TECHNOLOGY SUMMARY

Chemeleon is developing a new platform technology for a novel chemical sensor with high sensitivity and specificity that would find a wide range of applications. The sensor is based on a unique design of the integration of highly selective molecular probes and colorimetric optical reporters to realize simple and rapid colorimetric sensing. This sensor technology is fundamentally different from other colorimetric sensing by using all solid phase sensor chips and can be extended to detection of both liquid and gas phase analyte. It enables accurate detection of analytes in complex environment and eliminates the need to run tedious lab analysis with cumbersome instrument such as GC/LC. The very initial application includes a smart colorimetric sensor that can be embedded in drinkware to help general consumers become aware of food and drink safety to protect them from date rape drug facilitated crime. This platform technology has much broader applications beyond date rape drug detection. It enables instantaneous on-the-spot detection of many other analytes such as volatile organic compound (VOC), explosives, nerve agents, and it can also be extended to detect specific biomarkers and enable clinical diagnosis and prognosis.

AREA/MATURITY/AWARDS

Primary Application Area: Materials, Chemical

Technology Development Status: Prototype

Technology Readiness Level: TRL 5

Vetted Programs/Awards: We won a NSF STTR Phase I grant in 2018 and are applying for a Phase II this year. As well, we submitted a proposal for a NIH SBIR Phase I for another technical application and will begin the project in April 2019 if we win.

SHOWCASE SUMMARY

Organization Type: Early-stage Startup (Seed)

Showcase Booth #: 14T

Website: https://www.chemeleon.com/

GOVT/EXTERNAL FUNDING SOURCES

External Funding to Date: >$2.5mm from a private investor.