Quicker diagnostics, alternative energy

Don’t let the phrase “start-up venture” fool you.

The technologies currently under development arising from University of Notre Dame research are highly sophisticated ventures that could potentially impact multiple industries.

Carol Tanner and Steven Ruggiero, founders of LightSprite LL

Here is one example whose prototype is ready for field-testing:

• Two Notre Dame physicists, Steven Ruggiero and Carol Tanner, are working on a laser transmission spectroscopy tool that will be able to detect the presence of nanoparticles in suspension, and determine the type and number of the nanoparticles. The tool can detect both the type and the number of active viruses, bacteria and other pathogens, which has significant implications in the fight against global pandemics. Ruggiero and Tanner have founded LightSprite LLC.

Market potential: medical research, pharmaceutical development, water analysis, and environmental testing

• Sorian Inc., a multidisciplinary research and management team based in South Bend, is launching an electrified tape, called a “plasma flap,” that increases the capacity of wind turbines while lowering energy production costs. The company is ready to enter field testing.

Market potential: aerospace applications, with ongoing research oriented towards additional markets

“These technologies appear to have obvious immediate applications, and we anticipate that there will be additional ones,” Brenner says. “These are potentially new platforms with a plethora of commercial applications.”