With little knowledge of running a business in the United States, but over 20 years of practical and scholarly experience in biomedical instrumentation, medical device, genetic analysis research and micro fluidic design, Joseph Huang decided in 2003 that it was time to start his own business in order to satisfy his passion for bringing new ideas to life.

After seeking initial help from counselors at SCORE, Joseph turned to SBDC Regional Director Lorraine Allen, who along with consultants Donna Marchetti, Cliff Radziewicz and Randy Harmon, advised Joseph on the nuances of running a business, and details about preparing a solid business plan, financing applications, and grant proposals. MicroDysis designs, patents, and markets medical devices related to micro fabrication technology for rapidly making micro fluidic devices and integrating microsystems. The company’s main goal is to penetrate the biochip clinical diagnostic markets and generate $30 million in revenue over the next five years. Despite its newness, the company has already experienced many signs of success and maturity: Two products have been designed with the participation of a leading pharmaceutical company and academic institutes; three patents on its first two products have been filed, with the first issued; R&D contracts from biotech and medical device companies and research institutes in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York have been obtained; and two partners have been brought into the enterprise. MicroDysis has also built wide collaborations with industrial companies and academic institutes, and one of their products, the Micropump, is now on the market, following a grant of $40,000 that was awarded for its development and applied for with the Center’s assistance.

Besides the apparent technical advantages that its products offer (MicroDysis’ biochip platform offers unmatched speed, high automation, high flexibility, parallel analysis, and low cost), the company and its founder credit the NJSBDC for helping it achieve its vision. “NJSBDC provided not only business services for marketing, business plan, and financing by its professionals, but also proposal review for grant applications through its knowledgeable and experienced consultants, which meet every aspect in the business development of a technology-based company… Lorraine Allen, devoted a lot of her time working closely with us on our business development and funding application, which brought many milestones on the Company’s success path.”