Innovation Works

Workers First is a research and design company founded in 2016 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The company specializes in developing innovative polymer materials that enhance worker protection, particularly in hazardous environments. Its patented polymer technology is designed to neutralize acids on contact, making it suitable for use in personal protective equipment and acid-proof linings. This advancement enables workers to perform their jobs safely and effectively in situations where they are exposed to corrosive substances, thereby improving overall safety and productivity in the workplace.

Arieca LLC, founded in 2018 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializes in the development and distribution of Thubber, a thermally conductive rubber composite. This innovative material merges the compliance and elasticity of soft silicone rubber with the thermal conductivity of metal, making it suitable for various applications such as circuit wiring, sensors, and passive heat exchangers. Arieca's product addresses heat management challenges in the electronics industry, enhancing performance while ensuring safe interactions between devices and users. By providing an alternative to traditional rubber, Arieca aims to improve the efficiency of electronic components across multiple sectors.

Arieca LLC, founded in 2018 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializes in the development and distribution of Thubber, a thermally conductive rubber composite. This innovative material merges the compliance and elasticity of soft silicone rubber with the thermal conductivity of metal, making it suitable for various applications such as circuit wiring, sensors, and passive heat exchangers. Arieca's product addresses heat management challenges in the electronics industry, enhancing performance while ensuring safe interactions between devices and users. By providing an alternative to traditional rubber, Arieca aims to improve the efficiency of electronic components across multiple sectors.

nanoGriptech, Inc. is a Pittsburgh-based company founded in 2012 that specializes in the manufacture of micro-fibrillar polymer-based dry adhesives and surfaces. Its key product offerings include Setex Gecko Tape, a reusable, residue-free tape, and the Setex Ultra-Thin Fastener, designed for seamless integration with smooth surfaces. The company draws inspiration from nature, mimicking the adhesion mechanism of gecko feet to create durable, versatile adhesives suitable for a wide range of applications. These include wearables, sports equipment, semiconductors, robotics, medical devices, automotive, and packaging. With a focus on innovation, nanoGriptech has established partnerships with several multinational corporations and has recently initiated its first sales in the high-friction clothing material market.

Arieca LLC, founded in 2018 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializes in the development and distribution of Thubber, a thermally conductive rubber composite. This innovative material merges the compliance and elasticity of soft silicone rubber with the thermal conductivity of metal, making it suitable for various applications such as circuit wiring, sensors, and passive heat exchangers. Arieca's product addresses heat management challenges in the electronics industry, enhancing performance while ensuring safe interactions between devices and users. By providing an alternative to traditional rubber, Arieca aims to improve the efficiency of electronic components across multiple sectors.

Arieca LLC, founded in 2018 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializes in the development and distribution of Thubber, a thermally conductive rubber composite. This innovative material merges the compliance and elasticity of soft silicone rubber with the thermal conductivity of metal, making it suitable for various applications such as circuit wiring, sensors, and passive heat exchangers. Arieca's product addresses heat management challenges in the electronics industry, enhancing performance while ensuring safe interactions between devices and users. By providing an alternative to traditional rubber, Arieca aims to improve the efficiency of electronic components across multiple sectors.

Arieca LLC, founded in 2018 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializes in the development and distribution of Thubber, a thermally conductive rubber composite. This innovative material merges the compliance and elasticity of soft silicone rubber with the thermal conductivity of metal, making it suitable for various applications such as circuit wiring, sensors, and passive heat exchangers. Arieca's product addresses heat management challenges in the electronics industry, enhancing performance while ensuring safe interactions between devices and users. By providing an alternative to traditional rubber, Arieca aims to improve the efficiency of electronic components across multiple sectors.

nanoGriptech, Inc. is a Pittsburgh-based company founded in 2012 that specializes in the manufacture of micro-fibrillar polymer-based dry adhesives and surfaces. Its key product offerings include Setex Gecko Tape, a reusable, residue-free tape, and the Setex Ultra-Thin Fastener, designed for seamless integration with smooth surfaces. The company draws inspiration from nature, mimicking the adhesion mechanism of gecko feet to create durable, versatile adhesives suitable for a wide range of applications. These include wearables, sports equipment, semiconductors, robotics, medical devices, automotive, and packaging. With a focus on innovation, nanoGriptech has established partnerships with several multinational corporations and has recently initiated its first sales in the high-friction clothing material market.

