Lux Research releases top 10 innovative companies profiled in Q1 2012

May 3, 2012

Technology research firm Lux Research released today (May 3) the ten most compelling companies for Q1 2012 in 15 different emerging technology domains.

  1. Transphorm – Wait and See – Energy Electronics

This high-profile, VC-backed, vertically-integrated manufacturer of GaN-based power devices is a leading start-up with new product releases and demonstrations in the power supply, PV inverter, and motor drive areas.

  1. Zyvex Technologies – Positive – Advanced Materials

Combining a savvy business strategy with its core proprietary polymer technology, Zyvex is one of the few developers to successfully commercialize structural nanocomposites.

  1. Clearford Industries – Positive – Water, Alternative Fuels

With a low-maintenance, easy-to-install distributed wastewater treatment system that is vetted in the developed world, Clearford is poised for a successful transition to developing world markets.

  1. Accelergy – Positive – Alternative Fuels

A leading developer of catalytic coal-to-liquid (CTL) and gas-to-liquid (GTL) technologies that convert cheap, available feedstocks into jet fuel and diesel, Accelergy is currently testing its CTL technology in China and looking for GTL partners in North America.

  1. Cbrite – Positive –  Printed Electronics

Novel metal oxide semiconductor materials could liberate flat-panel displays from dependence on silicon and open new frontiers in cost and flexibility.

  1. Amyris – Positive – Bio-based Materials and Chemicals, Alternative Fuels

In spite of revised production and cash flow targets, Amyris still tops the list of bio-based innovators we briefed last quarter with its biosynthetically-produced farnesene that readily converts into products relevant to cosmetics, flavorings, diesel-compatible fuels, and other specialty chemicals.

  1. Global Solar – Wait and See – Solar Components, Solar Systems and Sustainable Building Materials

As a Tier-1 flexible copper indium gallium (di)selenide (CIGS)-based module manufacturer, Global Solar is one of the flexible cell suppliers for Dow Chemical’s PowerHouse Shingles.

  1. Liquid Metal Battery – Wait and See – Smart Grid

With its entirely liquid electrodes and electrolyte, this early-stage MIT spin-out could enable drastic cost reductions for numerous grid-scale energy storage applications.

  1. Encap Drug Delivery – Positive – Formulation and Delivery

Encap’s all-round capabilities include preformulation and formulation services for poorly soluble drugs, potent drugs requiring specialized facilities, and biologics, followed by liquid-filled capsule manufacturing services.

  1. Controlled Power Technologies – Wait and See – Electric Vehicles

Despite requiring expensive control, switched reluctance motors do not use expensive rare earth magnets and can use cheaper cooling systems, providing micro- to mild hybridization with the potential for lower costs.

According to Lux Research, the firm “provides strategic advice and on‐going intelligence for emerging technologies. Leaders in business, finance and government rely on us to help them make informed strategic decisions. Through our unique research approach focused on primary research and our extensive global network, we deliver insight, connections and competitive advantage to our clients.”