The Cornell Center for Materials Research (CCMR) has selected eight innovative projects for funding through the Jumpstart Program for the Fall 2024 semester. The Jumpstart Program, designed to support New York State small businesses in partnership with Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR), provides technical assistance and matching funds to advance collaborative research initiatives.

The selected projects encompass a diverse range of industries and technologies, showcasing the program's commitment to fostering innovation and economic growth across New York State. These projects were chosen for their potential to create significant impact and leverage the expertise of CCMR researchers. 

The funded projects for this semester are:

• Structural Proteins to Textile Fibers
  Bloom Labs (New York City) will work with Professor Tamer Uyar, Fiber Science (HCE) to characterize their proprietary technology to melt spin waste structural proteins (keratin, silk) to textile fibers with attractive cost-performance  and that are  fully biodegradable.
• Nanostructured TEM Grids for Cryo-EM 
  Esper Biosciences, Inc. (Ithaca, Tompkins County, Southern Tier Region) will work with Professor David Muller, School of Applied and Engineering Physics, College of Engineering (COE) to develop high quality substrates that will simplify sample preparation and provide ideal conditions for high-resolution protein imaging using cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (CRYO-TEM).
• Determination of physio-chemical properties of carbon negative supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs)
  Carbon To Stone, Inc. (Ithaca, Tompkins County, Southern Tier Region) will work with CCMR facility staff experts to determine the physio-chemical properties of carbon negative cementitious materials, used in construction materials, by valorizing industrial flue gas emissions and waste materials.
• Unlocking the Potential of Grape Pomace: Evaluating Environmental Safety and Nutritional Benefits for Market Readiness
  Stilbene, Inc. (Geneva, Ontario County, Finger Lakes Region) will work with Professor Elad Tako, Food Science (CALS) to collect and analyze nutrition and environmental impact data of grape pomace, a byproduct of the grape industry used in their product, GR8PE.
• Multi-Surface Antimicrobial Technology 
  AvantGuard (Ithaca, Tompkins County, Southern Tier Region) will work with CCMR facility instruments and staff experts to advance their antimicrobial technology that can deliver protection from pathogens on all surfaces, including the skin.
• Characterization of Battery Electrode Materials 
  Conamix (Ithaca, Tompkins County, Southern Tier Region) will work with CCMR facility instruments and staff experts to understand Conamix’s battery electrode materials using advanced electron microscopy.
• Characterization of Energy Storage Devices 
  GDI (Rochester, Monroe County, Finger Lakes Region) will work with CCMR facility instruments and staff experts to characterize GDI’s energy storage devices through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
• Improve and identify important nanoparticle constituents in polycarbonate face shields
  Otex (Rochester, Monroe County, Finger Lakes Region) will work with CCMR facility instruments and staff experts to Improve and identify important nanoparticle constituents in polycarbonate.

These projects were selected after a rigorous evaluation process by Cornell staff and the CCMR JumpStart Advisory Board. Industry participation and projects selected for funding represent the ongoing commitment of CCMR and its partners to supporting the growth and development of small businesses in New York State.

"We are thrilled to advance our collaboration with New York State small businesses through the Jumpstart Program," said Frank Wise, CCMR Director. "The eight projects selected for Fall 2024—ranging from biodegradable textile fibers to advanced energy storage devices—demonstrates the diverse and innovative potential within our region. We look forward to partnering closely with these companies to support their research and development efforts, utilizing CCMR’s state-of-the-art facilities and expert guidance to bring their groundbreaking ideas to fruition."

The Jumpstart Program offers financial assistance, technical expertise, and access to state-of-the-art facilities at Cornell University to facilitate the successful completion of these projects. 

The Cornell Center for Materials Research (CCMR) is an interdisciplinary research center at Cornell University dedicated to advancing materials science research and innovation. CCMR collaborates with industry partners to drive economic growth and promote innovation in New York State. Learn more at https://www.ccmr.cornell.edu/  Support for the Cornell Center for Materials Research is provided by New York State Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology, and Innovation (NYSTAR).

For media inquiries or further information, please contact John Sinnott, Industrial Programs Manager at jps39@cornell.edu or 607-255-7070.