GPG Energy

Cornell University

Fusion energy is the ultimate source of clean energy that produces neither nuclear waste nor greenhouse gases. Existing approaches to inertial fusion power production rely on complex and expensive fusion targets as well as laser systems. GPG Energy enables drastic simplification of the inertial nuclear fusion powerplant, making fusion energy more affordable and bringing it closer to fruition and commercialization.

smartHER

Cornell University

smartHER is a mixed reality (MR/AR)-based medical device company focused on developing innovative solutions for gynecologic procedures, with an initial focus on rehauling how MRI scans are utilized for uterine fibroid removal. The company is spinning out of Weill Cornell Medicine (WCM) where it has gained significant traction by developing a MVP. It has received multiple awards for its novel product design, established strategic partners in several relevant domains (e.g., women med device, cloud computing, and MR software), and is in the process of validating the technology through a clinical study. smartHER is looking to hire its inaugural Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

synLubricin

Cornell University

Lubrication is critical in biology for tasks such as joint flexing and eye movement, but aging and disease can reduce natural lubrication. Current lubrication solutions either exhibit a short half-life (such as cortisone and hyaluronic acid) or poor long-term bio-compatibility (such as exogenous lubricants like glycerin-mineral oil), leaving a market opportunity to develop a durable, bio-compatible lubricant. synLubricin is a stable, and scalable, long-term bio-lubricant for joints, eyes, and medical devices. synLubricin has been developed in FDA-approved human cell culture systems and is able both to resist cellular adhesion and lubricate biological surfaces, such as cartilage. synLubricin is searching for a co-founder to help develop this venture opportunity.

EncapBio Systems

Cornell University

Cell replacement therapies hold tremendous promise for type 1 diabetes, hemophilia, lysosomal storage diseases and other cellular disorders. EncapBio Systems has developed technologies for safe and functional delivery of cell therapies ready for pre-clinical development. Most of our recent work, ranging from material synthesis and device fabrication to cell engineering and process integration, has been centered around the goal of successfully delivering safely insulin producing cells with long-term function for T1D patients. EncapBio Systems builds upon 10 years of research of high quality proof-of-concept publications and patent applications. EncapBio Systems is seeking co-founders and investors to help build the next biomaterial platform for cell therapy.

FloraPulse

Cornell University

The FloraPulse system is a microchip tensiometer (microtensiometer) that is embedded into the tree woody tissue and directly measures the water status, known as water potential. Because the measurement is taken directly inside the water-carrying tissue, readings are very accurate and reliable. You receive daily midday stem water potential readings, along with science-backed irrigation recommendations. Since 2017, we raised $1.2M in non-dilutive SBIR research awards to develop microT, and successfully field tested the product in almond, grape and prune commercial orchards and vineyards. In 2019-2020, we received $50k in customer deposits and sold the first 60 subscriptions ($90k) to 15 customers in the US, Chile and Australia. Customer feedback has been very positive. We are looking to hire a seasoned CEO to help the company raise funds, build partnerships, and continue increasing product sales in the US and abroad.

Stork AI

Cornell University

Stork.ai is leveraging its strong foundations in reproductive medicine, big data, and artificial intelligence to create next-generation fertility products that ultimately help people have babies. It is commercializing a decision assessment tool comprised of patent-pending, AI-based software (“STORK”) that reliably assesses embryo (blastocyst) quality. STORK was developed using a proprietary, multi-focal embryo image dataset from Weill Cornell’s Center for Reproductive Medicine. STORK can also predict genetic defects such as aneuploidy, which involves an abnormal number of chromosomes in the embryo.

VitaScan

Cornell University

Key nutrient deficiencies are more common than one may think and can lead to major health problems. However, determining vitamin levels can be costly, time-consuming, and confusing. VitaScan enables fast, accurate, and low-cost testing of an individual's vitamins and micronutrients. With VitaScan's portable system, the consumer can avoid hospital blood work and get the scan done at a physician's office, clinic, or even at home.

Rhenium Chemotherapeutics

Cornell University

About half of treated cancer patients receive platinum-based drugs (eg. cisplatin, carboplatin) alone or in co-administration with other anticancer agents. Despite their efficacy, their use is limited by toxic side effects and inherent or acquired resistance to platinum-based drugs by tumor cells. To address this challenge, a Cornell team lead by Prof. Justin Wilson have developed rhenium-based chemotherapeutics for treatment of platinum-resistant cancers.

MyophonX

Cornell University

Solutions for silent speech production lack innovation, cultural acceptability, and often involve invasive surgery. MyophonX is cutting-edge wearable technology for silent communication, with applications to stroke and laryngectomy patients as well as voice searching.