Blogs

FirstIgnite is supporting the commercialization of Florida International University’s new technology for copper catalysts which oxidize hydrocarbons. This technology is cost-effective and sustainable, catalysts use atmospheric oxygen as oxidant and are easy to prepare, ligands of the complexes are readily available, peripheral ligand substitution can produce catalysts tailored to specific applications, and low-grade hydrocarbons can be used as substrates of the dinuclear copper catalyst.As of 2022, the global petrochemicals market is worth $584.50 billion and is expected to reach $1,002.45 billion by 2030. There is increasing demand for petrochemical products because they are a vital component for many industrial processes.The technology for copper catalysts which oxidize hydrocarbons developed at Florida International University is ready for collaboration, and they are looking for industry feedback on their research and potential future collaboration (licensing, partnerships, industry feedback, etc.). Is your company the right fit? If you’d be available for a conversation with the Florida International University team, you can schedule a time directly on their team’s calendar here.

FirstIgnite is supporting the commercialization of Florida International University’s new system for testing mechanical properties of an ultra-soft material in the meso/macro-length scale. This system allows for the measurement of bulk mechanical properties of centimeter-scale ultra-soft materials through the indentation technique, allows for mechanical property testing of ultra-soft materials, is adaptable for conventional table-top mechanical frames, and can be implemented at a minimal cost.Of the many fields this system is applicable to, the tissue engineering market is on the rise. As of 2021, the tissue engineering market was worth $12.76 billion and is expected to reach $31.23 billion by 2030.Florida International University’s system for testing mechanical properties of an ultra-soft material in the meso/macro-length scale is ready for collaboration, and they are looking for industry feedback on their research and potential future collaboration (licensing, partnerships, etc.). Is your company the right fit? If you’d be available for a conversation with the Florida International University team, you can schedule a time directly on their team’s calendar here.

FirstIgnite is supporting the commercialization of Florida International University’s new bipolar exfoliation of graphene technology. The benefits of this technology include the fabrication of high-quality graphene, it is economical, safe, and easy to control, it's environmentally friendly compared to existing methods, and it assists in the mass production of graphene-based devices. Furthermore, this technology is applicable to energy storage, optical and electronic devices, and sensors for biomedical applications.As of 2022, the global energy storage systems market is worth $222.79 billion and is expected to reach $512.41 billion by 2030. Increasing demand for efficient and competitive energy resources will drive market growth in this category.The bipolar graphene exfoliation technology developed at Florida International University is ready for collaboration, and they are looking for industry feedback on their research and potential future collaboration (licensing, partnerships, industry feedback, etc.). Is your company the right fit? If you’d be available for a conversation with the Florida International University team, you can schedule a time directly on their team’s calendar here.

FirstIgnite is supporting the commercialization of Florida International University’s new technology for the precursors in organic and biologically targeted syntheses. This technology is beneficial for the production of bulk chemicals. This includes the preparation of expensive 5-iodindene and unreported 7-iodindene in high yields utilizing readily available and cost-effective reagents and avoiding the use of expensive nitroindenes, unstable aminoindenes, and potentially explosive trifluoroperacetic acid. In addition, the technology can be extended for the preparation of various 4-, 5-, 6-, or 7-haloindenes. Finally, this technology is applicable to precursors in organic and biologically targeted syntheses.In 2021, global specialty chemicals market was worth $595.3 billion and is expected to reach $824.1 billion by 2028. With increasing demand, this technology is able to provide a more effective form of chemical production.Florida International University’s technology for the precursors in organic and biologically targeted syntheses is ready for collaboration, and they are looking for industry feedback on their research and potential future collaboration (licensing, partnerships, industry feedback, etc.). Is your company the right fit? If you’d be available for a conversation with the Florida International University team, you can schedule a time directly on their team’s calendar here.

Tennessee Tech University has partnered with FirstIgnite to find potential sponsors for their greenhouse project. The proposed 10-acre greenhouse complex will be used for several purposes, including demonstrating cutting-edge technology at an affordable cost, providing students with hands-on learning opportunities in the greenhouse environment, and providing a marketing platform for regional producers.The greenhouses at Tennessee Tech will serve a variety of smart agricultural applications. The smart agriculture market size in 2022 is worth $15.88 billion and is expected to reach $35.98 billion by 2030. This relatively new field leads to improvements in yield, efficiency, and profitability.In this emerging industry, Tennessee Tech's greenhouse project gives it an advantage in the marketplace. Is your company the right fit? If you are interested in a conversation regarding sponsorship with the Tennessee Tech University team, you can schedule a time directly on their team’s calendar here.

