MassChallenge

Speratum is a biopharmaceutical company focused on microRNA-directed oncology therapies. The Company was founded in 2014 by Christian Marín-Müller, Ph.D. and is dedicated to the development of a patented treatment for pancreatic cancer based on the combination of tumor suppressive microRNA molecules and nanoparticle-based drug delivery technologies. The Company is currently entering the final stage of preclinical trials for the pancreatic cancer therapy, while simultaneously expanding the patent’s coverage to incorporate other types of cancer and non-cancer indications and illnesses and expanding its intellectual property (IP) portfolio with complementary technologies in the fields of nanotechnology, medical devices and veterinary medicine.

Freshean is a technology company dedicated to innovating clean air solutions. It employs proprietary nanotechnology to capture carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere and purify indoor air, contributing to climate change mitigation and improved indoor air quality.

OSEM provides best-in-class solutions to nanodrugs manufacturing that revolutionize healthcare, to revolutionize drug delivery systems and contribute to the advancement of life-saving therapeutics.

We founded AtomicAI to bring advances in computing and machine learning to nanomaterials manufacturing. We believe that nanomaterials will transform energy, electronics, and quantum technologies. But nanomaterials are really hard to make. We're here to help.

MIPRONS is on a mission to develop a space propulsion system for nanosatellites.

Intelligent NanoFiber, Inc. is a company that specializes in the design and manufacturing of advanced NanoFiber, an absorbent nano-material with the capability to capture and neutralize toxins and infectious diseases. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in College Station, Texas, the company’s innovative material, composed of polypropylene, offers high absorption characteristics suitable for a variety of applications. These include air filtration, waste management, heat insulation, and environmental restoration efforts such as desert greening. Intelligent NanoFiber serves critical sectors such as public safety and defense, providing solutions that enhance safety and efficiency in addressing environmental and health-related challenges.

Kismet Technologies specializes in innovative material technologies for infection control on surfaces. Its flagship product, NanoRAD, employs a proprietary combination of cerium oxide particles and chitosan to provide long-lasting antimicrobial protection, odor management, and UV protection. This enables manufacturers to integrate these properties into coatings, textiles, and other materials, enhancing safety, durability, and hygiene.

Diamante is a company based in Verona, Italy, that specializes in the development and manufacturing of diagnostic devices for autoimmune diseases, utilizing innovative nanomaterials. Founded in 2016, the company leverages plants as bioreactors to produce nanoparticles derived from modified plant viruses. This approach allows Diamante to create advanced tools for diagnosing and potentially treating autoimmune conditions, focusing on sustainable and efficient production methods. Through its research and development efforts, Diamante aims to contribute significantly to the field of autoimmune disease therapy.

Gelatex is a materials technology company based in Estonia, founded in 2016 and incorporated in the UK in 2019. The company specializes in producing bio-based nanofibers using a patented technology that allows for large-scale production at significantly lower costs. Gelatex's nanofibers are derived from gelatin sourced from low-value waste in the meat and leather industries, ensuring that its products are environmentally friendly and made from natural, non-toxic substances. Initially focused on developing eco-friendly leather-like textiles, the company recognized the broader applications of its technology during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a strategic pivot. Gelatex's innovative solutions have potential applications in various fields, including tissue engineering, cultured meat production, bio-based filtration, energy storage, and wound care.

Graphene Composites specializes in developing advanced composite materials by integrating graphene and aerogel. This combination aims to create lightweight yet exceptionally strong and impact-resistant materials for applications such as aerospace composites, renewable energy, and protective armor.

Nautilus Defense specializes in the creation and manufacture of advanced textile and composite-integrated systems aimed at monitoring structural assets and their environments. The company develops integrated maritime surveillance systems and cospas-sarsat meosar global deployment solutions. Its offerings include strain-sensing yarns, antennas, wearable systems, deployable systems, device arrays, and micrometers. Nautilus Defense is committed to rapid experimental development, delivering innovative material-based capabilities that enhance the performance of textile-integrated systems for its clients.

Veri Nano is a bionanotechnology company focused on developing innovative nanotechnologies applicable across various industries. Founded by a team of innovators and serial entrepreneurs, the company specializes in utilizing diverse biomaterials as building blocks to create advanced systems. Its product offerings include nanoengineered hydrogels, nanosized molecular delivery systems, and nanocomposite materials. By addressing key challenges in medicine and other sectors, Veri Nano aims to facilitate the integration of nanotechnology into business practices, enabling growth and advancement in multiple fields.

