Innovation Is Everywhere Series Feature

This feature was originally published on The Innovation Space's website on February 21, 2024. You can read the original post [here]. We’re excited to share the full feature below!

Christopher DiMarco, PhD, visited a dozen incubators and private lab spaces within a 100-mile radius of Philadelphia. It was after connecting with a local economic development council that he learned about the Innovation Space as a location for Sindri Materials, his graphene startup.

“Beyond the physical space, the Innovation Space staff has been a knowledgeable and supportive ally in our growth,” DiMarco said. “As a startup navigating a large market with complex technology, their expertise and support have proven invaluable.”

Graphene is a two-dimensional material which boasts incredible properties that can revolutionize a multitude of industries such as semiconductors, energy, and biotech. And the team at Sindri Materials is focused on delivering ultra-high-quality graphene to the market by scaling up production without compromising its exceptional properties. This is especially important in fields like drug discovery, where high-quality graphene has the potential to address macromolecule imaging problems in structural biology.

“Despite the recognized impact of graphene in this field, there is currently no supplier meeting the required quality metrics for a truly high-impact and viable solution,” DiMarco said. “Sindri Materials plans to fill this gap and drive advancements in structural biology with our exceptional graphene products while on our journey to bring this wonder material to the masses.”

Leveraging the Innovation Space’s resources:

“The resources at the Innovation Space have been instrumental in our journey as a growing business. The affordable and well-equipped Lab Pods are enabling us to de-risk our technology and deliver proof-of-concept products to our collaborators. The private lab space with essential amenities, such as a chemical fume hood, in-house deionized water, and compressed air has minimized costs and optimized our pathway to a minimum viable product.  Furthermore, the shared equipment, vast inventory of loaner equipment, and upcoming investment in specialized equipment well-suited for materials science companies further reduce our market’s barrier to entry costs.

“The space offers an array of programs and supportive networks, including our recent participation in the Science Inc. accelerator and Spark Factory programs, which allowed us to refine our pitch materials for investors and connect with industry leading mentors that will help guide us by addressing our pressing questions about being a start-up and navigating through the industry.

“In just a few months, we have connected with dozens of supportive individuals within the community, ranging from fellow startup founders to Delaware-based professionals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. The Innovation Space has truly been a catalyst for our growth.”

Achieving critical business milestones:

“At the Innovation Space, we have achieved two crucial milestones that have significantly propelled our business. First, we are successfully constructing our manufacturing equipment, a task that necessitated the right laboratory facilities and amenities, which the Innovation Space provided. Their supportive and knowledgeable staff allowed us to quickly set up the lab infrastructure so that we could focus on our technology development. This is allowing us to move from initial prototype ideas to a proof-of-concept product for our collaborators.

“Second, our participation in the Innovation Space’s Science Inc. accelerator program marked a transformative experience. The program not only enhanced our business acumen but also played a pivotal role in refining our pitch materials. With guidance from experienced Entrepreneurs-in-Residence within The Innovation Space ecosystem, we are now well-positioned to approach investors with a robust business model and a deep understanding of our market.”

Advice to early-stage startups:

“In reflecting on my journey building a company, I would offer a few key pieces of advice to early-stage startups. First, embrace the hard work. In the initial stages, resources are limited, and efficiency is crucial. Sometimes, you will need to roll up your sleeves and tackle challenges head-on.

“Second, be versatile and wear many hats. Beyond the common advice, it is essential to acknowledge that some roles involve tedious but necessary tasks. From managing emails to handling unresponsive sales reps, success often lies in meticulous attention to detail.

“Third, build your network and find your like-minded community. People want to help, so do not hesitate to ask. Reach out to your local economic development council, chamber of commerce, and anyone willing to lend an ear. Opening conversations about your goals and challenges often yield unexpected support and solutions. Building a startup can be isolating; having a network of support is invaluable.

“Finally, ensure you have a support system outside the startup. The initial years can be mentally and financially challenging, and having a strong support network helps maintain balance and perspective. The journey will not be flawless, persistence balanced by support is key.”