FirstIgnite is supporting the commercialization of Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s new coating technology that allows the ability to direct cell fates in vitro. The benefits of this technology include its removable nature, which enables cell culture dishes to be recycled. Additionally, this technology, which is applicable to the therapeutic market, improves and increases yields of desired cell types.In 2020, the global targeted therapeutics market was worth $100.9 billion and is expected to reach $142.6 billion by 2026. Targeted therapeutics offer a wide range of potential treatments.Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s coated cell culture apparatus technology is ready for collaboration, and they are looking for industry feedback on their research and potential future collaboration (licensing, partnerships, industry feedback, etc.). Is your company the right fit? If you’d be available for a conversation with the Worcester Polytechnic Institute team, you can schedule a time directly on their team’s calendar here.

Did you know that University of Virginia researchers developed the medication Adenocard, which can be used to treat and diagnose a specific type of irregular heartbeat? Dr. Robert M. Berne, Dr. Luiz Belardinelli, and Dr. Rafael Rubio researched and developed the medication that has impacted many lives.It is estimated that 1 in 300 people in the US deal with the type of irregular heartbeat that Adenocard treats called paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT). Symptoms from PSVT include heart palpitations and chest pain. Coupled with existing heart problems, an irregular heartbeat can lead to death. Before the development of Adenocard, research was being conducted at the University of Virginia on the molecule called adenosine.The three researchers discovered that the molecule adenosine could be used to treat PSVT. After years of studies, in 1987, the patent for adenosine, under the name Adenocard, was issued and could be used to treat patients. In further years, it would become used for diagnosis as well, furthering its success.Adenocard restored regular heartbeats and helped doctors to diagnose irregular heartbeats. Companies like Astellas and Pfizer manufacture this drug (under the name Adenosine), which is vital to the pharmaceutical industry. The medication continues to have significant growth, with the market being expected to reach $2.13 billion dollars by 2026. The drug that has saved many lives since its development continues to have a lasting impact; researchers at the University have made further discoveries regarding the adenosine molecule in areas such as the immune system and coronary artery disease. Today, the medication has produced more than $50 million dollars for cardiovascular research at the University of Virginia.

Partnering with universities is a viable way to innovate and drive growth to your organization. Where to begin is often the most difficult part. FirstIgnite will help your organization identify and partner with the specific universities, laboratories, and experts that you need in order to make the next blockbuster drug, like Adenocard.

The University of Central Florida’s (UCF) College of Medicine employs multiple world class faculty members including Dr. Tim Gilbertson. Over the years, Dr. Gilbertson has served as member, co-chairman, chairman, consultant, and councilor with a vast number of national and international organizations and committees. He has also been awarded a number of competitive and research grants, totaling over $7,038,836. His patents include work in taste enhancing food additives and has received a number of honors and awards, including Graduate Mentor of the Year, Teacher of the Year, Researcher of the Year, and Senior Scientist Award. He has also made appearances on CNN, Discovery Channel, NPR and PBS and in USA Today, Science News, Boston Globe, and Business Week. To continue to proliferate research collaborations for Dr. Gilbertson, the College of Medicine worked with FirstIgnite through September 2022 to find 8 new companies interested in potential research collaborations and partnerships.Supporting premier faculty members is an all-encompassing task. From consulting opportunities to research partnerships and more, universities must navigate a plethora of companies and company objectives in order to ensure that relationships can be built for their faculty on a solid foundation. FirstIgnite utilizes a proprietary software which helps ensure that companies that are communicated with have a specific interest in the work of a selected faculty member. This is accomplished through the use of Natural Language Processing or NLP. FirstIgnite uses NLP to match specific scientific terms and phrases within a piece of scientific literature (patent, tech brief, journal entry, etc.) from a professor with documentation held by companies, ensuring valuable and real reasons why a company would already be interested in collaborating. By then utilizing marketing campaigns, FirstIgnite can continue to qualify companies before they make it to the faculty member for a discussion, adding an additional layer of security to make sure that the discussion will be worthwhile.[caption id="attachment_4800" align="alignnone" width="1100"]

Dr. Tim Gilbertson. Dr. Gilbertson partnered with FirstIgnite to build corporate connections for his work in food nutrition.[/caption]UCF was able to utilize FirstIgnite’s marketing campaign services to find and qualify food and food research companies that were interested in speaking with Dr. Gilbertson. These included Bell Flavor & Fragrance, Roquette, Monogram Foods, and other multinational companies wanting to see how collaboration regarding Dr. Gilbertson’s nutritional research could be possible.FirstIgnite’s consistent and thorough marketing process has given UCF the faith that their faculty’s time is in good hand. Just like the 600+ other corporate collaborations that FirstIgnite has built in 2022, Dr. Gilbertson has been placed in touch with companies who have shown specific interest in his work and his future insights. More UCF professors are scheduled to work with FirstIgnite as well, and they can trust that the results will be the same.

