Italian research team spins off two optics companies

17 Jun 2002

A research group in Italy is setting up two optics spin-off companies, one to commercialize an organic light-emitting compound in biodiagnostic applications and another company to perform contract research for the optoelectronics industry.
The group from the University of Lecce has joined forces with local company Bio-D, to commercialize modified thiophene molecules as chromogen markers for fluorocytometry. The project has received funding from Italian venture capitalists as well as the university.
Group leader Roberto Cingolani said: "Our company aims to set up a kit for molecular cytofluorimetry based on our molecules replacing the conventional chromogen markers. We also hope to develop a new spectrocytofluorimeter based on parallel CCD detection, which should speed up biological analyses."

The second company, Salento Innovation Technology, already has a contract with a multinational optoelectronics business and is currently negotiating with two other firms. "My idea is to create a public/private joint venture that provides high-tech research for big businesses.
"We will manufacture various devices including quantum-dot lasers, vertical-cavity dot lasers, quaternary III-V nitrogen-based lasers and organic amplifiers."
Cingolani believes that this kind of venture is the way forward for optoelectronics research. He said: "Large companies have reduced their long- and mid-term programs because research is so expensive. On the other hand, universities often carry out useless research programs, without any contact with the real world.
"If we can offer state-of-the-art equipment and educated personnel at the reasonable university costs, then we can really sell R&D. Large companies will find it convenient: they will not have to build R&D labs; they will not have to educate people; and they will minimize risks and investments."

Story courtesy of Opto and Laser Europe magazine.