Caleb Alexander
DayLyte Batteries
While completing his Chemical Engineering Degree at the University of California, Berkeley, Caleb Alexander served as the president of the AIChE chapter and started a brewing club and biodiesel club…
Caleb Alexander
DayLyte Batteries
While completing his Chemical Engineering Degree at the University of California, Berkeley, Caleb Alexander served as the president of the AIChE chapter and started a brewing club and biodiesel club to give the students more hands-on engineering experience. He also took a chemical engineering economics class, which taught him finance and game theory where he did the technical and financial analysis for his business plan for a deepsea rare earth element mining company. This business experience taught him to zoom out, look at the big picture and ask, “what problem is actually worth solving?”. As a chemical engineer, he was trained in scaling up processes to worldwide industrial scale, so he asked himself this question… and then thought very big. By combining his electrochemistry experience from his corrosion course at the University of California, Li-ion research experience at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and PhD studies in metal-air batteries and fuel cells at the University of Texas, Austin, he looked at the periodic table and reasoned his way to the highest practical energy battery chemistry with the lowest cost. Despite his best efforts, he just could not kill it. He seeks to join Innovation Crossroads to make the Na-Air battery scalable, long-lasting, and for a clean, sustainable world.
Project Abstract
DayLyte Batteries is commercializing a Metal-air (M-Air) battery to increase battery energy density, cut its weight in half and slash its costs with abundant materials to release renewable energy on demand, double the range and cut the costs of electric vehicles while enabling drone delivery and electric air taxis to take our packages, and us, wherever we’d like. Working with the scientists and facilities at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), DayLyte intends to complete a prototype, start long term life testing, and learn the challenges that arise during scale up with roll-to-roll processing.
We Are Looking For
- Government, corporate, and private funding opportunities
- Strategic pilot manufacturing partners
- Polymer scientists
- Industry mentors
Critical Need for This Technology
In 9-10 years, producing the positive electrode for Li-ion battery scaleup is projected to consume the world’s nickel and cobalt supplies well before all vehicles have gone electric leaving no batteries left for renewable energy storage and thus risking renewable energy’s future and viability. Furthermore, aside from DayLyte there has not been a serious alternative proposed as most battery companies and startups focus on Li-ion and negative electrode improvements for solid state and Si anode batteries. A low-cost, high energy battery using abundant materials for scale is needed to make renewable energy and electric vehicles affordable and practical for everyone while a light weight, high energy battery is needed to make drone delivery and electric flying taxis technically viable. The need for a low-cost, high energy, scalable battery has guided DayLyte’s direction since day 1 and we continue to develop the metal-air battery the world needs.
Competition
- Li-ion (Large scale manufacturers, 2-5% operating margins)
- Solid State/Li metal batteries
- Si Anode Li-ion batteries
- Zn-Air batteries
Key Innovation
A thin and flexible solid electrolyte for a high energy metal-air battery that uses abundant materials to overcome any future supply chain bottlenecks.
R&D Status of Product
DayLyte Batteries is currently working on prototype to demonstrate the proof-of-concept.
Team Overview
- Caleb Alexander, Ph.D. – Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Technology Officer
- Youngsik Kim – Technical Mentor
- Blake Mosher – Business Mentor
- Ken Pfeiffer – Technical Mentor
ORNL PI
- Jianlin Li – Group Leader, Energy Storage and Conversion Manufacturing, Energy Science and Technology Directorate
Company Profile Information
- Total Amount Raised: $23,000
- Year Founded: 2020
- Patents: 2 provisional patents filed
- Primary Industry: Energy Storage
- Jobs Created: 2
Company Contact Information
While completing his Chemical Engineering Degree at the University of California, Berkeley, Caleb Alexander served as the president of the AIChE chapter and started a brewing club and biodiesel club to give the students more hands-on engineering experience. He also took a chemical engineering economics class, which taught him finance and game theory where he did the technical and financial analysis for his business plan for a deepsea rare earth element mining company. This business experience taught him to zoom out, look at the big picture and ask, “what problem is actually worth solving?”. As a chemical engineer, he was trained in scaling up processes to worldwide industrial scale, so he asked himself this question… and then thought very big. By combining his electrochemistry experience from his corrosion course at the University of California, Li-ion research experience at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and PhD studies in metal-air batteries and fuel cells at the University of Texas, Austin, he looked at the periodic table and reasoned his way to the highest practical energy battery chemistry with the lowest cost. Despite his best efforts, he just could not kill it. He seeks to join Innovation Crossroads to make the Na-Air battery scalable, long-lasting, and for a clean, sustainable world.
Project Abstract
DayLyte Batteries is commercializing a Metal-air (M-Air) battery to increase battery energy density, cut its weight in half and slash its costs with abundant materials to release renewable energy on demand, double the range and cut the costs of electric vehicles while enabling drone delivery and electric air taxis to take our packages, and us, wherever we’d like. Working with the scientists and facilities at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), DayLyte intends to complete a prototype, start long term life testing, and learn the challenges that arise during scale up with roll-to-roll processing.
