During the recent Brown Invents Startup Challenge, part of Rhode Island Startup Week, seven startups presented their innovative concepts in hopes of winning a $10,000 cash prize. Among the ventures, which included a majority led by Brown professors, student-founded companies Naiad Technologies and Red Maple LifeSciences competed to bring unique scientific advancements to market.
Malia Chavinson, a sophomore, launched Naiad Technologies to develop a buoy designed to reduce economic losses for lakeside communities by eliminating pollutants and mitigating toxic algae blooms. Chavinson shared that her experience growing up in California, where she observed firsthand the effects of climate change, inspired her to create this solution. “Starting Naiad Technologies is my way to help establish and fund climate adaptation solutions for communities, like mine, most at risk for the consequences of climate change,” she stated.
Red Maple LifeSciences is dedicated to creating wound-care technology that activates treatment in response to specific bacteria. Professor Anita Shukla, the company’s interim Chief Scientific Officer, highlighted the technology’s potential in addressing antimicrobial resistance, a rising global health issue. “That, to me, is such a huge part of the benefit,” Shukla said. “For humanity, it is a big, big, big positive.”
Alec McCall, a Ph.D. student and CEO of Red Maple, began exploring bacterial-responsive wound dressing while working in Shukla’s lab. Their paths crossed at that moment when Shukla believed the technology was ready for commercial introduction. McCall’s collaboration with Chief Operations Officer William Ash, who he met in an applied differential equations course, led them to found Red Maple together. Their mutual interest in entrepreneurship blossomed during their time on the Biomedical Engineering Board, where they co-chaired the corporate development group.
Now part of the National Science Foundation Innovation Corps Program, McCall and Ash are focused on securing funding for Red Maple. This involves consultations with clinicians, patients, and various stakeholders, including other companies in the wound care sector and regulatory consultants.
Chavinson emphasized the importance of conducting thorough research on customer needs and competition for launching Naiad. While she wished for a clear roadmap for success, she recognized that the diverse nature of each startup leads to unique challenges. “Every venture is so different on account of their specialties and services,” she explained.
Despite the hurdles, both teams report a rewarding journey. Ash expressed satisfaction in nurturing relationships with clinicians, while Chavinson noted her excitement from engaging with individuals enthusiastic about the potential of her product, Cyrene. “Building and scaling a startup just takes intentional iteration,” Ash commented, adding that confidence in one’s project should be balanced with awareness of the surrounding framework.
