For release: March 29, 2012
For press information, contact Curt Guenther, 901-678-2843

Foundation Instruments, Inc. and the University of Memphis Research Foundation (UMRF) have signed an exclusive license agreement for novel technologies that will enable more rapid and less expensive testing for cancer-causing impurities in drinking water supplies.

Developed in the U of M Department of Chemistry, the new technologies enable the development of miniaturized and mobile devices that allow water utilities to watch carefully for development of these regulated pollutants.  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires water utilities to monitor and report the levels of these impurities to their customers. Current methods for measuring them require sophisticated laboratory equipment and highly trained chemists that can be out of reach for small utilities.

The technologies are covered by two issued U.S. patents and two pending U.S. patent applications. The startup company is currently building its management team to prepare to raise the capital needed to manufacture and distribute this new product.
Dr. Andrew Meyers, executive director of UMRF, said, “We are delighted to partner with a company like Foundation Instruments because they have the technical expertise required to develop the technology as well as the respect of a network of professionals in the drinking water industry.”

Foundation Instruments CEO Gary Emmert said, “We appreciate the confidence UMRF has shown in us as the sole licensee of this exciting technology. We also look forward to giving water utility managers and their customers better assurance of the quality of their drinking water.”

Foundation Instruments helps water utilities provide the highest quality water for their customers. The company develops state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation for real-time monitoring of water quality; delivers maintenance agreements and subscription services for the operation of these instruments; and provides expert advice and consulting services for organizations that use their instruments. The company also helps utilities establish real-time monitoring programs so they can optimize their treatment practices, meet regulations, and provide high quality water to their consumers.

The research that resulted in the technologies licensed to Foundation Instruments was supported by a variety of federal and non-profit agencies. Such basic research from universities gives technology-based startups a significant advantage as they compete to bring products to market and grow their opportunities.
More information about Foundation Instruments Inc. and the license agreement is available from Dr. Gary Emmert at 901-487-2648.

The University of Memphis Research Foundation is a 501(c) corporation that supports the research and technology transfer objectives of the University of Memphis and its faculty and students.