CBU’S Verschuren Centre Signs 3 Year Research Agreement With Sona Nanotech
April 15th, 2015
Sona Nanotech Ltd., a new Nova Scotia company developing nano materials for health and clean technology applications, signed a three- year research agreement to collaborate on the creation of a Smart Metallic Nano Material Research Program at the Verschuren Centre, Cape Breton University. “Nanotechnology is proving to be one of the most exciting developments of this decade, with the potential to benefit nearly every sector of the economy”, says Verschuren Centre CEO, Dr. Andrew Swanson. “There is a tremendous strategic synergy between the Sona team and our existing Verschuren Centre nanotechnology researchers. This partnership is accelerating the commercialization of several truly remarkable break-through products and solutions which will benefit our university and our community.”
Dr. Gerrard Marangoni, CEO and co-founder of SONA Nanotech, is a leading expert in the field of surface chemistry. He will become the Smart Metallic Nanoparticles Chair at the Verschuren Centre. “Our company would have to raise millions of dollars in equipment to move our research forward. We have what we need at the Verschuren Center. More importantly, we will be in the presence of world-class researchers with backgrounds that will allow us to develop rewarding applications for our nano materials.”
SONA Nanotech developed the world’s first toxin-free gold nanorods. Company officials and co-founders Drs. Kulbir Singh and Michael MacAlduff are collaborating with leading researchers and potential customers around the globe and are receiving a very positive response. “Gold nanorods have applications in medical diagnostics and several different cancer treatment methods, as well as areas related to clean technology and the environment,” notes Dr. Singh. Dr. McAlduff adds, “This is a very exciting time for us and we’re happy to be able to collaborate with the world-class scientists already working at the Verschuren Center.”
The collaboration agreement became effective April 1st and the research team is now moving into the Verschuren Centre, with plans to begin commercializing their ground-breaking nano materials. SONA’s business offices are located in downtown Sydney at VSI 2.0.