Parx Materials develops antibacterial and antimicrobial plastics that are safe for humans, animals, and the environment. The company’s technology, based on biomimetic design, inhibits bacterial growth on plastic surfaces with an effectiveness rate of 98‑99 % as measured by ISO 22196. Over four years of research, a team of 11 professors, scientists and researchers collaborated with a leading European university to create a patent‑pending, fully biocompatible solution that addresses the shortcomings of existing antimicrobial additives. The result is a line of plastics that combine high performance with complete safety for large‑scale application.

En Solución specializes in modernizing food safety by integrating innovative technologies with advanced sensing and control processes. The company is currently developing a high-concentration nano bubble generating device, designed to enhance the efficacy of pathogen-killing agents while ensuring safer delivery and control systems.

Grapheal is a Medtech startup specializing in embedded and wearable biosensors. Utilizing graphene transistors, their wireless sensors enable accurate field diagnostics and remote patient monitoring for various biomarkers and pathogens.

Integricote is a manufacturer of nanocoating materials that create a strong, penetrative coating covalently bonded to substrates. Its hydrophobic coatings repel water and stains, helping surfaces maintain appearance and durability. The company offers cleaners and sealers designed to renew, protect, and refresh areas affected by water damage, flooding, or heavy rains, and to form finishes that resist mold and mildew.

Veri Nano is a bionanotechnology company focused on developing innovative nanotechnologies applicable across various industries. Founded by a team of innovators and serial entrepreneurs, the company specializes in utilizing diverse biomaterials as building blocks to create advanced systems. Its product offerings include nanoengineered hydrogels, nanosized molecular delivery systems, and nanocomposite materials. By addressing key challenges in medicine and other sectors, Veri Nano aims to facilitate the integration of nanotechnology into business practices, enabling growth and advancement in multiple fields.

VoltXon introduces a new kind of NanoGenerator energy harvester to the market and develops a life-long and battery-free cardiac pacemaker.

Anavo Medical is a developer of innovative pharmaceutical products utilizing advanced nanotechnology to enhance wound healing and reduce complications associated with skin grafts. The company's flagship offering is a nanoparticle-based paste that contains bioactive nanoparticles suspended in a user-friendly matrix. These nanoparticles, which include metal oxides, possess anti-inflammatory and neo-angiogenic properties that promote the regeneration of blood vessels and mitigate inflammation. By leveraging these capabilities, Anavo Medical aims to improve patient safety and outcomes in surgical procedures, particularly in the healthcare and skin transplant sectors, thereby facilitating quicker healing and minimizing the risk of complications related to skin transplantation.

AeroShield specializes in the production of super-insulating, nanoporous glass materials designed for energy-efficient windows. Utilizing silica aerogel, AeroShield's products offer optical clarity akin to traditional glass while delivering superior insulation, making them 50% more effective than conventional double-pane windows. This innovative approach not only enhances thermal comfort but also significantly improves energy performance, allowing window manufacturers to meet sustainability and compliance objectives. Additionally, the payback period for AeroShield's materials is up to five times faster than that of similarly performing windows, making them a compelling choice for the modern market.

SolGro is a company focused on the development of nanomaterials and nanotechnology, specifically aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity. The company specializes in creating advanced greenhouse canopies that incorporate innovative nano-materials into their glazing. This technology is designed to convert wasted sunlight into usable light, thereby increasing plant photosynthesis. As a result, farmers can benefit from reduced harvest times, improved crop yields, and enhanced quality of their produce. Through its services and products, SolGro aims to significantly impact the agricultural sector by optimizing the growing conditions for various crops.

Nanochon is developing an implantable, 3D-printed cartilage implant designed to replace damaged cartilage and promote new tissue growth in joints, with a focus on knee damage. The device combines 3D printing and a novel nanomaterial to enable on-demand, cost-effective solutions intended to restore joint function and improve outcomes for young and active patients.

Founded in 2016, ZeoVation specializes in manufacturing nanozeolites and hierarchical zeolites. These materials enhance consumer products such as skincare lotions, sunscreens, laundry detergents, water softeners, and filtration systems by improving efficiency.

Multiscale Systems produces industrial innovations through technical engineering services and a robust in-house R&D program. The company specializes in metamaterial composites and focuses on advanced manufacturing.

