Auburn University

Sparks Economic Growth

Auburn University is a catalyst for innovation and economic growth, transforming pioneering research into real-world solutions through strong industry partnerships and entrepreneurial support.

About The Companies

Nanoxort LLC, co-founded by Auburn chemical engineers, is developing a safer iron oxide-based MRI contrast agent to replace toxic gadolinium. Nanoxort graduated from the accelerator and recently won a two-year$1 million Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to further develop its technology.

VivoSphere LLC, also co-founded by Auburn chemical engineers, provides 3D tissue-engineered cell culture models for drug discovery and toxicity testing. VivoSphere earned a $350,000 Phase I SBIR grant from the National Institutes of Health’s NCATS program to scale up its high-throughput screening platform for more efficient drug discovery.

Archangel Industries, founded by an Auburn engineering alumna, Archangel develops advanced personalized tactical gear – essentially wearable exoskeletons and equipment – to enhance soldier protection and performance. With guidance from Auburn’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, Archangel graduated from the New Venture Accelerator and secured Department of Defense support through R&D contracts for its next-generation combat gear solutions.

These highlighted companies exemplify Auburn University’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship through its New Venture Accelerator program.

Big Picture

Auburn University plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and economic development through its research capabilities and technology transfer initiatives. The New Venture Accelerator at Auburn has been instrumental for the success of startups coming from the university, providing crucial guidance on marketing, sales, and business development.

By bridging the gap between academic research and industry applications, Auburn University continues to play a vital role in advancing scientific knowledge and the development of commercially viable technologies that address pressing challenges in the space exploration and advance manufacturing industries.