“Sandia’s Exceptional Work in Technology Transfer Recognised and Awarded”

Sandia National Laboratories is renowned for its dedication to innovation and advancing the world through state-of-the-art technology. However, the process of transferring this innovation from the laboratory to the industry can be quite challenging. Nevertheless, there are exceptional employees at Sandia who have demonstrated excellence in the advancement of technology into the market.

The Federal Laboratory Consortium, an organization comprising over 300 members nationwide, aims to bridge the gap between laboratory technologies and the marketplace. Recently, they bestowed the 2024 Federal Laboratory Consortium Technology Transfer Award for the mid-continent to Sandia’s innovative product, Disinfectant 2.0, developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and proven to be highly effective.

This groundbreaking product, developed by Sandia materials scientist Hongyou Fan and his team in collaboration with Lunano, LLC, has the ability to eradicate viruses, bacteria, and fungi for extended periods. The potential impact of this product is evident from the enthusiastic response of industries such as hotels, restaurants, and airlines, who recognized the urgent need for such a product in everyday life.

Disinfectant 2.0 is the result of years of rigorous research and hard work by the team at Sandia. The product utilizes porphyrin nanoparticle photosensitizers, which, when exposed to light, release highly reactive species that eliminate disease cells. What distinguishes Disinfectant 2.0 is its extended lifespan compared to traditional disinfectants, as well as its ability to be integrated into various applications.

The journey from creation to commercialization was fraught with challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Countless hours of hard work and collaboration were invested in licensing the technology and securing investments, ultimately resulting in a valuable partnership between Sandia and Lunano.

The anticipated impact of Disinfectant 2.0 is significant, and its success is a testament to Sandia’s commitment to translating innovative ideas into practical solutions. Beyond this product, Sandia’s Chief Intellectual Property/Patent Counsel, Samantha Updegraff, has also been recognized for her outstanding work in technology transfer, having developed creative strategies to successfully accomplish Sandia’s technology transfer mission.

Another initiative, the TRGR Technology Readiness Initiative, has been acknowledged for its success in advancing technology developed at Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratory to the market. Under this program, New Mexico businesses have received substantial assistance in maturing technologies for the marketplace, leading to a number of successful licenses and new Cooperative Research and Development Agreements.

These initiatives demonstrate Sandia National Laboratories’ commitment to driving economic development, creating opportunities for businesses, and serving the public interest through transformative technologies.

Sandia National Laboratories continues to make valuable contributions in technology transfer, and its dedication to innovation and collaboration is poised to leave a lasting impact on the industry and the world as a whole.