Three New York state small businesses have been selected to receive JumpStart awards through the Cornell Center for Materials Research (CCMR).

The companies are:

• American Aerogel Corp. in Rochester, which will collaborate with Hector Abruna, the E.M. Chamot Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, to study the energy storing capability of high-performance capacitors made using the company's carbon aerogel material, Aerocore;
• SensiVida Medical Technologies Inc. in West Henrietta, which will partner with Antje Baeumner, professor of biological and environmental engineering, to develop a thorough understanding of the stability and reproducibility of materials used in the coatings that make up the chemical sensing system in their innovative glucose monitor; and
• Haledyne LLC in Syracuse, which will work with Richard Robinson, assistant professor of materials science and engineering, to develop a paintable coating designed to minimize reflected light in the UV-C frequency range. This coating will be used to improve the safety features in their ceiling-mounted Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation fixture.

The CCMR JumpStart program is funded by the New York State Foundation for Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR). Designed to assist New York small businesses develop and improve their products through university collaborations, its ultimate goal is revenue growth and job creation. JumpStart projects receive up to $5,000 in matching funds for project costs including faculty and research staff, facilities, services, supplies and materials. Thirty-five companies have benefited from the program since 2005.

"These collaborations are clearly win-win; not only do the participating companies benefit by engaging Cornell faculty, many of the faculty research groups involved also benefit from these collaborations, all the while supporting economic growth in New York state through NYSTAR funding," said John Sinnott, CCMR industrial programs manager.

For more information about the JumpStart program, visit http://www.ccmr.cornell.edu/industry/. Applications for spring 2011 projects are now being accepted.