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New Jersey Innovation Institute's Launch of PureTrace Labs

In a groundbreaking initiative, the New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII) has teamed up with the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) to unveil PureTrace Labs, a startup positioned to revolutionize the detection of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Marking a significant milestone, this venture represents the first spawn from the NJII Venture Studio, underscoring NJII's commitment to fostering innovation and economic growth throughout New Jersey.

The formal launch occurred on October 29 at the Profeta Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, NJIT’s dedicated business incubator. The event featured a collaboration agreement between NJIT President Teik C. Lim and NJII President Michael Johnson, emphasizing their unified vision for supporting fledgling companies like PureTrace Labs, which aim to translate NJIT’s research into tangible societal and economic benefits.

PureTrace Labs stands on the shoulders of pioneering research led by Dr. Hao Chen, a notable professor in chemistry and environmental science at NJIT. PFAS, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” are ubiquitous in various consumer products including food wrappers, textiles, and even drinking water. Their persistence in the environment and association with negative health impacts position them as critical targets for monitoring and regulation.

As part of its foundational team, Dr. Chen will also serve as the Chief Science Officer for PureTrace Labs. Alongside a dedicated research team, he has crafted an innovative method known as paper-spray mass spectrometry, which significantly enhances the rapid detection of PFAS across diverse materials such as water, soil, packaging, and textiles, operating at sensitivities far superior to existing technologies.

The creation of PureTrace Labs was a strategic venture initiated by the NJII Venture Studio to exploit NJIT’s extensive intellectual property. In this venture, the Studio made the decision to recruit Cassie Hallberg, an adept leader with a background in product development and marketing, to pilot the startup’s objectives focusing on validation, initial launch, and growth strategies.

The core offering of PureTrace Labs will entail laboratory-based PFAS detection services tailored to provide clients with precise and actionable data. These services aim to facilitate informed decision-making for families, communities, and businesses, paving the way for a safer living and working environment.

Through this initiative, stakeholders across New Jersey are set to gain access to crucial data integral to public health and safety, as PureTrace Labs promises to empower its users with the knowledge necessary for making informed choices regarding their environmental impact.

To learn more about PureTrace Labs and the NJII’s Venture Studio, please visit NJII’s website.

About NJII

New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII) operates as a 501(c)(3) organization, fully owned by NJIT. Its mission revolves around enhancing technology and nurturing innovation for positive economic outcomes within the State. In its decade of operation, NJII has successfully generated over $330 million in revenue across its varied divisions, which include Artificial Intelligence, Defense, Healthcare, and Entrepreneurship.

About NJIT

The New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is not only a leading producer of technological expertise in the state, but also a recognized hub for innovation. NJIT holds a unique distinction as an R1 classified research institution and is acknowledged as a center for diversity, serving both Asian American and Hispanic communities. According to the New York Times, NJIT leads nationally in alumni earnings, while also being recognized as a Best Value College by The Princeton Review.