Nanostratus: redefining surface protection

Written by Mikayla Rayside.

A casual pub conversation turned venture-worthy idea. This was exactly the case for one of our TRAM Air teams, Nanostratus, a startup at the forefront of developing ultra-durable coatings for surface protection.

Back in 2018, Co-Founders David Nisbet and Antonio Tricoli were shooting pool at a local pub when they began brainstorming ideas for levitating objects. While the notion of levitation seemed fanciful, it led them to a groundbreaking concept. They realised that by combining an ultradurable base coating and a superhydrophobic top coating, they could create surfaces with a trapped layer of air that repels water, pathogens and contaminants, effectively extending the life of materials and protecting surfaces.

This seemingly whimsical idea took a practical turn when they considered its application in safeguarding surfaces against antibiotic-resistant bacteria and viruses. Little did they know their innovation would soon become increasingly relevant in the face of global health challenges.

From academic pursuits to entrepreneurship

Nanostratus is fuelled by a dynamic team with a diverse skill set. Both Dave and Antonio have strong academic backgrounds in materials science. Dave, a distinguished professor at the University of Melbourne and director of the Graeme Clark Institute, specialises in the development of biomaterials for clinical applications. Notably, he is a recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship at UC Berkeley and has accumulated over a decade of experience working at the Australian National University. Antonio’s expertise extends across mechanical engineering and nanotechnology, and as a professor at the University of Sydney, he leads their Nanotechnology Research Laboratory.

As Nanostratus continues to expand and evolve, the team is committed to further strengthening their skillset. Welcoming Sam Cheeseman to the team as an expert in microbiology and antimicrobial technologies, Dave shares that “alongside his knowledge, Sam brings a fresh and enthusiastic vibe to the team.”

In their pursuit of translating academic knowledge into an impactful, real-world, venture, Nanostratus has appreciated their involvement in programs like Translating Research at Melbourne (TRAM). This emphasis on structured learning has proved instrumental in accelerating their progress and success. Having earned a spot in the 2023 TRAM Air cohort, Nanostratus has been actively engaged in the intense six-month program that is designed to equip research-based ventures with the tools, connections, and support necessary for successful capital raising.

Dave aptly points out that “the real advantage of being linked to the universities is the access to the infrastructure.”

Balancing passion and commitments

The team shared that their journey has not been without challenges. "Balancing multiple commitments, from running an institute to conducting academic research while simultaneously spearheading a startup, is no easy feat," admits Dave.

Sam emphasises the importance of finding balance and learning from experiences. Rather than viewing challenges as sacrifices, he sees them as part of a learning journey. Sam and Dave both encourage other researchers to ‘just go for it’ and to explore how research and technology can be applied in a commercial setting.

Amidst all the balancing acts, Nanostratus is gaining momentum and experiencing success. For their work on the technology, Dave and Antonio were listed as finalists for the 2023 Australian Museum Eureka Prize for Scientific Research. The Eureka Prizes honour excellence across a broad spectrum of science, from environmental to innovative technologies, citizen science, leadership and mentoring. This recognition speaks volumes about their approach and dedication to their work.

Navigating future avenues

Nanostratus has identified three key markets for their technology: clean coatings, mould protection and antibacterial/antiviral coatings. While mould protection serves as an initial entry point, the company’s technology has broader applications, including marine antifouling, decontamination of military equipment, coatings for solar panels and commercial cleaning services. The team is flexible and open to new ideas: “we are in a fortunate position to be able to pivot or grow into these different sectors,” shared Sam. “I think this technology can really help a lot of people and a lot of different industries and that's exciting,” he added.

Visit the Nanostratus website or reach out directly to the team to learn more about their vision and journey of real-world impact.

Read more about our 2023 TRAM Air cohort.

If you’re interested in applying for TRAM Air in 2024, please fill out our expression of interest form or email Masha Pelipas, TRAM Air Program Manager: [email protected]