Date: Apr 11, 2015 Source: (
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XploSafe, LLC, recently received a Developmental Testing and Evaluation Designation from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for the company's XploSens Explosives Trace Detection Technology.
Located in the Meridian Technology Center for Business Development, XploSafe is a provider of safety solutions for homeland security, chemical safety and hazardous materials. In 2009 Allen Apblett, Nick Materer and Shoaib Shaikh founded the company after designing a product that safely detects explosive materials. In October 2010 they moved into the small business incubator at Meridian where they continued their research and established new technology related to the explosive detection industry.
The company's latest development, XploSens, is a liquid-based nanoparticulate suspension in the form of ink or test strips that are designed to aid in the rapid detection of explosives. This innovative technology quickly and safely allows first responders and emergency personnel to determine if suspicious powders contain explosives or explosive ingredients.
"XploSens provides a one-step, on-site, accurate detection of improvised explosive compounds," explained Shaikh, ExploSafe Financial Operations Manager. "Each kit is capable of conducting 300 plus tests, making it a highly economical solution. It's packaged in a portable, lightweight pouch that can fit in a cargo pocket or attach to the belt loop of a first responder."
Certification Impact
The SAFETY Act, also known as the Support Anti-Terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies Act, is a law enacted by Congress as part of the Homeland Security Act of 2002. It encourages the development of promising anti-terrorism technologies by providing legal liability protection.
XploSens technology is now listed as an approved product by Homeland Security. This label grants complete immunity to suppliers, vendors, distributors, customers or users if a product with SAFETY Act designation fails to prevent or mitigate a terrorist attack.
According to Shaikh, private and government sectors are increasingly requiring products to have the SAFETY Act consideration, designation or eligibility. With that, the label has the potential to open more doors for ExploSafe's company growth.
Incubators Provide Stability Necessary For Growth
New business owners and entrepreneurs like Apblett, Materer and Shaikh often turn to business incubators because they have a built-in support system that allows them to focus on the growth and development of their business in a stable environment.
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, more than 50 percent of new firms fail within the first five years of operation. To help overcome these odds, a business incubator nurtures the development of entrepreneurial companies, helping them survive and grow during the startup period when they are most vulnerable. Through the provision of management guidance, technical assistance, consulting tailored to young companies and networking opportunities with other entrepreneurs, a business incubator seeks to accelerate a company toward long-term stability and financial viability.
The National Business Incubator Association, an industry trade group, has found among incubation programs, 87 percent of graduate firms were still in business after their first 5 years of operation. To further assist entrepreneurs, the state of Oklahoma offers resident companies in a certified business incubator up to a 10-year exemption from Oklahoma business income tax.
At Meridian, incubator clients have access to many infrastructure needs that new companies require, such as high quality office and lab space, meeting rooms and a physical address. Companies can be residential or virtual tenants of the Center for Business Development. Residential tenants access services and rent dedicated office or lab space for up to three years. Virtual tenants access services but do not rent space. Clients can move easily between both tenant types depending on their business needs and situation.
The Center for Business Development is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs through networking, education, consulting and business incubation services. Assistance is available in various areas such as marketing, product planning, international business and writing business plans. To learn more about the business incubation services at Meridian Technology Center visit www.meridiantech.edu/entreprenuers or call (405) 377-2220 or toll-free at (888) 607-2509.
XploSens products and associated chemical safety products are available for purchase directly through XploSafe or through its global distributing partners. For more information or to place an order visit www.xplosafe.com, email sales@xplosafe.com or call (405) 334-5720.
