Metalmark Innovations

Team: Metalmark Innovations, Inc.  |  Origin: Massachusetts  |  Participation: NSF I-Corps Participant, 2018

Metalmark is a Harvard startup that leverages patented 3D nano-architectured materials to create air purification systems for treating submicron-scale indoor airborne pollution, targeting airborne pathogens (such as viruses like COVID-19) that spread infectious diseases, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde, and ultra-fine particles (UFPs) that cause chronic illnesses, cancer, heart attacks, and strokes, and neurological disorders like dementia and Alzheimer's Disease.

"The transmission of COVID-19 is primarily via airborne droplets. Effectively inactivating these airborne viral droplets is critical for reducing the risks of infection and protecting against future pandemics. Currently, a technology gap exists for such solutions that are safe, efficient, and cost-effective. Our solution is well-suited for filling that gap, as well as provide additional benefits such as decomposing VOCs and UFPs...," said Sissi Liu, CEO and Co-Founder of Metalmark Innovations. "The NSF has been pivotal to our growth since the beginning, from initial validation of the technology to the current phase of product-oriented development and scaleup."