Profiles in Business: Seldon Laboratories

Vermont Business Magazine, Oct 2007 by Schmidt, Joe

A company specializing in Nanotechnology. "Nano" is from a Greek word meaning small, and in today's scientific community small is one billionth of a meter. A paper clip weight of particles this size would cover a football field.

Led by co-founder, Chris Cooper, Seldon scientists devoted five years to altering minute carbon fibers, so they would perform as filters for water, fuel and air. The research team includes ten PhDs' with specialties from physical to biochemistry. Their work was covered by a recently issued US patent (Also recognized by the European Union).

The ability of the Seldon filters to remove virus, bacteria and other contaminants can make water safe to drink, fuel burn more efficiently and air safe to breathe.

Cooper commented, "Every living thing needs clean water". This led to the company's first commercial product, "The Water Box". A 43-pound suitcase size package that will remove bacteria, viruses and other contaminants from water at up to one gallon per minute. Complete specifications can be found on the company web site: www.seldontech.com

By the end of the year the company plans to intro-duce "The Water Stick". As a straw or incorporated in a hydration pack, it is an effective personal water purifier.

Company president and co-founder Alan Cummings is an attorney with extensive corporate management and marketing experience. To assist in the commercialization of their products he reports: "Seldon recently negotiated a joint development agreement with the Donaldson Company", one of the world's largest water purification organizations.

Three to four years in the future Cummings anticipates Seldon will be producing filters for 'air and fuel. Removing salt from water is also high on the company's research agenda.

The Seldon operation is located in a factory complex in Windsor, Vermont. The buildings once housed Cone Blanchard, a company that created machines to build many of the canons for World War II. Thirty-five employees occupy just ten percent of the 200,000 square feet of the available space, offering ample room for future expansion.