From www.taylor.edu - Taylor University, integrating faith and learning

Start Up Companies

StratoStar Systems, LLC

StratostarStratostar isatwo-year old company based on stratospheric balloon and electronics products that support the higher education and space science marketplace. Stratostar was founded by Taylor business major, Jason Krueger, who saw the opportunities for alternative satellite technology solutions. Stratostar was the principal partner in establishing a multi-state mesh network using high-altitude balloons.

Origin - This company was born out of Taylor's space science research, particularly high-altitude balloon technology and is a client in Taylor's Business Incubator.

Future - The company expects to continue its symbiotic relationship with Taylor University and plans to work with Taylor on a new Long Duration Geostationary Platform (LDGP) to provide long-term satellite-type services.

VBC Geophysical Exploration

VBC GEOVBC provides miniature diagnostic tools that can go "down-hole" into oil and gas wells yielding valuable information for operational and business decisions. Prototype tools have been developed and tested. The company earned second place in the state-wide 2008 Taylor Business Plan Competition. The second half of 2008 will be focused on business developement and corporate infrastructure.

Origin - VBC was created from Taylor University sensor research and through student projects with Airlift Services International, LLC a local company with unique well pumping technology. VBC was started up by 2008 Engineering Physics Graduate Sergey Milashuk with the help of Taylor Business Major, Upendra Kumar. 

Future - VBC is optimistic that they will have commercial products taken to market by early 2009.

For further information about VBC and the Taylor research which birthed this company, please visit this page. 

Tiergan Technology 

TierganTiergan is a company that is based on a novel, low cost process to make high quality carbon nanotubes. This business concept yielded three different business competition victories as well as a grant from the National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance. Tiergan has successfully created nanotubes in a laboratory mini-plant and is continuing to perfect and refine the process. 

Origin - Tiergan is a carbon nanotube production company founded by Business/Chemistry major Troy Tomasik with the assistance of Taylor's CR&I, Chemistry Department and Business Incubator.

Future - Progressions for Tiergan include plans to sell research grade nanotubes to industry and university labs as well as obtaining key intellectual property. Additionally, commercial applications for electronics, coatings, and construction are also being developed.