Xeotron
A DNA chip is a fingernail-sized device containing thousands of probes that, by detecting the presence or absence of specific gene sequences, can literally paint a genetic picture of living cells. UM Professor of Engineering Erdogan Gulari and his former student, research scientist Dr. Xiaochuan Zhou, teamed up with Professor Xiaolian Gao at the University of Houston to create a novel platform technology for use in the manufacture of DNA chips. The first marketable product to be based on their interdisciplinary effort is XeoChip® -advanced all-species DNA chips that offer genetic researchers distinct advantages in terms of quality, flexibility and speed.
Early in the research and development process, Zhou and Gulari began working with UM Tech Transfer on the protection and commercialization plans for the technology. It was there that they met Karen Studer-Rabeler of the UM Tech Transfer New Business Development (NBD) team. Acting as business formation consultants for tech transfer projects with the potential to become business start-ups, Studer-Rabeler and her NBD team provide assistance related to project management, business planning, mentoring, linkages to external resources, funding strategy, as well as other start-up facilitation services.
Through ongoing discussions, Studer-Rabeler explained the steps and issues involved in launching XeoChip technology, introduced the researchers to skilled executives, and pointed them to potential funding sources. "In this business, you have to have a champion," says consultant, and later Xeotron CEO, Martin Lindenberg. "With her can-do attitude, Karen was the ideal facilitator. She kept things moving forward, provided us with a road map and, at a crucial juncture, made use of the University's commercialization funds, which enabled my initial involvement in the process. Overall, UM Tech Transfer proved that, with the right guidance, even an inherently complicated process can proceed smoothly and successfully."
Printed from: http://www.techtransfer.umich.edu/news_events/success_stories/story_20.php