The Cornell Center for Materials Research JumpStart program, funded by Empire State Development's Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR), helps New York state small businesses develop and improve their products through collaborations with university scientists, the ultimate goal being revenue growth and job creation.

During the upcoming semester, four companies will participate in JumpStart, receiving up to $5,000 in matching funds. Participating companies may provide part of their matching funds in material and employee time as well as cash. Spring semester projects are:

• Intrinsiq Materials Co. in Rochester will collaborate with Chris Ober, the F.N. Bard Professor of Metallurgical Engineering, to investigate using copper nano-particles in low-cost print processable conductive inks for the electronics industry.
• NOHMs Technology Inc. in Ithaca will collaborate with Héctor Abruña, the E.M. Chamot Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, to study the efficiency and reliability of advanced electrode and electrolyte materials for next-generation lithium-ion batteries.
• Rapid Cure Technologies Inc. in Syracuse will collaborate with Emmanuel Giannelis, the Walter R. Read Professor of Engineering, to transform a unique nanoparticle technology into a light-curable primer coating for use on plastics that will reduce energy consumption and solvent emissions.
• Thalle Industries Inc. of Briarcliff Manor will collaborate with Kenneth Hover, professor of civil and environmental engineering, to develop a manufactured sand blend yielding a workability desired by concrete producers and turning a waste product into a resource.

Since its inception, 47 companies have benefited from the program. The deadline to apply for fall JumpStart projects is June 30. For information contact John Sinnott, small business outreach program manager, 607-255-7070, jps39@cornell.edu.