Max-IR Labs Company Profile

Background

Overview

Max-IR Labs, established in 2017 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, specializes in developing advanced infrared (IR) sensor technologies for a diverse range of applications, including industrial process control, medical diagnostics, and biochemical analysis. The company focuses on translating laboratory research into practical, real-world solutions that address the needs of industrial, biomedical, and defense sectors. Max-IR Labs' intellectual property is safeguarded by a strategic patent portfolio.

Mission and Vision

Max-IR Labs is committed to advancing infrared sensing technologies to enhance real-time, non-reactive analysis of liquid compositions. The company's vision is to bridge the gap between laboratory research and field applications, providing accurate and reliable sensor solutions that meet the evolving demands of various industries.

Industry Significance

Operating within the infrared sensor technology sector, Max-IR Labs addresses critical challenges in monitoring and analyzing chemical and thermal properties across multiple industries. The company's innovations contribute to improved process control, environmental monitoring, and safety standards, positioning it as a significant player in the sensor technology landscape.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Innovation in Sensor Technology: Developing cutting-edge infrared sensors that offer real-time, continuous, and accurate measurements without interference or drift over time.

• Market Expansion: Broadening the application of sensor technologies across various sectors, including water and wastewater treatment, food and beverage process control, and the energy industry.

• Collaborative Development: Engaging in partnerships with industrial leaders and academic institutions to advance research and application of infrared sensing technologies.

Areas of Specialization

• Industrial Process Control: Providing sensors that enable precise monitoring of chemical compositions in liquids, facilitating optimized process control and efficiency.

• Medical Diagnostics: Offering sensor solutions for real-time analysis of biochemical markers, supporting accurate and timely medical diagnostics.

• Environmental Monitoring: Developing sensors for detecting pollutants and contaminants in water and soil, aiding in environmental protection and compliance.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCLs): Utilized as the source of infrared light in sensors, enabling precise spectral analysis of compounds in liquids.

• Ion-Selective Materials: Employed to enhance the specificity and sensitivity of sensors, allowing for accurate detection of target compounds.

• Optical Fiber Waveguides: Integrated into sensors to facilitate the transmission of infrared signals through liquids, ensuring reliable measurements.

Primary Markets Targeted

• Water and Wastewater Treatment: Implementing sensors to monitor contaminants like nitrates and ammonia, optimizing treatment processes and energy consumption.

• Food and Beverage Industry: Providing sensors for quality control, including monitoring sugar levels, alcohol content, and bacterial contamination in products.

• Energy Sector: Offering sensors for real-time analysis of chemical compositions in fuels and monitoring pollutants in environmental water bodies.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Max-IR Labs has secured multiple grants to support its research and development initiatives:

• May 2018: Awarded a $225,000 Phase I Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to develop a real-time optical sensor for nitrate detection in water and soil.

• March 2021: Received a $750,000 Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the NSF to advance the development of its ISMIR™ sensor for real-time monitoring of nitrogen pollutants in municipal wastewater.

• August 2024: Secured a $650,000 Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to develop a real-time sensor for monitoring chemicals in algae growth media.

Utilization of Capital

The funds have been allocated towards:

• Research and Development: Advancing sensor technology, including the development of prototypes and conducting field tests.

• Product Validation: Implementing real-world testing to ensure sensor reliability and performance across various applications.

• Market Expansion: Exploring new industry applications and expanding the company's market presence.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

• ISMIR™ Sensor: A sensor designed for real-time monitoring of nitrogen pollutants such as nitrate, nitrite, and ammonia in wastewater treatment facilities. The Phase II NSF SBIR grant supports its development and field testing.

• AquaCarbon Monitor: An infrared-based CO₂ sensing technology aimed at facilitating carbon credit validation through precise CO₂ monitoring in water systems. This innovation earned Max-IR Labs the top prize at the 15th annual SPIE Startup Challenge in January 2025.

Stages of Development

• Prototype Development: Designing and building initial sensor prototypes for laboratory testing.

• Field Testing: Conducting real-world evaluations to assess sensor performance in operational environments.

• Commercialization: Preparing for market introduction and scaling production to meet industry demands.

Target Conditions

• Wastewater Treatment: Monitoring nitrogen-based pollutants to optimize treatment processes and reduce energy consumption.

• Environmental Monitoring: Assessing CO₂ levels in water systems to support environmental conservation efforts.

Anticipated Milestones

• Prototype Completion: Finalizing sensor designs and initiating laboratory testing.

• Field Testing Initiation: Deploying sensors in real-world settings to validate performance.

• Market Launch: Introducing sensors to target industries and establishing commercial partnerships.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• ISMIR™ Technology: A sensor platform utilizing ion-selective materials combined with infrared radiation to enable real-time, continuous monitoring of specific compounds in liquids.

• AquaCarbon Monitor: An innovative CO₂ sensing system designed for precise monitoring in water systems, supporting environmental and industrial applications.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Infrared Spectroscopy: Employed to detect characteristic absorption spectra of compounds, facilitating accurate analysis without altering the sample.

• Ion-Selective Materials: Integrated into sensors to enhance specificity and sensitivity towards target compounds, improving measurement accuracy.

AI-Driven Capabilities

While specific AI-driven capabilities are not detailed in the available information, Max-IR Labs' focus on real-time, continuous monitoring suggests potential integration of advanced data analysis techniques to interpret sensor data effectively.

Leadership Team

Dr. Katy Roodenko: Founder and CEO

• Professional Background: Over 20 years of experience in infrared technology development for civil and defense applications. Holds a Ph.D. from TU Berlin, specializing in infrared techniques and optical models for thin-film analysis.

• Key Contributions: Initiated the development of Max-IR Labs' sensor technologies, leading the company from its inception to its current position in the market.

Dr. Dennis I. Robbins: Business Development

• Professional Background: Over 43 years in the semiconductor and technology industries, including roles at Texas Instruments and various early-stage technology companies.

• Key Contributions: Leads business development efforts, aligning product development with market needs and overseeing operational management.

Dr. Kevin Clark: Chief Scientist

• Professional Background: Specialist in infrared and materials science, with experience in molecular beam epitaxy and semiconductor materials.

• Key Contributions: Heads product development, focusing on advancing infrared sensor technologies and ensuring their scientific integrity.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The infrared sensor technology market is characterized by rapid innovation and a growing demand for real-time, non-reactive analysis across various industries. Key drivers include the need for efficient process control, environmental monitoring, and safety compliance. The market is competitive, with numerous players offering diverse sensor solutions.

Competitor Analysis

• Bristol Instruments: Manufactures optical interferometer-based instrumentation for scientific research and telecommunications testing, including wavelength meters and spectrum analyzers.