We Are Looking For
- Government, corporate, and private funding opportunities
- Strategic pilot manufacturing partners
- Polymer scientists
- Industry mentors
Critical Need for This Technology
In 9-10 years, producing the positive electrode for Li-ion battery scaleup is projected to consume the world’s nickel and cobalt supplies well before all vehicles have gone electric leaving no batteries left for renewable energy storage and thus risking renewable energy’s future and viability. Furthermore, aside from DayLyte there has not been a serious alternative proposed as most battery companies and startups focus on Li-ion and negative electrode improvements for solid state and Si anode batteries. A low-cost, high energy battery using abundant materials for scale is needed to make renewable energy and electric vehicles affordable and practical for everyone while a light weight, high energy battery is needed to make drone delivery and electric flying taxis technically viable. The need for a low-cost, high energy, scalable battery has guided DayLyte’s direction since day 1 and we continue to develop the metal-air battery the world needs.
Competition
- Li-ion (Large scale manufacturers, 2-5% operating margins)
- Solid State/Li metal batteries
- Si Anode Li-ion batteries
- Zn-Air batteries
Key Innovation
A thin and flexible solid electrolyte for a high energy metal-air battery that uses abundant materials to overcome any future supply chain bottlenecks.
R&D Status of Product
DayLyte Batteries is currently working on prototype to demonstrate the proof-of-concept.
Team Overview
- Caleb Alexander, Ph.D. – Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Technology Officer
- Youngsik Kim – Technical Mentor
- Blake Mosher – Business Mentor
- Ken Pfeiffer – Technical Mentor
ORNL PI
- Jianlin Li – Group Leader, Energy Storage and Conversion Manufacturing, Energy Science and Technology Directorate
Company Profile Information
- Total Amount Raised: $23,000
- Year Founded: 2020
- Patents: 2 provisional patents filed
- Primary Industry: Energy Storage
- Jobs Created: 2
Company Contact Information
Sam Evans
Unbound Water Technologies
Sam Evans received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of South Carolina in 2015, an Master of Science degree in Chemistry from Georgia Tech in 2017, and a PhD in Energy…
Sam Evans
Unbound Water Technologies
Sam Evans received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of South Carolina in 2015, an Master of Science degree in Chemistry from Georgia Tech in 2017, and a PhD in Energy Science and Engineering in August 2020 from the Bredesen Center for Graduate Education at the University of Tennessee (UTK), an Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) and UTK graduate program partnership. Sam performed research at ORNL over the course of his PhD, which included the development of magnetic adsorbents for water remediation and additional projects involving water treatment, lithium-ion removal, and desalination. Sam has also worked with various start-up, mid-level, and multinational corporations to develop materials, processes, and IP within the energy and water business landscape. Engagement with ORNL and the Department of Energy’s research programs and collaborations with cutting edge industry partners has prepared Sam for a fast-paced high-technology entrepreneurial path. Sam’s research has resulted in 10 publications (4 first-authored), multiple invention disclosures, and a submitted patent on water remediation systems and materials. His portfolio of work spans a breadth of topics and expertise, making Sam an adaptable expert that can flourish at ORNL in Innovation Crossroads.
Project Abstract
At Unbound Water Technologies, we believe in the interconnectedness of the world and its resources, especially water. We exist to sustainably remove toxic pollutants and materials from a variety of concentrated waste sources that end up in our waterways. Our company is working to develop and commercialize materials for water remediation and treatment.
We Are Looking For
- Pilot partnerships
- Government funding opportunities
- Impact investors
- Industry mentors
Critical Need for This Technology
Today, over 90% of waste ponds for coal-fired thermoelectric power plants are leaking, threatening to contaminate groundwater and aquifers, which contributes to an array of health ailments (e.g., cancers, developmental issues, and more). Existing technologies are unable to meet the dynamic needs of water remediation in various industrial and government sectors due to complex pollutant profiles, high process costs, and low reusability. Our material excels in a broad set of applications and performs multi-pollutant removal, all at a lower price than competitors.
Competition
Our direct competitors are manufactures of water remediation materials—carbon black, iron nanoparticles, and emerging highly-engineered carbons. Carbon black and free iron nanoparticles are widely used but have limited adsorption capacities and pollutant interactions. Highly-engineered carbons, while having high adsorption properties, suffer from high process costs and questionable safety profiles. Our material is more effective than existing carbon black and iron nanoparticle systems and performs equivalently to our highly-engineered carbon competitors at a fraction of the price with a proven safety profile.
Key Innovation
Our unique material utilizes the internal pore structure of a tire-derived carbon to provide a support for iron nanoparticles allowing for a higher effective surface area for adsorption, enhanced stability to limit degradation, easy separation after adsorption via its magnetic properties, as well as easy integration into existing on-site systems. Our technology provides a low-cost material that will allow for fast adoption by industries in need of water remediation solutions.
R&D Status of Product
Unbound Water Technologies is identifying suites of pollutants that our material can be used on to determine product offerings for different industries. Additionally, we will be focusing on scaling up our production process in preparation for pilot-scale testing within 2-years.
