North Carolina State University

SinnovaTek is revolutionizing the food processing industry with technology that originated from NC State research. Backed by three U.S. Department of Agriculture Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) awards, the company has expanded its footprint by building a 100,000-square-foot processing facility in Nash County, NC, and creating 73 jobs in the region. SinnovaTek has also facilitated the launch of over 100 Food and Drug Administration-approved products and spun out two additional companies: SinnoVita, which develops value-added ingredients from nutrient-rich raw materials, and FirstWave Innovations, which accelerates the market entry of  novel food products.

Gridbridge provides electric utility customers with innovative power delivery solutions. It was funded by over $3 million in SBIR awards from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, and Department of Defense (DoD).

AP Solutions leveraged more than $3 million in SBIR funding from the DoD to develop non-thermal plasma surface treatment technology that helps remove coatings and sealants, clean contaminants, and prepare the external surfaces of vehicles and vessels for adhesion. The company’s PlasmaBlast PB7000-M tool is used by the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, shipyards, and Fortune 100 companies worldwide. AP Solutions has created 17 jobs and continues to drive industry innovation.

SinnovaTek’s Nomatic processing system helps reduce food waste and improves access to high-quality food processing technology. The company has seen approximately $1.5 million in sales and raised over $1.3 million in additional funding and investments.

Gridbridge’s successful acquisition by ERMCO in 2017 demonstrates the economic potential of university-supported startups in the power delivery sector. The company’s innovative power delivery systems have applications in the utilities and commercial power sectors, and help modernize our nation’s energy infrastructure.

AP Solutions’ groundbreaking plasma technology has earned several government contracts, including a U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) schedule contract for its PlasmaBlast PB7000-M mobile surface preparation tool, underscoring its growth potential in government and commercial markets.

Federally funded scientific research enables NC State researchers to found new companies, develop unique innovations, and drive considerable economic growth for North Carolina and for the United States. These companies represent just a fraction of NC State’s economic impact. The university’s approach to research and commercialization spurs job creation, attracts large-scale investments, and helps American maintain its technological leadership.