EMet Nanotech is a company that specializes in advancing the field of cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) by significantly enhancing the sample preparation process. Its innovative PicoCell technology replaces traditional multi-step robots with a single, consumable imaging grid, streamlining the preparation to be up to 20 times faster and more cost-effective. This breakthrough enables biopharmaceutical firms to accelerate their drug discovery efforts, facilitating a deeper understanding of diseases and the development of targeted therapies. By simplifying the workflow and improving reproducibility, EMet Nanotech aims to contribute to more effective therapeutic solutions in the biopharma sector.

Swistor develops high-energy, ultra-fast charging battery replacements and density-energy battery solutions that enable devices to recharge quickly and achieve longer lifetimes. The technology relies on carbon nanotube supercapacitors to replace conventional batteries, delivering faster charging and greater durability while using environmentally friendly and safe materials. Swistor targets major mobile phone providers and the growing self-powered IoT market, helping manufacturers offer products with extended battery life and rapid recharging without compromising safety or sustainability.

Founded in 2018, Resistell develops and markets a diagnostic device for phenotypic antibiotic susceptibility testing. Its unique method detects movement caused by living bacterial cells to determine bacterial resistance to antibiotics.

Founded in 2016, Folia Water is dedicated to making clean drinking water accessible and affordable worldwide. The company specializes in manufacturing paper-based water filters infused with silver nanoparticles, reducing waterborne pathogens at a low cost. Their flagship product, Folia Filters™, is designed for affordability, targeting populations where access to clean water is limited due to financial constraints.

ALAnostics is a specialty biopharmaceutical company that originated as a spin-off from the University of Geneva. It focuses on developing innovative tumor painting technology aimed at enhancing the surgical treatment of breast cancer. The company’s proprietary approach utilizes nanomedicines to create a fluorescent dye that targets early-stage tumors, facilitating real-time identification and removal during surgery. This technology, based on 5-ALA prodrugs, supports fluorescence-guided surgical procedures and incorporates light-activated antimicrobials, ultimately improving surgical outcomes and increasing the likelihood of saving patients' lives by ensuring complete tumor removal.

Founded in 2013, DetraPel is a cleantech company specializing in the synthesis and manufacturing of PFAS-free protective coatings. Its hydrophobic liquid repellent spray safeguards objects from spills and stains.

Blue Fairy Med is a wearable manufacturing company focused on developing innovative medical devices for neonatal care. Their primary product is a sophisticated infant care system designed to monitor vital signs of premature babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). This system integrates various components, including wires, adhesive electrodes, sensors, and clothing, into a single soft and smart textile garment. By enabling wireless monitoring of vital parameters, Blue Fairy Med's technology facilitates a more approachable and progressive treatment approach, allowing healthcare professionals to enhance the care and welfare of premature infants and establish a new standard in neonatal care.

SurgePower Materials is a green technology company focused on producing high purity graphene, a specialized carbon-based nanomaterial, from renewable resources. The company employs a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manufacturing process to create its nanomaterials, which are designed to enhance the performance of advanced sustainable products, particularly in the realm of green energy storage technologies. SurgePower Materials aims to redefine the graphene market by positioning itself as a leader in the global graphene sector, supported by a dedicated team of inventors, business directors, project managers, and researchers.

Guardion is a technology company specializing in advanced sensor technology, particularly in the development of radiation detectors that utilize the quantum properties of nanomaterials. This innovative approach allows Guardion to create low-cost, highly sensitive, and energy-efficient detectors suitable for large-scale deployment, especially in urban environments. The company focuses on applications that demand high sensitivity and miniaturization, providing analytical instruments and chemical detectors that serve various industries, including aerospace, healthcare, and national security. Guardion has received recognition for its contributions to the field, winning multiple awards such as the MassChallenge Gold Prize and the Technology in Space Prize from CASIS and Boeing. Additionally, the company participated in the inaugural cohort of the Techstars Autonomous Tech Accelerator, which is sponsored by the Air Force.

Nanosynex is a diagnostic test that checks bacterial resistance to antibiotics in a record time, using a phenotypic approach that involves microfluidic techniques and fluorescent-based analysis. The test helps doctors determine faster (same-day results) the most appropriate antibiotic treatment for their patients, helping them recover in a shorter time and preventing the spread of resistant bacteria in the environment. By limiting prolonged hospitalization, Nanosynex allows to save significant healthcare costs.

Klahas is developing nanosensors for gas detection. To date billions of people mainly in cities unknowingly breath polluted air. The gas sensor market worth $2.5B has 6% annual growth. Their patented technology, a nano-sized molecule based gas sensor for dangerous gases (NOx, NH3, COx, benzol) monitors air pollution and can be integrated in smart devices, especially wearables. Standard fabrication technologies are used to fabricate a low power consumption, highly sensitive nanotech sensors that will enter a market with annual growth rate of 10-15%.