Team Overview
- Sam Evans, Ph.D. – Founder and Chief Executive Officer
ORNL PI
- Parans Paranthaman – Senior Researcher, Nanomaterials Chemistry Group, Physical Sciences Directorate
- Costas Tsouris – Distinguished Research and Development Staff, Chemical Process Scale Up, Energy Science and Technology Directorate
Company Profile Information
- Total Amount Raised: $0
- Year Founded: 2021
- Patents: 1 patent application
- Primary Industry: Water Remediation and Treatment
- Jobs Created: 1
Company Contact Information
Sam Evans received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of South Carolina in 2015, an Master of Science degree in Chemistry from Georgia Tech in 2017, and a PhD in Energy Science and Engineering in August 2020 from the Bredesen Center for Graduate Education at the University of Tennessee (UTK), an Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) and UTK graduate program partnership. Sam performed research at ORNL over the course of his PhD, which included the development of magnetic adsorbents for water remediation and additional projects involving water treatment, lithium-ion removal, and desalination. Sam has also worked with various start-up, mid-level, and multinational corporations to develop materials, processes, and IP within the energy and water business landscape. Engagement with ORNL and the Department of Energy’s research programs and collaborations with cutting edge industry partners has prepared Sam for a fast-paced high-technology entrepreneurial path. Sam’s research has resulted in 10 publications (4 first-authored), multiple invention disclosures, and a submitted patent on water remediation systems and materials. His portfolio of work spans a breadth of topics and expertise, making Sam an adaptable expert that can flourish at ORNL in Innovation Crossroads.
Project Abstract
At Unbound Water Technologies, we believe in the interconnectedness of the world and its resources, especially water. We exist to sustainably remove toxic pollutants and materials from a variety of concentrated waste sources that end up in our waterways. Our company is working to develop and commercialize materials for water remediation and treatment.
We Are Looking For
- Pilot partnerships
- Government funding opportunities
- Impact investors
- Industry mentors
Critical Need for This Technology
Today, over 90% of waste ponds for coal-fired thermoelectric power plants are leaking, threatening to contaminate groundwater and aquifers, which contributes to an array of health ailments (e.g., cancers, developmental issues, and more). Existing technologies are unable to meet the dynamic needs of water remediation in various industrial and government sectors due to complex pollutant profiles, high process costs, and low reusability. Our material excels in a broad set of applications and performs multi-pollutant removal, all at a lower price than competitors.
Competition
Our direct competitors are manufactures of water remediation materials—carbon black, iron nanoparticles, and emerging highly-engineered carbons. Carbon black and free iron nanoparticles are widely used but have limited adsorption capacities and pollutant interactions. Highly-engineered carbons, while having high adsorption properties, suffer from high process costs and questionable safety profiles. Our material is more effective than existing carbon black and iron nanoparticle systems and performs equivalently to our highly-engineered carbon competitors at a fraction of the price with a proven safety profile.
Key Innovation
Our unique material utilizes the internal pore structure of a tire-derived carbon to provide a support for iron nanoparticles allowing for a higher effective surface area for adsorption, enhanced stability to limit degradation, easy separation after adsorption via its magnetic properties, as well as easy integration into existing on-site systems. Our technology provides a low-cost material that will allow for fast adoption by industries in need of water remediation solutions.
R&D Status of Product
Unbound Water Technologies is identifying suites of pollutants that our material can be used on to determine product offerings for different industries. Additionally, we will be focusing on scaling up our production process in preparation for pilot-scale testing within 2-years.
Team Overview
- Sam Evans, Ph.D. – Founder and Chief Executive Officer
ORNL PI
- Parans Paranthaman – Senior Researcher, Nanomaterials Chemistry Group, Physical Sciences Directorate
- Costas Tsouris – Distinguished Research and Development Staff, Chemical Process Scale Up, Energy Science and Technology Directorate
Company Profile Information
- Total Amount Raised: $0
- Year Founded: 2021
- Patents: 1 patent application
- Primary Industry: Water Remediation and Treatment
- Jobs Created: 1
Company Contact Information
Tommy Gibbons
Hempitecture
Tommy Gibbons comes to Hempitecture with experience in corporate finance and growing early stage companies. He complements his business experience with a green building background that includes a…
Tommy Gibbons
Hempitecture
Tommy Gibbons comes to Hempitecture with experience in corporate finance and growing early stage companies. He complements his business experience with a green building background that includes a certification as a LEED Green Associate, a designation as a 2021 Building Technologies Office IMPEL+ innovator, and training from France’s l’École Nationale du Chanvre (National School of Hemp Construction). He was also a founding board member and treasurer of the United States Hemp Building Association, a 501c6 trade association for the hemp building industry. Before founding Hempitecture based in Ketchum, Idaho, Tommy worked at Piper Computers in San Francisco and Goldman Sachs in New York City. He graduated from Princeton University with a degree from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public Policy in 2013.
At Hempitecture, he oversees the company’s operations and new product development which most notably includes Hempitecture’s HempWool insulation. HempWool is a non-toxic, high-performing, carbon-negative insulation material with the ability to drastically reduce a building’s embodied carbon footprint while increasing the occupant’s health and comfort. In 2021, Hempitecture plans to conduct research and testing on new, proprietary blends of its insulation material to improve its insulation value and fire resistance. Hempitecture also plans to onshore insulation manufacturing using industrial hemp waste from American farmers. Beyond insulation, Hempitecture hopes to develop other hemp-based building products that will help fulfill the Public Benefit Corporation’s mission to “create healthy, energy efficient habitats that positively impact inhabitants as well as environment through the sequestration of Carbon Dioxide”. In 2020, Tommy was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for manufacturing and industry with his co-founder.
