SWFTLabs, a biotechnology startup focused on converting organic waste into sustainable materials, has secured an exclusive patent license agreement for its core technology from the Research Foundation for the State University of New York (SUNY). This development marks SWFTLabs’ transition out of “stealth mode” and signals plans for increased collaboration with inventors, industry partners, academic institutions, and the broader community.
The company’s growth has been closely tied to Stony Brook University’s innovation ecosystem. From its beginnings at the Long Island High Tech Incubator (LIHTI), SWFTLabs engaged in collaborative projects with university-affiliated centers such as 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 students have contributed as interns and early-career professionals.
“The facilities, talent pipeline, and entrepreneurial resources at Stony Brook have been instrumental in advancing our technology,” said David W. Clausen, CEO and Co-Founder of SWFTLabs. “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 emphasized that access to specialized equipment at SBU’s facilities was key for critical tests and experiments. He also credited SPIR as both a bridge between academia and industry and as an economic catalyst: “This year, SWFT has continued to support and leverage SPIR, creating four new jobs directly through its support,” he said.
Kevin Gardner, vice president for research and innovation at Stony Brook University, highlighted the 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 SBU, added: “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.”
SWFTLabs’ work focuses on transforming agricultural byproducts into products such as next-generation fertilizers free from microplastics; biodegradable coatings; hydrogels; specialty biomaterials; packaging alternatives; energy storage materials; building supplies; and aerospace components. The company was founded on research led by Benjamin S. Hsiao—a Distinguished Professor of Chemistry at Stony Brook—who developed functionalized nanocellulose fibers using a patented zero-waste nutrient-recapture process.
Stony Brook’s patented method uses advanced chemistry techniques to break down plant matter into fundamental building blocks within hours. The closed-loop system produces sterile nanocellulose fibers with high strength alongside nutrient-rich byproducts suitable for direct soil application. Every output serves as fertilizer or material input in other sectors.
The Intellectual Property Partners team at SBU worked with SWFTLabs on securing this license agreement aimed at scaling zero-waste nanocellulose technologies across agriculture and packaging industries. “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,” said Clausen.
To mark this achievement publicly—and launch its public identity—SWFTLabs co-hosted a ribbon-cutting event with Stony Brook University on September 18 at CEWIT (Center of Excellence in Wireless & Information Technology).
“Our vision isn’t just about one company. We want to shine a spotlight on all the partners who helped make this possible,” Clausen stated during celebrations. “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 globally but remaining locally anchored in Stony Brook’s community network—the company aims to establish an R&D campus focused on eliminating PFAS chemicals (“forever chemicals”) while advancing fiber-based plastic alternatives.
