Macomb-OU Incubator awarded $48,000 for clients ONU, Templar, Zoesen

The Macomb-OU Incubator (Mac-OU Inc) was recently awarded $48,000 in Business Accelerator Funds (BAF) to provide accelerator services to client companies: ONU, Templar Integrated Security Solutions, and Zoesen. Over the last 5 years, Mac-OU Inc has garnered nearly $700,000 to assist its client companies.

BAF awards are an initiative of the State of Michigan’s 21st Century Jobs Fund Program and are distributed by the Michigan Small Business Development Center (MI-SBDC) through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Michigan’s network of business accelerators. As the State’s leading BAF award winner, Mac-OU Inc is successfully delivering specialized business acceleration services to companies commercializing advanced technology.

ONU - ONU is a startup Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) company leading the 3D visualization revolution with ONU One, a 3D platform for manufacturers of consumer goods. Their patent-pending technology takes physical products and optimizes them for interactivity online, deliverable to mobile apps, websites, and virtual and augmented realities.

The BAF funds dedicated to ONU will put the company in a strong position to accelerate market growth.

“The BAF award comes at a perfect time for us. As a startup, most of our capital is dedicated to personnel and product development. As we look to grow and expand our reach, certain services are necessary, but difficult to justify within our budget. Working with Mac-OU Inc to attain this funding is a big step forward for us,” said Sam Sesti, ONU President.

Templar Integrated Security Solutions - Templar provides a complete, secure solution to combat Active Shooter Events (ASE). Templar’s patent-pending Rapid Response, Distributed Armory and School Resource Officer Advantage Systems are a unique combination of biometric authentication vaults, tools, life-saving supplies, software and robust “police academy level” training offerings. This system addresses the key problem of ASE’s by minimizing response time and providing immediate trauma and triage care, thus minimizing the number of victims.

Templar’s BAF funds will assist with the company’s progress toward commercialization, including funding for a senior capital raise consultancy and the finalization of intellectual property filings.

“Mac-OU Inc has proven to be a key asset in helping us move through these formative stages. Their assistance has created additional process clarity for the company and will expedite Templar’s go-to-market strategy in the upcoming months,” said Pete Raciti, Templar Director.

Zoesen - Zoesen was founded by Oakland University Associate Professor of Biology Sciences, Dr. Zijuan Liu, as a strategy to commercialize her research. Dr. Liu’s topical over-the-counter cream is designed to be extensively used for repairing joint damage, alleviating joint inflammation and boosting joint function. Containing beneficial and essential minerals, the Zoesen product promotes mineral absorption in pathological tissues that suffer from inflammation and actively targets and blocks inflammation through the effective and safe anti-inflammation small molecules.

The BAF funds for Zoesen will allow for creation of a logo and website, as well as submission of U.S. Patent and Trademark filings.

“Mac-OU Inc has provided excellent opportunities for me to translate my bench work to industry. They provide all the services necessary for scientists and inventors to start a small business, paving the path for commercialization of research coming from my Oakland University lab. It is the perfect place to take off and achieve some goals. Starting a business utilizing Mac-OU Inc services not only makes it all possible but accelerates me toward future success,” said Dr. Liu.

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The Macomb-Oakland University Incubator supports economic development in Southeast Michigan by accelerating high-tech businesses, cultivating academic innovation and encouraging research & development. To help small businesses grow, the incubator creates customized success strategies for startup and emerging companies in the niche industries of defense, homeland security, advanced manufacturing and technology. For more information, visit the incubator website at oakland.edu/macombouinc.