Project Abstract
Hempitecture is redefining what we consider sustainable building materials. Using one of the most efficient and least resource intensive plants, our hemp building products can offset atmospheric carbon dioxide on a large scale.
Hempitecture is working at the Maximum Building Energy Efficiency Research Laboratory (MAXLAB) within the Building Technologies Research Center to continue the company’s product roadmap of hemp-based alternatives to conventional building products including drywall, vapor barriers, and external insulation. After a successful initial launch of the hemp fiber insulation material HempWool®, Hempitecture is researching how to bring a domestically manufactured product to market at a cost competitive for consumers.
We Are Looking For
- Non-toxic FR for hemp fiber materials
- Manufacturing cost efficiencies
- Technical datasheet for domestically produced product
- Product life cycle analyses
- New building product design
Critical Need for This Technology
An emphasis on healthy and low carbon building materials has sparked a search for solutions from consumers and government to rebuild better infrastructure and reduce the massive footprint of the built environment.
Competition
Conventional building materials manufacturers like Rockwool, Owens Corning, Johns Manville, and CertainTeed
Key Innovation
Using a plant feedstock to create low-embodied carbon, natural building materials.
R&D Status of Product
Batt insulation product is in market with a domestically produced version in development.
Team Overview
- Tommy Gibbons – Chief Operating Officer
- Matthew Mead – Chief Executive Officer
- Aimée Christensen – Strategic Advisor
- Brian George, Ph.D. – Technical Advisor
ORNL PI
- Antonio Aldykiewicz Jr. – Senior Research and Development Staff, Building Envelope Materials Research, Energy Science and Technology Directorate
- Diana Hun – Group Leader, Building Envelope Materials Research, Energy Science and Technology Directorate
Company Profile Information
- Total Amount Raised: $0
- Year Founded: 2018
- Patents: 1 patent pending
- Primary Industry: Building materials manufacturing
- Jobs Created: 4
Company Contact Information
Tommy Gibbons comes to Hempitecture with experience in corporate finance and growing early stage companies. He complements his business experience with a green building background that includes a certification as a LEED Green Associate, a designation as a 2021 Building Technologies Office IMPEL+ innovator, and training from France’s l’École Nationale du Chanvre (National School of Hemp Construction). He was also a founding board member and treasurer of the United States Hemp Building Association, a 501c6 trade association for the hemp building industry. Before founding Hempitecture based in Ketchum, Idaho, Tommy worked at Piper Computers in San Francisco and Goldman Sachs in New York City. He graduated from Princeton University with a degree from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public Policy in 2013.
At Hempitecture, he oversees the company’s operations and new product development which most notably includes Hempitecture’s HempWool insulation. HempWool is a non-toxic, high-performing, carbon-negative insulation material with the ability to drastically reduce a building’s embodied carbon footprint while increasing the occupant’s health and comfort. In 2021, Hempitecture plans to conduct research and testing on new, proprietary blends of its insulation material to improve its insulation value and fire resistance. Hempitecture also plans to onshore insulation manufacturing using industrial hemp waste from American farmers. Beyond insulation, Hempitecture hopes to develop other hemp-based building products that will help fulfill the Public Benefit Corporation’s mission to “create healthy, energy efficient habitats that positively impact inhabitants as well as environment through the sequestration of Carbon Dioxide”. In 2020, Tommy was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for manufacturing and industry with his co-founder.
Project Abstract
Hempitecture is redefining what we consider sustainable building materials. Using one of the most efficient and least resource intensive plants, our hemp building products can offset atmospheric carbon dioxide on a large scale.
Hempitecture is working at the Maximum Building Energy Efficiency Research Laboratory (MAXLAB) within the Building Technologies Research Center to continue the company’s product roadmap of hemp-based alternatives to conventional building products including drywall, vapor barriers, and external insulation. After a successful initial launch of the hemp fiber insulation material HempWool®, Hempitecture is researching how to bring a domestically manufactured product to market at a cost competitive for consumers.
We Are Looking For
- Non-toxic FR for hemp fiber materials
- Manufacturing cost efficiencies
- Technical datasheet for domestically produced product
- Product life cycle analyses
- New building product design
Critical Need for This Technology
An emphasis on healthy and low carbon building materials has sparked a search for solutions from consumers and government to rebuild better infrastructure and reduce the massive footprint of the built environment.
Competition
Conventional building materials manufacturers like Rockwool, Owens Corning, Johns Manville, and CertainTeed
Key Innovation
Using a plant feedstock to create low-embodied carbon, natural building materials.
R&D Status of Product
Batt insulation product is in market with a domestically produced version in development.
