Connecticut Biotech, a South Windsor biotech company formed in May and led by TicketNetwork CEO Donald Vaccaro, has signed a licensing agreement with UConn to produce custom-fit masks designed by university researchers.
The startup company will begin marketing, manufacturing and distributing 3D-printed mask frames under the brand Secure Fit this month, according to UConn. The manufacturing process developed at UConn uses 3D facial recognition technology to create mask frames, which allows for a better individual fit, said Amit Kumar, director of licensing and business development in UConn’s Office of the Vice President for Research.
The technology analyzes two-dimensional images to decipher the 3D topography of the face.
“We are excited about this public-private partnership with UConn and the opportunity to use and build upon our vast experience to rapidly commercialize this much-needed device,” said Vacarro, who is Connecticut Biotech’s CEO..
SecureFit mask frames will sell for $40 each, according to Connecticut Biotech.
UConn President Thomas Katsouleas, who has made research and partnerships between the university and startups central to his long-term priorities, praised the licensing agreement as evidence of how such partnerships can solve real-world problems.
“This is a shining example of UConn’s ability to innovate and provide solutions for global problems,” Katsouleas said.
Financial terms of the licensing agreement were not disclosed.
