (lice eggs). The technology has sparked global interest and will eventually be marketed worldwide.
ImageTechnologies Inc. is developing a new and improved method to detect carotenoid levels in the eye that may relate to the development of a host of ophthalmic diseases including macular degeneration.
Central Logic Inc. is a software development company that is building a unique database with a secure web interface to track medical records and scheduling at hospitals.
LV Partners is developing a personalized medical fund around the identification of unique biomarkers for some of the world’s most problematic diseases.
ContraDyn, Inc. was formed to commercialize a minimally invasive technology for image-guided cancer treatment using contrast enhanced MRI with photodynamic therapy. This is an effective cancer treatment with minimal damage to normal tissues.
Angry Duck Productions is an animation, graphics and video production company. The company has a unique mission in training and educating students in the School of Arts and Technology and serves to facilitate the use of the unique assets that are developed within the College of Fine Arts.
Cerebus Carbon Solutions LLC is a conduit for the development of the unique carbon capture technologies developed at the Energy and Geoscience Institute.
UGEN is marketing a unique breast cancer diagnostic method that uses gene expression analysis to personalize care for breast cancer patients by matching molecular tumor subtypes with appropriate drug treatments.
Navigen is focusing on the use of molecular genetic techniques to identify genes that predispose patients to retinal diseases. The company is developing diagnostics and drug therapies to prevent these diseases.
BioFuels Development Corporation is currently developing clean burning fuels.
RayScale is based on Interactive Ray-Tracing and Photo Realistic Visualization dedicated to the development of tools for interactively visualizing large-scale data sets on the fly with advanced lighting and material models that help users understand the subtle detail in high-fidelity data sets.
N-Focus is developing a silicon-based micro-camera for use in cell phones and digital cameras. The size of the new auto focus system is 1.3 millimeters; the lens is slightly larger than mechanical pencil lead.
University of Utah Start-Up Companies 2005-2006
Intan Technologies LLC - Established to develop new manufacturing methods for the semiconductor industry using low-power integrated circuits. The company has licensed copyrighted software and source codes developed out of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department.
Xapio - Their mission is to provide intuitive, simple, and efficient solutions to organize and communicate information globally and immediately with privacy and security. The novel file share technologies improve communications via existing infrastructure with the potential benefit of increasing productivity and reducing operational costs.
Carbalyn - The company was formed to develop new products and applications utilizing a novel biopolymer developed at the U. The hydrogel has applications in drug delivery, surgical repair, and medical device coatings. The company was formed by the infusion of a $8 million Series A funding.
Vestan - This company was inspired by the fact that in breast cancer patients, some portion of the tumors are left behind in over 40% of all cases. This company will use a novel diagnostic imaging device and surgical tools, primarily for breast cancer surgery, but eventually will be sued for other malignancies such as skin, uterus and intra-abdominal cancers. Vestan recently was awarded a VIP grant from the TCO.
TechnoImaging LLC - Created out of the LaunchPad program, this company is using new electromagnetic imaging techniques for mineral and petroleum exploration.
Nephrogen - A biotechnology company located in Research Park at the University of Utah. Scientists at Nephrogen are exploring the therapeutic potential of adult stem cells collected from blood to restore kidney function.
Neuroadjuvants - This company is the result of collaborative efforts between University of Utah departments in Pharmacology, Biology and the Brain Institute. They are focusing on the development of new drugs for nerve related disorders.
MicroArray Inc. - Uses novel microfluidics and hybridization techniques to reduce sample size and scale to large arrays in an effort to increase the efficiency of biosensor platforms.
Fuels Development Group - A start-up company that will focus on the development of cost effective, more efficient jet fuels. The company is currently sponsoring University research toward a commercial prototype.
Intellivis - Utilizes proprietary visualization software and hardware to create real-time decision making environments for network security, gaming, financial and other industries.
Sentrx - Uses hydrogel technologies developed at the University of Utah to assist in the repair and recovery of surgical procedures in animals.
Zicthus - Using a proprietary diagnostic tool for the discovery of new therapeutics for the treatment of colo-rectal cancer.
Respiris - A result of research resulting from Lineagen and will focus on new biomarkers and treatments for pulmonary disease.
Wasatch Microfluidics - Focuses on the development of innovative microfluidic devices for pharmaceutical research, with applications in drug discovery, genetics and clinical diagnostics. Microfluidics is the science of designing, manufacturing and formulating devices and processes that deal with volumes of fluid on the order of nanoliters.
Live Wire Test Laboratories - Developing methods and devices for wire fault detection. The first line of products are for aircraft wiring.
Glycosan - Manufactures novel hydrogel polymers.
LifeScan - Echelon Biosciences and The University of Utah have collaborated to develop diagnostic kits for peparin detection.
Exeven - Screening and development of new drug candidates.
Heightened Technologies - This business is built around using a novel ozonation technology with applications in remediation, water purification, analytics and food processing.
Visual Share LLC - This is a software company trying to build a collaborative service business in the areas of medical informatics, remote collaboration and telemedicine.