Along with a team of researchers at the University of Rhode Island and Brown University, Michael Godfrin developed a new technology for high-powered microscopes, which will enable faster development of drugs and other new and innovative nanomaterials.

Armed with this technology, but with little experience in business, Michael was referred to the RISBDC, and began meeting with Josh Daly to develop a plan to secure funding and commercialize that technology.

“Since 2016,” Mike recalled, “I’ve had many meetings and discussions with Josh, and his insight and experience has helped to translate our team’s vision into a business model and strategy.” Josh introduced Mike to lean start-up tools – like the Lean Canvas, customer development, and Disciplined Entrepreneurship – that set a foundation for Mike to engage potential customers and successfully start and scale the business.

Mike continues: “This strategy has guided us to successfully acquire funding,” specifically an Innovation Voucher from Commerce RI and an SBIR Phase I grant from the National Science Foundation, “to hire two full-time employees and set-up office and lab space… to drive commercialization of our innovations into products and services.”

The future for Mike and NanoSoft look exciting as the team looks to repeat and build on its successes engaging customers and securing funding. And they’ve found a key partner in Josh and the RISBDC. “We look forward to continuing our connection with Josh as we grow and strive to build a sustainable, high-tech STEM business here in Rhode Island.”

Learn more about NanoSoft by visiting their website at nanosoftmaterials.com.