NewsRelease

UNCG Spins Off New Biotechnology Company that
Combats Terrorism through Water Quality Surveillance

GREENSBORO –The University of North Carolina at Greensboro announced today the incorporation of a new biotechnology spin-off, EcoGenomix, Inc. The company is developing technology to identify potential terrorist agents in water supplies, as part of a cost-effective and ongoing evaluation of water quality.

In collaboration with UNCG, EcoGenomix is developing the WaterChip^TM, a microarray that detects known and unidentified microbes that might serve as bioindicators of environmental quality. Microarrays simultaneously analyze thousands of different DNAs rapidly using a fluorescent scanner. The WaterChip^TM represents a revolutionary approach to water surveillance in its detection of both anticipated and unanticipated contamination as part of a broadly used, cost-effective, and routine monitoring system. EcoGenomix technology consolidates current water quality tests with an innovative approach to examine the overall water system quality.

The technology is based on research done in the UNCG Department of Biology by Dr. Parke Rublee, Dr. Vincent Henrich and former faculty member Dr. Neal Stewart. It has been supported by a $1 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency. The development of EcoGenomix has been facilitated by the Institute for Health, Science and Society (IHSS) which assists UNCG faculty members doing basic research in identifying and pursuing technology transfer opportunities. The WaterChip^TM represents the first commercialization effort resulting from the gene array initiative at UNCG.

Rublee said “We are taking information from years of research and developing a faster, cheaper and more comprehensive method to evaluate water system quality.”
Chancellor Patricia Sullivan said, “At UNCG, we are working to develop the kind of research that will bring about patents, spin-off companies and create new jobs in the Triad,” Sullivan said. “This initiative is part of our strategic plan and is in keeping with our goal of this University playing a major role as an engine for economic development and social capital development in the region.”

Eric Button will guide initial development of EcoGenomix as Chairman and CEO. Button is a serial biotech entrepreneur with strong ties to UNCG, having earned both a B.A. and M.B.A. from UNCG.  Jerry McGuire, a veteran of corporate licensing and technology transfer and director of the UNCG Office of Technology Transfer, will also serve on the board.

The scientific operations of the company will be lead by Rublee, Henrich and Dr. Jennifer Freeman. While maintaining their positions as biology professors at UNCG, Rublee and Henrich will also be vice presidents of ecological research and genomics research, respectively. Freeman will serve as director of research. The scientific team combines the research expertise of Rublee in water quality assessment, Henrich’s extensive research in the area of molecular genetics and Freeman’s experience in diagnostic research in a start-up environment.

Button, who is president and managing director of BioEmerge Partners, a venture development company based in Clemmons, said: "The unique blend of genetic and ecological talents in the UNCG biology department has produced an entirely novel approach to the assessment of water quality and the detection of potential pathogens planted by terrorists in the water supply. Much work has been done to lay the groundwork for this company and it is clearly ready to move on to the next steps."

EcoGenomix is the direct result of a focused effort by the UNCG's administration and faculty to leverage the fruits of its research to generate economic growth for the Triad, said McGuire, who joined UNCG in April of this year. “The formation of an Office of Technology Transfer, increased emphasis on research, construction of a new Science Building and campus-wide efforts on economic development have accelerated UNCG's wherewithal for this type of activity.” he said. “I did not anticipate that we would be positioned to promote a biotech start-up in such a short time."

With the WaterChip^TM, EcoGenomix will address a market need to rapidly detect water supply contamination by pathogens, toxins and chemicals. In addition to the surveillance of water supplies, other applications include recreational water areas, processing plants, the food supply infrastructure including farms, storage and distribution facilities, retail facilities, and bioremediation.

The company has been in development for the last year. Activities have been focused on developing the underlying technology, strengthening the intellectual property position, refining the company vision and strategy, and acquiring seed capital.

A comprehensive patent application has recently been filed to protect the WaterChip^TM technology.  EcoGenomix has obtained an exclusive license from UNCG. EcoGenomix co-founders include UNCG, BioEmerge Partners, and members of the management/scientific team.  EcoGenomix is currently a tenant in the Nussbaum Center in Greensboro and will be building out wet lab space in the next several months.
 
 

Back to the Latest News Releases
Return to the University News Service Home Page