Team Overview
- Tommy Gibbons – Chief Operating Officer
- Matthew Mead – Chief Executive Officer
- Aimée Christensen – Strategic Advisor
- Brian George, Ph.D. – Technical Advisor
ORNL PI
- Antonio Aldykiewicz Jr. – Senior Research and Development Staff, Building Envelope Materials Research, Energy Science and Technology Directorate
- Diana Hun – Group Leader, Building Envelope Materials Research, Energy Science and Technology Directorate
Company Profile Information
- Total Amount Raised: $0
- Year Founded: 2018
- Patents: 1 patent pending
- Primary Industry: Building materials manufacturing
- Jobs Created: 4
Company Contact Information
Shuchi “SK” Khurana
Addiguru
Shuchi “SK” Khurana has twenty years of work experience in predictive analysis and commercialization of new products and technologies. SK’s technical expertise is in computational weld modeling,…
Shuchi “SK” Khurana
Addiguru
Shuchi “SK” Khurana has twenty years of work experience in predictive analysis and commercialization of new products and technologies. SK’s technical expertise is in computational weld modeling, material science and predicting material properties, and microstructure based on thermal signals. He has published more than 10 research papers in peer-reviewed journals on prediction of microstructure and engineering simulation. SK is also an innovator and has more than 5 granted patents to his name, including a patent on cloud-based simulation software for material joining. SK has the expertise in managing and developing all aspects of a software product. Prior to founding Addiguru, SK worked at Intralox where he led the development and launch of a predictive software product for industrial use. SK has a lot of experience in developing novel technologies and commercializing them. Previously, SK co-founded and ran a startup company for which they raised $4 MM in venture funding. SK earned his Bachelor of Technology in Materials and Metallurgical Engineering degree from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur and holds two masters’ degrees – Master of Science and Master of Business Administration, both from Ohio State University.
Project Abstract
Addiguru provides real time monitoring technology for additive manufacturing (3D-Printing) processes. Part defects formed during the build process can be difficult or costly to detect and repair after a part is already finished. Addiguru’s layer-wise monitoring technology detects anomalies and defects during the build process and provides notifications to the users. Currently, Addiguru uses optical images with image processing and artificial intelligence to determine issues within a couple of seconds of completion of a layer.
The goal of Innovation Crossroads project is to further develop this real-time monitoring technology by using novel techniques. Addiguru has licensed a patent from NASA to use a combination of Infra-Red (IR) and Near Infra-Red (NIR) cameras to enhance the accuracy of the defects detected. Innovation Crossroads will provide an ideal platform for Addiguru to add this novel technology to its portfolio to benefit the industry.
We Are Looking For
- Team members
- Strategic partnerships
- Funding
Critical Need for This Technology
Detection of defects in an additive manufacturing process in real-time will significantly affect the adoption of additive manufacturing. The scrap rate and qualification process of an additively manufactured part is a big expense. Reliable and affordable real-time monitoring can significantly reduce these costs there by enhancing the commercial viability of the process for new applications. Also, some of the parts manufactured have critical applications like Aerospace, medical implant and nuclear. More reliable detection of defects will help qualify the parts with more confidence.
Currently, optical images can detect majority of the anomalies and defects in an Additive Manufacturing process. Certain issues like hot spots and lack of fusion can remain undetected. High resolution Infra-red cameras can be very useful for detecting other anomalies. However, the high-resolution IR cameras are very expensive. Addiguru plans to combine the low-cost IR and near-IR cameras to detect the temperature related anomalies.
Competition
Addiguru is adding value to the industry by creating solutions that are affordable and practical as well as quick to install. Addiguru’s layer-wise monitoring does not follow the material deposition which is in some cases as fast as 1m/s. Following the heat source leads to utilization of very complex sensors and enormous amount of data generated, which is difficult to analyze in a timely manner. Addiguru differentiates its technology and products by detecting issues layer-by-layer.
Key Innovation
The key innovation is to utilize low-cost and affordable sensors to achieve same or better results.
R&D Status of Product
Addiguru has more than five installations of its Laser Powder bed Fusion (LPBF) and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) monitoring systems in R&D facilities as well as in companies making commercial parts. Addiguru is constantly improving its anomaly and defect detection algorithms as well as adding more features to its software. Addiguru will conduct R&D to improve its defect detection algorithms and take the learnings to other additive processes as well.
Team Overview
- Shuchi Khurana, Ph.D. – Founder and Chief Executive Officer
- Charles Babbitt – Head of Engineering
ORNL PI
- Vincent Paquit – Group Leader, Energy Systems Analytics, Energy Science and Technology Directorate
Company Profile Information
- Total Amount Raised: $ 282,500 (includes federal research award funding and private investments)
- Year Founded: 2019
- Patents: 1 licensed from another organization
- Primary Industry: Advanced Manufacturing, Aerospace, Nuclear, Medical Implants, Energy
- Jobs Created: 4
Company Contact Information
Shuchi “SK” Khurana has twenty years of work experience in predictive analysis and commercialization of new products and technologies. SK’s technical expertise is in computational weld modeling, material science and predicting material properties, and microstructure based on thermal signals. He has published more than 10 research papers in peer-reviewed journals on prediction of microstructure and engineering simulation. SK is also an innovator and has more than 5 granted patents to his name, including a patent on cloud-based simulation software for material joining. SK has the expertise in managing and developing all aspects of a software product. Prior to founding Addiguru, SK worked at Intralox where he led the development and launch of a predictive software product for industrial use. SK has a lot of experience in developing novel technologies and commercializing them. Previously, SK co-founded and ran a startup company for which they raised $4 MM in venture funding. SK earned his Bachelor of Technology in Materials and Metallurgical Engineering degree from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur and holds two masters’ degrees – Master of Science and Master of Business Administration, both from Ohio State University.