LumiShield Technologies develops and supplies sustainable metal oxide coatings that protect metal substrates from corrosion and enhance paint adhesion. Its flagship product, Lumidize®, is an aluminum oxide coating applied via electroplating that can be used on a wide range of metal substrates and multi‑metal components. The technology improves durability, reduces manufacturing costs, and eliminates many environmental problems associated with conventional pretreatment processes. The company serves industries such as automotive, aerospace, marine, electronics, and infrastructure, providing solutions that extend the life of metal parts and vessels used in chemical and other demanding environments.

nanoGriptech, Inc. is a Pittsburgh-based company founded in 2012 that specializes in the manufacture of micro-fibrillar polymer-based dry adhesives and surfaces. Its key product offerings include Setex Gecko Tape, a reusable, residue-free tape, and the Setex Ultra-Thin Fastener, designed for seamless integration with smooth surfaces. The company draws inspiration from nature, mimicking the adhesion mechanism of gecko feet to create durable, versatile adhesives suitable for a wide range of applications. These include wearables, sports equipment, semiconductors, robotics, medical devices, automotive, and packaging. With a focus on innovation, nanoGriptech has established partnerships with several multinational corporations and has recently initiated its first sales in the high-friction clothing material market.

LumiShield Technologies develops and supplies sustainable metal oxide coatings that protect metal substrates from corrosion and enhance paint adhesion. Its flagship product, Lumidize®, is an aluminum oxide coating applied via electroplating that can be used on a wide range of metal substrates and multi‑metal components. The technology improves durability, reduces manufacturing costs, and eliminates many environmental problems associated with conventional pretreatment processes. The company serves industries such as automotive, aerospace, marine, electronics, and infrastructure, providing solutions that extend the life of metal parts and vessels used in chemical and other demanding environments.

ATRP SOLUTIONS develops and manufactures specialty polymers that meet their needs. It recognizes the polymeric materials for improving the performance of commercial products in the areas of personal care and cosmetics, detergents and surfactants, paints, pigments, coatings, and biocompatible materials. It was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

nanoGriptech, Inc. is a Pittsburgh-based company founded in 2012 that specializes in the manufacture of micro-fibrillar polymer-based dry adhesives and surfaces. Its key product offerings include Setex Gecko Tape, a reusable, residue-free tape, and the Setex Ultra-Thin Fastener, designed for seamless integration with smooth surfaces. The company draws inspiration from nature, mimicking the adhesion mechanism of gecko feet to create durable, versatile adhesives suitable for a wide range of applications. These include wearables, sports equipment, semiconductors, robotics, medical devices, automotive, and packaging. With a focus on innovation, nanoGriptech has established partnerships with several multinational corporations and has recently initiated its first sales in the high-friction clothing material market.

ATRP SOLUTIONS develops and manufactures specialty polymers that meet their needs. It recognizes the polymeric materials for improving the performance of commercial products in the areas of personal care and cosmetics, detergents and surfactants, paints, pigments, coatings, and biocompatible materials. It was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

SenSevere develops hydrogen and hydrocarbon sensors for chemically and thermally severe environments. SenSevere sensors deliver real-time safety and compliance monitoring solutions in the power generation, environmental, and chemicals manufacturing industries. SenSevere's hydrogen sensor assists in detecting faulty conditions that may lead to explosions in industrial processes, enabling electrochemical and energy markets to provide chemical detection in industrial processes at locations where no monitoring previously existed due to the harshness of the operating environment.

ATRP SOLUTIONS develops and manufactures specialty polymers that meet their needs. It recognizes the polymeric materials for improving the performance of commercial products in the areas of personal care and cosmetics, detergents and surfactants, paints, pigments, coatings, and biocompatible materials. It was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

ATRP SOLUTIONS develops and manufactures specialty polymers that meet their needs. It recognizes the polymeric materials for improving the performance of commercial products in the areas of personal care and cosmetics, detergents and surfactants, paints, pigments, coatings, and biocompatible materials. It was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Biosafe is a manufacturer of antimicrobial polymer additives and related formulations for healthcare, building materials, textiles, coatings, and consumer goods. The company offers polymeric powders and liquid concentrates, surface treatments, coating additives, plastic compounding agents, pigment and filler treatments, and antimicrobial modifiers for medical devices, including EPA-registered formulations. Its products are designed to prevent microbial growth and enhance product durability without leaching or toxic substances, enabling durable hygiene and safety across applications. The technology includes water-based solutions and solid materials incorporating a patented polymer, providing continuous action against bacteria, mold, and mildew while remaining non-toxic to people.

Fluorous Technologies, Inc. is a chemical technology company specializing in the development and commercialization of fluorous products tailored for the life science market. Founded in 2000 and based in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, the company focuses on the creation of solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) columns, and various sorbent materials. Its product offerings include Rf8 homologs of various chemical compounds and biomolecule tags and reagents that aid in the synthesis, separation, and immobilization of chemical entities from both synthetic and natural mixtures. Fluorous Technologies employs patented technology to address challenges across the drug discovery and development process, providing solutions through service contracts, licenses, and collaborations. The company's innovative platform supports applications in small molecule and biomolecule synthesis, as well as broader life science applications, leveraging the unique properties of fluorous tags for enhanced molecular manipulation. Fluorous Technologies operates as a subsidiary of Boron Specialties LLC.