IbtiCare develops antibacterial coatings using advanced nanotechnology. Their innovative Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) technology coats surfaces with nanoparticles, making them resistant to bacteria, including drug-resistant strains. The company's products have been clinically validated and are designed to enhance surface safety and reduce microbial contamination risks.

Founded in 2017, Nanogence specializes in developing novel material solutions for the construction sector. It focuses on creating synthetic, tailor-made materials that enhance performance and reduce carbon emissions in applications such as construction, pharmaceuticals, and mobility.

Lux Labs specializes in the development of advanced optical materials, utilizing cutting-edge nanophotonics and polymer fabrication techniques. The company's flagship innovation is a transparent display technology designed to transform any window or clear surface into a projection screen. This proprietary technology employs optical angular selective film and wavelength-selective scattering film, enabling consumers to retrofit various clear substrates for use as fully transparent displays.

ConquerX is a biotechnology company focused on advancing precision medicine through innovative molecular profiling solutions for clinical trials. The company's flagship product, EbeGen, is an electro-chemical biosensor designed to detect multiple molecular targets, including DNAs, RNAs, and microRNAs, simultaneously without the need for sequencing or quantitative PCR, thus offering a cost-effective alternative to existing technologies. Additionally, ConquerX has developed a pan-cancer test that differentiates cancerous cells from healthy ones, utilizing high-throughput genomic and proteomic profiling alongside proprietary nanotechnology. This tool enables oncologists to effectively screen for commonly known biomarkers across various cancer types, thereby enhancing the cancer diagnosis process.

Biomicrogels Group develops biomicrogels, a substance derived from agricultural waste like sugar beet and apple pomace. This unique material addresses global environmental challenges by treating produced water, separating cutting fluids, extracting vegetable oils, and cleaning oil spills. The company also produces eco-friendly household cleaning products under the WONDERLAB brand.

HICS provides real-time nano-accuracy measurement and inspection solutions. Founded in 2014 and based in Seoul, South Korea, the company developed a machine-vision platform backed by 3D-NDM/R and 3D-NDM/T technology that measures nanoscale depth and detects defects and foreign materials in real time, supplying quantitative data on 3D nanoscale defects to enable industries such as LED panel manufacturing to perform rigid nano inspection with enhanced speed and accuracy.

Inspecto Solutions Ltd is an innovative company that develops a portable nanoscale scanner designed to detect food contaminants quickly and efficiently. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Israel, Inspecto Solutions aims to enhance food safety by providing a solution that allows farmers, producers, suppliers, buyers, retailers, and quality assurers to receive rapid results. Unlike traditional detection methods that are often expensive and complex, Inspecto's technology enables users to check for early signs of contamination within minutes and at a significantly lower cost. The company's platform also includes a cloud-based application that integrates big data analytics and blockchain technology, ensuring secure data storage and facilitating real-time analysis for multiple contamination parameters. This comprehensive approach helps improve business performance by enhancing traceability and quality assurance throughout the food supply chain.

PolyDrop develops conductive polymer additives for coatings, composites, and batteries. Originating at the University of Washington, its patented material science enables safe, stable, and affordable conductive polymers. The additives provide anti-static and anti-corrosion protection at low loading, enabling existing coatings and plastics to become static-dissipative in electronics, marine, textiles, flooring, and related applications. The technology has been integrated in electronics and coatings industries, transforming coatings and plastics into dissipative materials while maintaining performance and cost efficiency.

Novarials Corporation, based in Woburn, MA, specializes in the large-scale production and processing of high-quality one-dimensional nanomaterials. Their portfolio spans ceramic, semiconducting, metallic nanowires, nanotubes, nanosheets, and nanoporous materials, catering to diverse research and development needs across industries.

Vecoy Nanomedicines Ltd., a privately held company, incorporated in Israel in 2010, is a leading company in the application of nanomedicine technologies to the complex issues of viral diseases. The Vecoy technology will fundamentally change the treatment of viral infections by administering novel nano-scale virus-traps that capture and destroy viruses.

EnerLeap is a patented, new lithium ion battery technology. In today's lithium ion batteries, the powder binders break down quickly, stunt performance and jeopardize safety. EnerLeap replaces these inefficient binders with a rigid 2D titanium silicide nanonet. The result is a lighter weight, faster charging, longer lasting and safer battery. We have lab scale prototypes and are currently planning to enter the $12B global lithium ion market through the consumer electronic space.

