'404 Inc. plans to replace these unsafe chemicals with safe contrast agents derived from a natural resource'
In the United States alone, more than 130 million MRIs and CT scans were performed in 2023. And while those medical images are very valuable tools in identifying, or ruling out, serious health problems, they are not without risk.
While the majority of patients experience no adverse effects, the contrast dyes used in the process can cause allergic reactions, and can trigger kidney damage in those with pre-existing kidney disease. The concern is greatest among people requiring multiple scans.
Pragati Rout, a doctoral candidate, and her mentor, chemistry professor Greg Sotzing, have found a plant-based alternative that is safe, effective, and free of allergic reaction. They've created a company, called 404 Inc., to market the medical innovation, as well as other consumer products.
"We are being exposed to unsafe chemicals when essential imaging techniques are required for diagnosis,'' Sotzing says. "CT contrast agents work, but at the expense of the patients' future health, that could take the form of a severe rash or kidney damage. 404 Inc. plans to replace these unsafe chemicals with safe contrast agents derived from a natural resource.''
"We've spoken with mentors in the medical industry and experts at UConn Health and they been enthusiastic about our work,'' Rout says. "We have a long way to go with regulations and clinical trials, but we are optimistic. We hope to be in the market in about seven years.''
Company is Competing in the Wolff New Venture Championship
The startup, 404 Inc., is one of five UConn-affiliated companies competing in the Wolff New Venture Competition later this month. Now in its 10th year, the event is hosted by UConn's Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CCEI) and will award more than $150,000 in prize money, including $30,000 for the first-place finisher.
The event, considered the School of Business' pinnacle entrepreneurship challenge, is open to the public to attend. Along with the pitch competition, the event will also feature a startup showcase and a prominent keynote speaker. Alycia Chrosniak, CCEI's assistant director of brand & venture development, notes that this year's five finalist companies are all women-founded.
"That all the startups are led by women in this year's competition is so exciting,'' Rout says. "Most of them have some kind of health focus, too. It's amazing to see what we're going to do, and I know we'll all fight hard for our companies now and in the future.''
If 404 Inc. wins the $30,000 Wolff grand prize, Rout says she will use the funds to set up a lab and hire consultants to expedite clinical trials.
Inspiring Other Scientists, Young Women
Rout, who plans to complete her degree in December, is a serial entrepreneur. Earlier this year she and Sotzing took second place in UConn's Innovation Quest (iQ) entrepreneurship competition using a hemp-based technology to brighten laundry without synthetic chemicals. The result is clothing that is healthier for the wearer, more friendly to the environment, and retains fabric freshness longer.
She also created a startup in her native India, selling compost for organic farming. The business, founded in 2022, has grown well and now employs 20 women.
CCEI selected Rout to participate in its Summer Fellowship Accelerator this year. The eight-week program provides intensive startup support through mentorship, workshops, pro-bono services and funding. Designed to help entrepreneurs successfully grow their businesses, it also coaches them to avoid many of the common pitfalls that challenge early-stage startups. The most promising companies then move on to the Wolff New Venture Competition.
"The best part of my CCEI experience was that I found one place where we could get so much exposure to industry connections and smart and powerful people who can help us build this company,'' Rout says.
"I hope my journey inspires other scientists and young women,'' she says. "If someone like me, from a small town, can step into entrepreneurship, others can too.''
The Wolff New Venture Competition will be held on Oct. 23 at The 1390 at Parkville Market in Hartford from 5 to 9 p.m. The event is free to attend and all are welcome. Pre-registration is required at https://luma.com/oi5L7nfo. This year's event will also showcase 40 previous winners and feature a prominent keynote speaker.
The Wolff New Venture Competition is supported thanks to the generosity of the Wolff Family Fund for Strategic Entrepreneurship, as well as wiggin(x), Fiondella, Milone & LaSaracina LLP, Sardilli Produce and Dairy Co., Revyrie, Prime Materials Recovery Inc., Baystate Financial, Webster Bank, Big Bang, Mark and Jamie Summers, Eric Marziali, Bob and Linda Delisle, Dick and Carol Stewart and Event Resources.
