EngXT spins out of U-M and into Venture Accelerator

Wednesday, February 2, 2011 | Source: Concentrate

Electrostatic discharge. It's the bane of electronic companies and what EngXT is hoping to capitalize on.

Electrostatic discharge is essentially sudden and momentary static electricity. These unwanted currents often cause damage to electronic equipment, such as integrated circuits.

"It's estimated those zaps are a $10 billion problem in the industry," says David Hartman, a mentor-in-residence at the University of Michigan Office of Tech Transfer who is working with EngXT.

The University of Michigan spin-out is developing technology that can detect when charges are building, utilizing technology that was originally used by NASA.

The trio of guys behind EngXT has already come up with the first two generations of prototypes of the sensors. They look like a boom mike on a tripod.

The start-up plans to become one of the first companies to take up residence at U-M's Venture Accelerator in the North Campus Research Complex. From there it plans to utilize the university's Tech Transfer resources to continue product development and explore potential partnerships or acquisition by larger corporations.

Source: David Hartman, a mentor-in-residence at the University of Michigan Office of Tech Transfer and Nilton Renno, co-founder of EngXT
Writer: Jon Zemke

Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.