Cellanyx is a diagnostics company focused on advancing cancer detection through innovative technologies. By integrating matrix biology, nanomedicine, and computational methods, Cellanyx has developed a live-cell biomarker-based diagnostic test that assesses the oncogenic and metastatic potential of tumors, particularly in prostate, skin, and breast cancers. The company's diagnostic solution provides healthcare professionals with objective prognostic metrics, which enhance treatment decision-making for patients undergoing monitoring or surgical interventions. Cellanyx's approach includes high-content imaging and machine learning algorithms to generate personalized clinical scores that aid in risk stratification, especially for men with low and intermediate-grade prostate cancer. Additionally, the company is positioned to utilize its technology for compound discovery, identifying less toxic treatments that effectively mitigate cancer cell growth and metastasis, with the goal of reverting malignant cells to a more normal state.

NBD Nanotechnologies, Inc. is a manufacturer of surface wettability coatings and additives designed to enhance the performance of various materials. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Lexington, Massachusetts, the company offers a diverse product portfolio that includes RepelShell, RepelFlex Antimicrobial, RepelFlex Soft-Touch, NanoGlue, RepelFlex Hard-Coat, Invisiprint, and RepelFlex Leather. These products are engineered to modify surface properties, improving functionalities such as heat transfer, condensation control, fog capture, de-misting, and anti-scaling performance. NBD Nanotechnologies focuses on providing innovative solutions that create ultra-durable and functional surface characteristics for glass and plastic materials, catering to a range of commercial partners.

Cerahelix designs and manufactures ceramic membrane filters for water purification, resource recovery, and related filtration applications. It offers ceramic microfiltration membranes and housings, including single-channel elements for lab-scale studies and multi-channel elements for commercial-scale projects, as well as filter element housings and laboratory test systems that are sold or leased. Its bio-derived membranes utilize a patented DNA-template technology to form sub-nanometer pores in ceramic material, enabling molecular-level separation of salts, metal ions, and other impurities. The company serves industries such as food and beverage, mining, produced water, fine chemicals, bio-based products, pharmaceuticals, renewables, and waste-to-energy. Founded in 2011, Cerahelix is based in Orono, Maine.

NanoLab brings world-class molecular diagnostics into the point of care market. They have a patent pending device capable of becoming a fully featured platform diagnostic tool. They also have an attractive, $1.2 billion initial market with cardiac enzyme panel tests to diagnose heart attacks. They use nanoscale magnetic sensors and tags to achieve sensitivities over 20 times greater than the current gold standard, with results available in 15 minutes in a purely portable package.

Imbed Biosciences is a medical device company that develops technologies for embedding bioactive molecules in wound dressings and surgical implants. Its platform includes antimicrobial wound dressings and biocompatible matrices that balance moisture and enable long-term, non-toxic antibacterial release to prevent infections and promote wound healing. The company seeks to improve outcomes in burns, ulcers, and soft-tissue injuries while reducing wound-management costs. It originated as a spin-off from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and is based in Madison, Wisconsin.

Privo Technologies develops targeted treatments using its proprietary nano-engineered platform, initially focusing on oral cancer. Based in the greater Boston area, they aim to create robust therapies with reduced side effects for various indications.

Novophage specializes in developing biological solutions to address significant industrial infrastructure challenges caused by biofilms, which are communities of bacteria that hinder heat transfer, lead to corrosion, and contribute to biofouling and various diseases. These issues incur substantial economic costs in the United States. Existing methods to combat biofilms often rely on toxic or corrosive chemicals that can harm the environment. Novophage's innovative approach features a first-in-class, patent-pending anti-biofilm solution that is both environmentally friendly and highly effective. By leveraging expertise in synthetic and systems biology, the company utilizes a biological nanoparticle that harnesses the bacteria's own mechanisms to generate active agents targeting the biofilm. This solution can be integrated with existing antimicrobials, enhancing energy efficiency in heat transfer systems and extending the lifespan of critical infrastructure.

Fluorescent Nanoscopy is a breakthrough technology for optical microscopy suited for live cell imaging with tens times enhanced resolution. It helps develop new drugs and materials, achieve breakthrough results in fundamental research and to improve clinical and QA tests. This can be done by both increasing resolution in cell research and increasing data density on surfaces of microarrays. The technology has a strong IP protection and gives an opportunity to create new markets.