Project Abstract
Addiguru provides real time monitoring technology for additive manufacturing (3D-Printing) processes. Part defects formed during the build process can be difficult or costly to detect and repair after a part is already finished. Addiguru’s layer-wise monitoring technology detects anomalies and defects during the build process and provides notifications to the users. Currently, Addiguru uses optical images with image processing and artificial intelligence to determine issues within a couple of seconds of completion of a layer.
The goal of Innovation Crossroads project is to further develop this real-time monitoring technology by using novel techniques. Addiguru has licensed a patent from NASA to use a combination of Infra-Red (IR) and Near Infra-Red (NIR) cameras to enhance the accuracy of the defects detected. Innovation Crossroads will provide an ideal platform for Addiguru to add this novel technology to its portfolio to benefit the industry.
We Are Looking For
- Team members
- Strategic partnerships
- Funding
Critical Need for This Technology
Detection of defects in an additive manufacturing process in real-time will significantly affect the adoption of additive manufacturing. The scrap rate and qualification process of an additively manufactured part is a big expense. Reliable and affordable real-time monitoring can significantly reduce these costs there by enhancing the commercial viability of the process for new applications. Also, some of the parts manufactured have critical applications like Aerospace, medical implant and nuclear. More reliable detection of defects will help qualify the parts with more confidence.
Currently, optical images can detect majority of the anomalies and defects in an Additive Manufacturing process. Certain issues like hot spots and lack of fusion can remain undetected. High resolution Infra-red cameras can be very useful for detecting other anomalies. However, the high-resolution IR cameras are very expensive. Addiguru plans to combine the low-cost IR and near-IR cameras to detect the temperature related anomalies.
Competition
Addiguru is adding value to the industry by creating solutions that are affordable and practical as well as quick to install. Addiguru’s layer-wise monitoring does not follow the material deposition which is in some cases as fast as 1m/s. Following the heat source leads to utilization of very complex sensors and enormous amount of data generated, which is difficult to analyze in a timely manner. Addiguru differentiates its technology and products by detecting issues layer-by-layer.
Key Innovation
The key innovation is to utilize low-cost and affordable sensors to achieve same or better results.
R&D Status of Product
Addiguru has more than five installations of its Laser Powder bed Fusion (LPBF) and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) monitoring systems in R&D facilities as well as in companies making commercial parts. Addiguru is constantly improving its anomaly and defect detection algorithms as well as adding more features to its software. Addiguru will conduct R&D to improve its defect detection algorithms and take the learnings to other additive processes as well.
Team Overview
- Shuchi Khurana, Ph.D. – Founder and Chief Executive Officer
- Charles Babbitt – Head of Engineering
ORNL PI
- Vincent Paquit – Group Leader, Energy Systems Analytics, Energy Science and Technology Directorate
Company Profile Information
- Total Amount Raised: $ 282,500 (includes federal research award funding and private investments)
- Year Founded: 2019
- Patents: 1 licensed from another organization
- Primary Industry: Advanced Manufacturing, Aerospace, Nuclear, Medical Implants, Energy
- Jobs Created: 4
Company Contact Information
Forrest Shriver
Sentinel Devices LLC
Forrest Shriver is the Chief Executive Officer of Sentinel Devices LLC and a 4th-year PhD candidate in the Nuclear Engineering program at the University of Florida (UF), scheduled to graduate in May…
Forrest Shriver
Sentinel Devices, LLC
Forrest Shriver is the Chief Executive Officer of Sentinel Devices LLC and a 4th-year PhD candidate in the Nuclear Engineering program at the University of Florida (UF), scheduled to graduate in May 2021. His dissertation is on the application of deep learning models to reactor modeling and simulation tasks, specifically on how to use these models to perform high fidelity parameter prediction based off of simulated data and specific data needs and pitfalls that arise when doing so.
He graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley and also has a Master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering from UF. Over his undergraduate and graduate research career he has worked on various projects ranging from design implementation on Field Programmable Gate Arrays to developing CUDA kernels investigating complex computational behavior and has learned a variety of computer languages and programming models to accomplish these tasks. His interest in making technology more secure, as well as his passion for optimization, inspired him to co-found Sentinel Devices LLC to bring the power of machine learning to the “edge” of the industrial internet of things. In his private life he enjoys reading science fiction and cooking.
Project Abstract
Industrial control systems are an important part of the critical infrastructure supporting our daily life, with many digital controllers operating entirely on a trust-based system to enable communication. This means that cyberattacks against these systems can have tremendous negative economic and social impact. Sentinel Devices LLC is developing the next generation of industrial cybersecurity by bringing autonomous cyberattack detection to the industrial edge. Central to our approach is a move away from traditional network-based approaches where always-online communication is needed to remain effective. Instead, our technology detects cyberattacks and anomalies completely autonomously in a localized fashion, enabling true location-specific, targeted understanding of threats as they occur. Our product is critical to ensuring that industrial control systems stay secure in an increasingly hostile digital world.
We Are Looking For
- Strategic manufacturing, technology demonstration, and technology integration partners
- Funding opportunities, both governmental and private
- Skilled machine learning and cybersecurity practitioners
- Interns interested in developing the next generation of critical infrastructure cybersecurity
Critical Need for This Technology
In an increasingly digital world, addressing the threats that cyberattacks pose to critical infrastructure and therefore to U.S. security is incredibly important. Now more than ever, systems which are resilient to traditional network and information disruption tactics are needed to protect this infrastructure from increasingly sophisticated threats. The proliferation and discovery of novel attacks each year, and the usage of these on corporate and public-interest targets, proves that traditional security measures are not enough, and that technology to ensure safe and secure operation is needed at the lowest levels of critical infrastructure.
