University at Buffalo (UB)
COPPRIUM INC.
Developing electrically conductive copper-based inks for printable, flexible electronics
Copprium, a materials manufacturing company, is developing electrically conductive copper-based inks that perform better and cost less than the silver inks that are used in printable, flexible electronics. Through an ongoing partnership with the University at Buffalo, Copprium has licensed UB technology to develop a low-cost, effective conductive copper ink that will pave the way for more accessible industrial and consumer applications of this technology.
How Copprium collaborates with UB
Accelerates R&D
Licenses Technology
Recruits Talent
Collaborates with Experts
Occupies Lab Space
Occupies Office Space
Obtains Funding
Receives Mentorship
CHALLENGE & OPPORTUNITY
Silver inks are expensive and non-solderable
Conductive ink is a critical materials technology that plays a large part in the emerging field of printed electronics. The market for conductive inks is estimated to be $3.5B per year, with silver inks making up 70% of that market. While conductive silver inks can be used with traditional equipment for screen printing, direct writing, aerosol jetting, and related printing technologies, market research revealed a significant need for an alternative, especially because silver is a precious metal that is subject to price and supply chain volatility.
SOLUTION & OUTCOME
Innovative, cost-effective conductive copper-based inks
Copprium’s first product—a conductive copper ink—addressed a need in the marketplace as companies expressed a desire for copper, given its use in traditional electronics and cost-effectiveness. Copprium’s copper ink offers important performance advantages over silver inks. A key differentiator is that copper inks are solderable, which is critical in the electronics industry where soldering is used to bond components and provide electrical connections. Copprium’s conductive copper inks are also capable of low-temperature sintering, a thermal process that causes liquid to solidify at low temperatures. Finally, Copprium’s copper-based inks resist corrosion and oxidation, challenges faced by other copper inks.
UB SUPPORT
Technology, lab space, and startup support accelerate commercialization
Copprium was founded by UB graduate Brian Bischoff, who licensed technology developed by a UB faculty researcher. Through a partnership with the Center of Excellence in Materials Informatics and UB’s Department of Chemistry, Copprium received a FuzeHub Manufacturing Grant for a manufacturing scale-up, which allowed the company to scale and improve their technology before seeking investor funding. UB’s Business and Entrepreneur Partnerships lent advanced manufacturing experts, startup resources, and high-tech facilities and equipment to help Copprium fine-tune product outputs, speed the product to market and identify future market opportunities.
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