There are many ways to develop new technologies. Garage operations usually get most of the attention while larger corporations are just expected to come up with the “new” ideas. In the middle, however, there is a group of very smart people who just like to do the research and development without the limitations that the other two tend to bring. These are the incubator companies and are often at the razors edge of new technologies that can actually be commercialized sooner rather than later.
Octillion Corporation, a technology incubator company, works to identify, develop and commercialize viable technology applications. The company works through more unconventional methods with research institutions, universities and government agencies to bring viable products to market. In many instances, “unconventional” can carry an uncertain connotation. In this company’s practice, it is simply a method of reducing costs that might normally be associated with a start-up company. Land, building expense and some equipment costs are reduced or eliminated, making the company more flexible in its approach to bringing products to market.
The company’s primary product under development is a nano-spray technology which places a thin film nano-particle construction on a glass surface. Ideally, this process will allow the company to market residential and commercial windows with solar energy generating capacity. At this point, the technology to accomplish the task is well understood in a laboratory environment. The task now is to make the process commercially viable with “off-the-shelf” equipment. All indications point to success in this regard and the beginnings of testing and certifications in the very near future. Medical solutions are also a part of the company’s development cycle. A nerve regeneration-type product designed to aide with nerve damage related to trauma and other nerve damaging events is showing progress and is well along in the development process. Solar applications, however, are the current focus, as they are relatively close to commercialization.
Making the leap to commercialization is a large one for a company that develops its products as this company does. As a result, the company is in a constant battle to raise capital in a form consistent with accepted rules. A recent private placement has generated approximately $3.6 million in capital and a procedural step toward spinning MicroChannel Technologies Inc. off to Octillion Corporation, whose investors will open more opportunity as commercialization continues. Incubators bring great minds together in a good working environment. Getting from the intellectual to the market is the step that makes the money. The development process that Octillion Corporation is taking may take a bit longer – as they are the cutting edge of technology – but in the end they come in cheaper and with less financial obligations. This means fewer headaches for the company and more return for the investor.
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