I'm setting up a meeting with Prof. Timothy Swager, who recently won the $500k Lemelson-MIT Prize. Dr. Swager heads the Chemistry Department. Notable innovations include lasing sensors for building security, imaging agents for detecting Alzheimer's as well LCD manufacturing technology. One of his most notable inventions are fluorescent polymers that can be used to detect explosives. This technology was licensed to Nomadics, which has deployed the product as a hand held explosives detector:Dr. Timothy Swager, Nomadics, Lemelson Prize, Explosives Detection
This is an area I've spent a LOT of time in. Actually, four years of my life trying to spin out technology from Georgia Tech to do a similar thing: BionTTech Unfortunately, the technology at GA Tech wasn't mature enough, but we did get as far as TSA testing. It is good to see market validation of the idea, and acceptance by a device/platform vendor.
I believe that a number of innovations such at Dr. Swager's are out there that can be easily translated into working dual-use solutions for both Homeland Security as well as industrial purposes. With over 75% of the nation's infrastructure in private hands, I believe that infrastructure protection will become an increasingly more important agenda item for boards of directors and risk managers. Given that ADT was acquired for over $2B cash for simple fire and intrusion alarms, I have to believe that the opportunity to protect buildings, bridges, airports, shipping etc from explosives and chemicals is a much bigger problem.
Comments