A nonprofit start-up has been formed to highlight the expertise and provide opportunities for industrial scientists.
Science, Technology and Research Institute of Delaware (STRIDE) is comprised of more than 85 scientists, a release stated.
Many of the STRIDE members are former DuPont scientists who have more than 25 years of research experience and have contributed to the discovery, development, and commercialization of technologies and products.
“We not only have a high concentration of scientists who individually have strong track records of patents and publications, but many of them have worked together and collaborated for several years so there is high social and intellectual capital. We are rebuilding these relationships and leveraging their diverse strengths and organizing the delivery of innovation and research services,” said Seetha Coleman-Kammula, president of STRIDE.
The organization recently received a grant from the Longwood Foundation, which has provided start-up funds. And thanks to Eckert Seamans Attorneys at Law, STRIDE has 501(C)(3) status, an established governance structure and the required business infrastructure.
STRIDE reports that companies of all sizes are reaching out with requests for help with developing new products and technologies.
Cited was an international client approached STRIDE to help t find new uses for one of their innovations, and thereby increase the return on their investment.
STRIDE is putting together a team of scientists and marketing professionals who have worked in industries that are different from that of the client to brainstorm and generate “out of the box” ideas.
“With its breadth and depth of talent, STRIDE offers a unique opportunity to attract businesses to come to Delaware,” a release stated.
The release noted that are many scientists who have innovative ideas but lack the funds needed to undertake work to test their ideas and take them forward to commercialization.
The start-up was formed after DuPont Co. announced the elimination of 1,700 jobs, including many research positions.
STRIDE will offer affordable lab space and other resources so that scientists can advance their research to a stage where they can patent their innovations, attract more funds, and launch new businesses, the release stated.
STRIDE also offers membership services such as networking and training events.
“In this way STRIDE is rebuilding the scientific community that was once the foundation of the economic prosperity of Delaware and contributing to their continued impact on society,” the release concluded.
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