Startups from life sciences, clean tech, and advanced materials sectors to take residence at The Innovation Space, receiving funding, mentorship, and access to cutting-edge facilities.
WILMINGTON, Delaware — The Innovation Space™ announced today that the first seven promising early-stage science startups have been awarded funding through its newly-launched Early-Stage Growth Grant (EGG) funding program. The selected companies represent The Innovation Space’s core focus areas of clean tech, life sciences, and advanced materials.
With $1.425 million in backing from congressional funding through the U.S. Small Business Administration supported by U.S. Sens. Tom Carper (D-Delaware) and Chris Coons (D-Delaware), this program provides selected startups with up to two years of dedicated lab space at The Innovation Space, plus access to The Innovation Space’s state-of-the-art equipment, network of expert mentors, and business building support.
“Delaware continues to be a leader in research and development through the great work happening to foster this sector at The Innovation Space,” said Senator Carper. “I am glad to support its growth through this federal funding and help create a nurturing environment for these startups.”
“I’m glad that I was able to help provide federal support to a program focused on fostering growth in cutting-edge fields that will create jobs here in the First State,” said Senator Coons. “These first seven businesses awarded through this program will help cement Delaware as a national leader in the space of innovation.”
“Delaware’s commitment to innovation is what makes us strong, and the federal funding announced today will advance the cutting-edge work of seven science startups in our state” said Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. “I’m grateful to The Innovation Space for its commitment to fostering the growth and success of science startups in Delaware, helping to cement our state as a hub for research, development, and innovation.”
The startups awarded EGG funding and relocating to The Innovation Space’s facilities at the Experimental Station in Wilmington include:
Cryston Materials, a Delaware-based early-stage startup, is developing new cathode materials for high energy density lithium-ion cells.
HARTLON, a Delaware-based company that has developed a bioresorbable vascular stent that is designed to eliminate pain, non-healing sores, and risk of limb amputation caused by poor blood flow below-the-knee. HARTLON is a graduate of The Innovation Space’s Science Inc. virtual accelerator program. https://hartlon.com/
Livestock Labs, relocating to The Innovation Space from California, uses advanced genetic engineering technology to create process-ready cell lines to boost bio-manufacturing capabilities. https://livestock-labs.com/
Mykito Sciences, relocating from California to The Innovation Space, is focused on developing pharmaceutical-grade chitosan — a sugar that comes from the outer skeleton of shellfish, such as crab, lobster and shrimp. Its efforts will support the life science industry for us as a substance in treatments and products. https://mykito.co/
Nitro Biosciences, a University of Delaware spinout and Science Inc. graduate, is developing a live bacterial vaccine platform to target diseases/antigens normally hidden from the immune system.
Serentix, a Science Inc. graduate relocating to The Innovation Space from Exton, Pennsylvania. The life sciences startup is developing targeted small molecule therapy for innocuous pain relief without the worry of addiction. https://serentrix.com/
Unsmudgeable, a Science Inc. graduate relocating to The Innovation Space from Boston, is developing an environmentally friendly permanent anti-smudge eyewear lens coating. This coating provides eyewear users with a consistent clear line of vision leading to increased safety, productivity, and convenience in a one-time application. https://www.unsmudgeable.com/
“Our EGG cohort of companies are an exciting addition to The Innovation Space ecosystem,” said Bill Provine, CEO of The Innovation Space. We are confident that the technical expertise, business mentorship and cutting-edge lab space we provide will be a competitive advantage for these companies as they accelerate development of products and technologies that can improve lives and change the world. We have always been proud of our Delaware roots and heritage, and we are thrilled to welcome these companies to their new home at Innovation Space, where our mission is fueling the growth of science-based startups.”
To learn more about the EGG funding program, please visit https://innovationspace.org/early-stage-growth-grant.
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About The Innovation Space (www.innovationspace.org):
The Innovation Space™ is both a virtual and physical home for startups in Life Sciences, Clean Tech, and Advanced Materials. We work to transform science startups into industry-leading companies, supporting over 135 companies that have raised more than $1.2 billion in private capital since 2017. Located on the historic Experimental Station campus in Wilmington, Delaware, The Innovation Space™ offers 130,000 ft² of state-of-the-art lab and office space with access to cutting-edge equipment alongside a suite of programs and funding opportunities to support startup growth, including our new Early-Stage Growth Grant (EGG). Sign up for our newsletter for more information and updates to learn how The Innovation Space™ can support your startup’s success.