CCMR Seed Grows Into a Company

1. CCMR Seed Grows Into a Company • Using NSF Seed funding, Chemistry Professor Geoffrey Coates, a member of the Cornell Center for Materials Research (CCMR), discovered a catalyst system that provides unprecedented activity and control in the synthesis of biodegradable polymers using carbon dioxide – a known greenhouse gas – as a starting material. This increased control will allow chemists to tailor the properties of these materials, known as aliphatic polycarbonates, to specific applications. The commercial potential for this discovery led to the creation of Novomer, a specialty polymer and materials company. With five employees and an economic impact of $1.25 million to date, the Ithaca, NY company is on track to a bright future. In the words of CEO Tony Eisenhut, “Novomer will leverage Professor Coates's develop-ments to produce specialty polymers at a price that opens the door to volume applications such as food packaging, adhesives and medical devices.” Prof. Geoff Coates, left, with postdoctoral associate Dr. Scott Allen and graduate student Chris Byrne. Photo by Nicola Kountoupes/Cornell University Photography For more details, visit the Cornell Center for Materials Research website at: http://www.ccmr.cornell.edu/news 14-10