San Diego-based JMAR Technologies recently announced the purchase of its BioSentryTM laser-based water contaminant detection system by Princess Cruises, successful testing for a homeland security application in Anaheim, CA, and integration of its technology into production lines at Mexico’s biggest beverage maker, Kimpen S.A.
On the heels of these successes in three different markets, JMAR plans a breakout year in the balance of 2006. On June 20, it announced it’s seeking equity partners for BioSentry to that end.
John Ricardi joined JMAR in February 2003 as vice president of business development. He’s now vice president of its Sensor Products Group, which is in charge of development and marketing for the BioSentry project, targeting specific applications in drinking water, process water and high purity water markets.
Previously, he was president and CEO of NTec Systems, a semiconductor equipment company, and CEO of Advanced Laser and Fusion Technology. He also held senior sales and marketing positions with Datron Advanced Technologies, a manufacturer of advanced satellite communications products, and Texas Instruments.
Formed in 1987 and with manufacturing in Burlington, VT, and a Microelectronics Group in Sacramento, JMAR has made a name for itself recently with the BioSentry system - aimed at homeland security, building protection, food & beverage, as well as pharmaceutical, semiconductor and other high purity water markets. Specializing initially in x-ray lithography, it acquired exclusive license to the BioSentry technology from two inventors after its original business plan was shelved due to a downturn in the telecom segment of the semiconductor market.
The BioSentry functions by hitting waterborne contaminants with a laser beam, recording the light refraction pattern and comparing this unique “biosignature” against a large database to identify the contaminant or store the reading for future reference and possible identification. Its effectiveness, used in conjunction with other technologies to confirm results, is impressive.
Now, in addition to general building protection spurred on by post-9/11 security concerns and pushing harder into pharmaceutical and semiconductor markets, the company plans on getting its technology certified by the EPA Environmental Technology Verification program later this year.
Click here to read: "An Interview with JMAR's John Ricardi on homeland security, food & beverage, and more" in full.