Competition
Our technology represents a departure from other network-based cybersecurity systems. Examples of industrial cybersecurity companies include Claroty and Dragos, both focused on enhancing network security and detecting anomalies at network nodes based on network traffic. Our company is focused on the digital interior, securing those devices which are running the day-to-day operations of the facility.
Key Innovation
Edge-based, completely unsupervised anomaly detection.
R&D Status of Product
The Sentinel Devices team has developed a working prototype of the hardware and software platform. The core software will be iterated upon and refined under Innovation Crossroads, although we are currently looking for partners to move from prototype to production with.
Team Overview
-
Forrest Shriver, Ph.D. – Founder and Chief Executive Officer
ORNL PI
- Juan Lopez – Group Leader, Energy and Control Systems Security, National Security Sciences Directorate
Company Profile Information
- Total Amount Raised: $1,000
- Year Founded: 2020
- Patents: 1 patent pending
- Primary Industry: Industrial automation
- Jobs Created: 1
Company Contact Information
Forrest Shriver is the Chief Executive Officer of Sentinel Devices LLC and a 4th-year PhD candidate in the Nuclear Engineering program at the University of Florida (UF), scheduled to graduate in May 2021. His dissertation is on the application of deep learning models to reactor modeling and simulation tasks, specifically on how to use these models to perform high fidelity parameter prediction based off of simulated data and specific data needs and pitfalls that arise when doing so.
He graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley and also has a Master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering from UF. Over his undergraduate and graduate research career he has worked on various projects ranging from design implementation on Field Programmable Gate Arrays to developing CUDA kernels investigating complex computational behavior and has learned a variety of computer languages and programming models to accomplish these tasks. His interest in making technology more secure, as well as his passion for optimization, inspired him to co-found Sentinel Devices LLC to bring the power of machine learning to the “edge” of the industrial internet of things. In his private life he enjoys reading science fiction and cooking.
Project Abstract
Industrial control systems are an important part of the critical infrastructure supporting our daily life, with many digital controllers operating entirely on a trust-based system to enable communication. This means that cyberattacks against these systems can have tremendous negative economic and social impact. Sentinel Devices LLC is developing the next generation of industrial cybersecurity by bringing autonomous cyberattack detection to the industrial edge. Central to our approach is a move away from traditional network-based approaches where always-online communication is needed to remain effective. Instead, our technology detects cyberattacks and anomalies completely autonomously in a localized fashion, enabling true location-specific, targeted understanding of threats as they occur. Our product is critical to ensuring that industrial control systems stay secure in an increasingly hostile digital world.
We Are Looking For
- Strategic manufacturing, technology demonstration, and technology integration partners
- Funding opportunities, both governmental and private
- Skilled machine learning and cybersecurity practitioners
- Interns interested in developing the next generation of critical infrastructure cybersecurity
Critical Need for This Technology
In an increasingly digital world, addressing the threats that cyberattacks pose to critical infrastructure and therefore to U.S. security is incredibly important. Now more than ever, systems which are resilient to traditional network and information disruption tactics are needed to protect this infrastructure from increasingly sophisticated threats. The proliferation and discovery of novel attacks each year, and the usage of these on corporate and public-interest targets, proves that traditional security measures are not enough, and that technology to ensure safe and secure operation is needed at the lowest levels of critical infrastructure.
Competition
Our technology represents a departure from other network-based cybersecurity systems. Examples of industrial cybersecurity companies include Claroty and Dragos, both focused on enhancing network security and detecting anomalies at network nodes based on network traffic. Our company is focused on the digital interior, securing those devices which are running the day-to-day operations of the facility.
Key Innovation
Edge-based, completely unsupervised anomaly detection.
R&D Status of Product
The Sentinel Devices team has developed a working prototype of the hardware and software platform. The core software will be iterated upon and refined under Innovation Crossroads, although we are currently looking for partners to move from prototype to production with.
Team Overview
-
Forrest Shriver, Ph.D. – Founder and Chief Executive Officer
ORNL PI
- Juan Lopez – Group Leader, Energy and Control Systems Security, National Security Sciences Directorate
Company Profile Information
- Total Amount Raised: $1,000
- Year Founded: 2020
- Patents: 1 patent pending
- Primary Industry: Industrial automation
- Jobs Created: 1
Company Contact Information
Philip Stuckey
FC Renew, LLC
Philip Stuckey has over sixteen years of hydrogen fuel cell experience directly related to research, development, and intellectual property. Philip received a Bachelor of Science degree in Materials…
Philip Stuckey
FC Renew, LLC
Philip Stuckey has over sixteen years of hydrogen fuel cell experience directly related to research, development, and intellectual property. Philip received a Bachelor of Science degree in Materials Science and Engineering from North Carolina State University and a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa. He completed his PhD in Chemical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University, while conducting most of his doctoral research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
For the last 7 years, Philip has served as a Patent Examiner reviewing fuel cell and battery applications for the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and his career achievements at the USPTO have designated him as a Patent Agent. Prior to joining the USPTO, Philip researched the electrochemical kinetic processes at proton exchange membrane fuel cell electrodes at Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Fuels, Engines, and Emissions Research Laboratory. He developed a novel technique to measure the kinetics and the amount of the oxide layer on the catalyst of an operating fuel cell in-situ. He also executed a project involving the growth of carbon nanotubes that created ultrahydrophobic materials for diffusion media and electrocatalyst support materials. Stuckey’s R&D provided an innovative solution for water management issues inherent to operating fuel cells.
