Russo partners with Xujun Zhang, an MSE grad student, and Jinxin Fu, a MSE post-doc, in the venture. Zhang was on hand to accept the award for the group. The company received a $750 prize.

MetaOptics is the maker of EZ-sizer, a small, portable and accurate device which allows the measurement of particles as small as 50 nanometers in diameter, using an optical technique known as differential dynamic microscopy (DDM).

Key features of the EZ-sizer are a large concentration range, immunity to light absorptive samples and easy sample preparation. A variety of industries are expected to benefit from its application, including pharmaceutical and healthcare; coatings, paints and cosmetics; chemicals; minerals and mining; and food and beverage.

iMatSci Innovator Showcase provides a platform for technology leaders at universities, research labs and start-up companies to demonstrate the practical applications of innovative, materials-based technologies. The goal of this program is to convene innovators, industry leaders and investors in one location to spur collaboration that accelerates the adoption of new materials technologies for real-world applications.

iMatSci is designed to showcase technologies that have not yet been productized but where there is a working prototype or evidence of a repeatable process. The entities behind these innovations will generally be early stage and pre-revenue; however, iMatSci will also consider showcasing innovative technologies that are emerging from an existing corporate entity.