ChromaNanoTech

ChromaNanoTech, established in April 2014, emerged from the Binghamton University Incubator as a collaborative venture between co-inventors of a patented nanotechnology. The company was co-founded by Dr. William Bernier, Dr. Wayne Jones, and Kenneth Skorenko. Dr. Bernier, the CEO, brings 34 years of industrial and management experience in materials and nanotechnology. Dr. Jones, a professor and former chemistry department chair at Binghamton University, provided the foundational academic research. The core technology's accidental discovery occurred when Kenneth Skorenko, then a Ph.D. student, observed that a dye within a nanoparticle he created could withstand temperatures up to 300 degrees Celsius, far beyond the typical 120-degree threshold. This finding laid the groundwork for the company's focus.

The firm specializes in creating and producing light-absorbing nano-additives designed for thermal stability and ease of integration into various materials. Its core product is a patented additive that combines organic cyanine dyes with metal oxide nanoparticles, which can be dispersed into liquids and plastics. This technology allows materials to filter specific wavelengths of ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared light while enduring high-temperature processing. This capability is critical for clients in markets requiring advanced optical materials. Applications for this technology are diverse, including enhancing the efficiency of metal additive manufacturing by increasing laser absorbance in metal powders, which can boost print speeds by over 20% and reduce surface roughness by 50%. Other applications include developing anti-corrosion labels that remain readable in harsh environments, and materials for selective light filtration in products like laser-protective eyewear and display filters.

ChromaNanoTech's business model encompasses direct material sales, production of its nano-additives, and contract research and development for tailored solutions. Revenue is generated through these streams, supported by private funding and significant state and federal awards, including grants from the National Science Foundation ($150,000) and the 76 West Pitch Competition ($250,000). The company operates from the Center of Excellence building adjacent to Binghamton University, maintaining a close relationship that facilitates talent acquisition and research collaboration.

Keywords: optical materials, nanoparticle absorbers, thermal stability, nano-additives, light filtration, polymer extrusion, material coating, selective light absorption, high-temperature dyes, metal additive manufacturing, anti-corrosion labels, laser protection, contract R&D, nanochemistry, Binghamton University startup, William Bernier, Wayne Jones, Kenneth Skorenko, advanced materials, light absorbing materials