SWFTLabs, a biotechnology startup focused on converting organic waste into sustainable materials, has obtained an exclusive patent license for its main technology from the Research Foundation for the State University of New York (SUNY). The agreement signals SWFTLabs’ transition out of “stealth mode” and opens new opportunities for collaboration with inventors, industry partners, academic institutions, and the community.
The company’s growth has been closely tied to Stony Brook University’s innovation ecosystem. SWFTLabs began at the Long Island High Tech Incubator (LIHTI) and later engaged in projects with the Strategic Partnership for Industrial Resurgence (SPIR), the Center for Grid Innovation, Development and Deployment (GrIDD), and the Advanced Energy and Technology Center (AERTC). Stony Brook University students have contributed as interns and early-career professionals during this period.
David W. Clausen, CEO and Co-Founder of SWFTLabs, credited Stony Brook University with providing essential resources. “The facilities, talent pipeline, and entrepreneurial resources at Stony Brook have been instrumental in advancing our technology,” Clausen said. “They’ve empowered us to think bigger. That combination of research excellence and a powerful innovation engine has given us the foundation to scale, the confidence to lead, and the opportunity to shape new solutions that will drive a healthier planet and a stronger economy.”
Clausen also highlighted how access to specialized equipment at LIHTI and AERTC enabled important testing. “Working with facilities like LIHTI and AERTC has provided us with the space and, in some cases, the specialized equipment to perform critical tests and essential experiments,” he said.
Currently operating from six incubator spaces at Stony Brook University, SWFTLabs credits SPIR as a key driver of growth by connecting academia with industry needs. According to Clausen: “This year, SWFT has continued to support and leverage SPIR, creating four new jobs directly through its support.”
Kevin Gardner, vice president for research and innovation at Stony Brook University, commented on the broader significance of this partnership: “This milestone reflects the power of partnership between our faculty, students, and entrepreneurs. By moving discovery from the lab to the marketplace, SWFTLabs is helping to ensure that groundbreaking research directly benefits society and drives economic growth.”
Michael Kinch, chief innovation officer at Stony Brook University, noted: “SWFTLabs is a perfect example of how the right combination of talent, persistence, and support can turn world-class science into real-world solutions. Their success underscores the strength of our innovation ecosystem and its potential to transform industries.”
Founded on research by Distinguished Professor Benjamin S. Hsiao involving nanocellulose fibers and nutrient-recapture processes patented by Stony Brook University researchers,the company’s platform transforms agricultural byproducts into materials such as fertilizers that return nutrients directly to soil without microplastics, biodegradable coatings intended as alternatives to petroleum-based plastics,and specialty biomaterials used in energy storage or building materials.
The process developed by SBU uses advanced chemistry techniques that break down plant matter within hours into nanocellulose fibers—known for their strength—and nutrient-rich byproducts suitable for direct application in agriculture.All outputs are repurposed as fertilizer or packaging material through a closed-loop system designed not to produce waste.
SBU’s Intellectual Property Partners worked alongside SWFTLabs on securing this license agreement aimed at scaling zero-waste nanocellulose technologies across various sectors. Clausen stated: “This license agreement is the springboard for SWFTLabs to scale our solutions, helping turn waste into profit while meeting the world’s demand for a healthy and sustainable supply of nutrient-rich food,” adding: “We’re ready to step into the spotlight and promote our shared success with the world.”
A ribbon-cutting event was held on September 18 at Stony Brook University's Center of Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology (CEWIT) marking both this achievement for SWFTLabs as well as its formal launch under its public identity.
“Our vision isn’t just about one company. We want to shine a spotlight on all the partners who helped make this possible,” Clausen said. “Together, we’re demonstrating how university innovation ecosystems can propel sustainable, scalable technology into the real world. The combination of world-class research, entrepreneurial support, and a community that believes in innovation is exactly what makes Stony Brook such a powerful launchpad for companies like ours.”
Looking forward,SWFTLabs plans global expansion but remains committed locally. The company aims eventually to establish an R&D campus dedicated partly toward eliminating PFAS chemicals while developing fiber-based plastic alternatives.