Project Abstract
Broad adoption of zero-emission, green hydrogen fuel cell technology in heavy-duty trucks is limited by the lifetime durability of approximately 5,000 hours of service which equates to about 150,000 miles on the road. Our electrode technology will renew the electrocatalyst in a fuel assembly to meet and exceed durability needs to achieve 30,000+ hours durability or over 1.2 million miles traveled on the road, thus enabling heavy-duty trucks and other applications to use a green, zero-emission hydrogen fuel cells without the need for costly fuel cell stack replacements.
We Are Looking For
- Strategic partners for fuel cell manufacturing
- Funding for marketing and legal expenses
Critical Need for This Technology
Current proton exchange membrane fuel cells reach their end-of-life around 5,000 hours and require complete fuel cell stack replacements or stack rebuilds, thus limiting market adoption for heavy-duty applications.
Competition
There is possibility that breakthroughs in battery technologies that could suppress the need for heavy-duty fuel cell applications.
The fuel cell industry continues to improve and innovate. There is a possibility that alternate fuel cell research and development technologies achieve the fuel cell durability targets prior to market penetration of FC Renew’s innovation.
Key Innovation
Our technology provides the 5x improvement in durability needed to achieve 30,000+ hours of durability for hydrogen fuel cells enabling Class 8 tracks to travel over 1.2 million miles on a fuel cell stack.
R&D Status of Product
FC Renew is refining procedure parameters of the technology and preparing to scale the technology from the single cell laboratory test environment to complete fuel cell stacks for automotive and heavy-duty applications.
Team Overview
- Philip A. Stuckey, Ph.D. – Founder and Chief Executive Officer
ORNL PI
- Gabriel Veith – Senior Researcher, Energy Storage, Physical Sciences Directorate
Company Profile Information
- Total Amount Raised: $0
- Year Founded: 2020
- Patents: To be filed
- Primary Industry: Fuel Cells
- Jobs Created: 1
Company Contact Information
Philip Stuckey has over sixteen years of hydrogen fuel cell experience directly related to research, development, and intellectual property. Philip received a Bachelor of Science degree in Materials Science and Engineering from North Carolina State University and a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa. He completed his PhD in Chemical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University, while conducting most of his doctoral research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
For the last 7 years, Philip has served as a Patent Examiner reviewing fuel cell and battery applications for the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and his career achievements at the USPTO have designated him as a Patent Agent. Prior to joining the USPTO, Philip researched the electrochemical kinetic processes at proton exchange membrane fuel cell electrodes at Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Fuels, Engines, and Emissions Research Laboratory. He developed a novel technique to measure the kinetics and the amount of the oxide layer on the catalyst of an operating fuel cell in-situ. He also executed a project involving the growth of carbon nanotubes that created ultrahydrophobic materials for diffusion media and electrocatalyst support materials. Stuckey’s R&D provided an innovative solution for water management issues inherent to operating fuel cells.
Project Abstract
Broad adoption of zero-emission, green hydrogen fuel cell technology in heavy-duty trucks is limited by the lifetime durability of approximately 5,000 hours of service which equates to about 150,000 miles on the road. Our electrode technology will renew the electrocatalyst in a fuel assembly to meet and exceed durability needs to achieve 30,000+ hours durability or over 1.2 million miles traveled on the road, thus enabling heavy-duty trucks and other applications to use a green, zero-emission hydrogen fuel cells without the need for costly fuel cell stack replacements.
We Are Looking For
- Strategic partners for fuel cell manufacturing
- Funding for marketing and legal expenses
Critical Need for This Technology
Current proton exchange membrane fuel cells reach their end-of-life around 5,000 hours and require complete fuel cell stack replacements or stack rebuilds, thus limiting market adoption for heavy-duty applications.
Competition
There is possibility that breakthroughs in battery technologies that could suppress the need for heavy-duty fuel cell applications.
The fuel cell industry continues to improve and innovate. There is a possibility that alternate fuel cell research and development technologies achieve the fuel cell durability targets prior to market penetration of FC Renew’s innovation.
Key Innovation
Our technology provides the 5x improvement in durability needed to achieve 30,000+ hours of durability for hydrogen fuel cells enabling Class 8 tracks to travel over 1.2 million miles on a fuel cell stack.
R&D Status of Product
FC Renew is refining procedure parameters of the technology and preparing to scale the technology from the single cell laboratory test environment to complete fuel cell stacks for automotive and heavy-duty applications.
Team Overview
- Philip A. Stuckey, Ph.D. – Founder and Chief Executive Officer
ORNL PI
- Gabriel Veith – Senior Researcher, Energy Storage, Physical Sciences Directorate
Company Profile Information
- Total Amount Raised: $0
- Year Founded: 2020
- Patents: To be filed
- Primary Industry: Fuel Cells
- Jobs Created: 1