Did you know that Indiana University chemists created the first fluoride toothpaste? Dr. Harry Day, Dr. Joseph Muhler, and Dr. William Nebergall developed the invention that changed the modern dental industry.

Before the invention of fluoride toothpaste, ingredients in the product during the 1800s included soap and chalk, and even before that contained harsh ingredients like crushed bones and oyster shells. Problems from poor oral hygiene resulted in dentures made of wood or ivory. Since these elements did little to protect oral health, scientists were needed to develop an effective solution. 

Oxford University conducted early research that showed fluoride in water would prevent tooth decay. In 1950, Procter & Gamble funded research for Indiana University scientists to create a new toothpaste formula. After years of studies, in 1955, Procter & Gamble’s Crest debuted the first toothpaste containing fluoride. 

Fluoride toothpaste prevented tooth decay and established an entire category around tooth preservation. Companies like Colgate Palmolive and Proctor-Gamble have driven consistent growth in this category for years. The dental fluoride treatment industry is worth $11.2 billion dollars today and is dominated by toothpaste, resulting from an innovation partnership between University and industry.

Partnering with universities is a viable way to innovate and drive growth to your organization. Where to begin is often the most difficult part. FirstIgnite will help your organization identify and partner with the specific universities, laboratories, and experts that you need in order to create the next category-defining innovation, like fluoride toothpaste.

The University of Wyoming has teamed up with FirstIgnite to find experiential learning opportunities, faculty partnerships, and curriculum development collaborations for their School of Computing. A hub for data science and digital skills innovation, the School of Computing is looking for experiential learning opportunities with companies interested in hiring students and graduates. Additionally, to help students and graduates succeed in the workforce, they are seeking corporate partners to develop a unique and diverse curriculum. Furthermore, several members of their faculty and staff are currently seeking research collaboration. Among the faculty members highlighted are: Mike Borowczak, Amy Banic, and Zejian Zhou.In recent years, data science platforms have become increasingly popular. In 2021, the data science platform market was worth $96.3 billion and is expected to grow to $378.7 billion by 2030, with applicability in the transportation, healthcare, and manufacturing industries.The School of Computing’s research puts the University of Wyoming at an advantage in this rising industry, advantages ready to be transitioned to the marketplace. Is your company the right fit? If you are interested in a conversation with the University of Wyoming team, you can schedule a time directly on their team’s calendar here.

The University of Chicago’s Data Science Institute (DSI) has partnered with FirstIgnite to find industry collaborators for their DSI Industry Affiliates Program. By connecting industry partners to groundbreaking data science research, emerging technologies, and talent acquisition opportunities at the University of Chicago, the DSI Industry Affiliates Program lowers barriers to collaboration.A major focus of DSI research is integrating applications, models, algorithms, and platforms to address important scientific and societal issues. Some of their current initiatives include internet equity, data & democracy, and AI & science. Another initiative is advancing molecular measurement with machine learning, which improves spectroscopy and develops new molecules in the environment, in the body, and in the microbiome.The DSI is speaking with companies just like yours regarding new partnerships. Would your company like to be an affiliate? If you are interested in a conversation with the DSI team, you can schedule a time directly on their team’s calendar here.

Baylor University’s Dr. Trevor Fleck has partnered with FirstIgnite to increase commercialization opportunities for his research portfolio. Dr. Fleck’s work is focused on additive manufacturing processes and 3D printing. Some of the technologies in his portfolio include nondestructive testing of fused filament fabrication components, in situ process monitoring of additive manufacturing processes, and the investigation of interlayer strength in fused filament fabrication components.In 2021, the global additive manufacturing market size was worth $13.8 billion and is expected to reach $76.16 billion in 2030. The additive manufacturing market continues to grow due to increasing demand in various industries such as healthcare, automotive, and aerospace & defense.Dr. Fleck’s technologies put Baylor University at an advantage in this rising industry, advantages ready to be transitioned to the marketplace. Is your company the right fit? If you are interested in a conversation with the Baylor University team, you can schedule a time directly on their team’s calendar here.