Michigan Rise Supports Repela Tech, Inventor of Non-Toxic Alternative to Copper-Based Paint Used on Recreational Boats
EAST LANSING, Mich. –– Michigan Rise has expanded its paint, coating, and adhesive manufacturing portfolio with an investment in Repela Tech, a cleantech startup located at the Michigan Life Science & Innovation Center (MLSIC). The company is developing an eco-friendly anti-fouling coating designed for applications in recreational boating. Repela Tech’s advanced material coating forms a protective barrier when applied to the hull of boats. Based on a novel hydrophilic polymer, the coating can match the industry standard anti-fouling performance of copper-based products but without copper’s toxic effect. Michigan Rise’s investment will support the continued development of Repela Tech’s patent-pending formulation and prepare it for market entry.
“We’re proud to support Repela Tech, a Wayne State University spin out,” said Tommy Skinner, Senior Venture Associate at Michigan Rise. “Their innovation is a high-performing, non-toxic alternative to harmful products that do the same job, and we look forward to supporting them on their journey to bring this great product to market.”
Copper-based paints are commonly used on the bottoms of boats and ships to prevent the accumulation of microorganisms, algae, and barnacles, but copper is known to collect in sediments and harm marine life. Repela Tech’s coating performs similarly to copper-based paints but without the negative environmental impact, and its non-toxic formulation can be applied by the DIY boater or boatyard professional.
“With the invaluable backing of Michigan Rise, we’re enhancing our product to meet the performance needs of boaters in the Great Lakes and beyond,” said Sheu-Jane Gallagher, General Manager and Co-founder at Repela Tech. “The partnership with Michigan Rise is a significant step towards advancing our mission of fostering more sustainable marine ecosystems.”
Repela Tech is in active conversations with painting and coating original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and doing performance testing with the US Naval Research Lab. The investment from Michigan Rise will enable further development of the novel technology, helping to deliver the solution to a large and growing market committed to biodiversity and sustainable ecological systems.
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About Michigan Rise
Michigan Rise is a wholly owned venture capital subsidiary of the Michigan State University (MSU) Research Foundation, operated in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Michigan Rise provides early-stage funding to innovative companies that have the potential to transform industries and create jobs in Michigan.
About Repela Tech
Repela Tech is a sustainability tech-focused startup bringing to market innovative and eco-friendly advanced material technologies for the marine protective coatings market. The company was founded in 2019 and has received over $1.3M in National Science Foundation SBIR/STTR Phase I & II funding. For more information, contact Sheu-Jane Gallagher (sgallagher@repela.co) or visit the company’s website www.repela.co.