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Orange County’s Science & Tech Community on the Front Lines of COVID-19 Innovation

by Neal Bloom

By FST Staff

Orange County’s science and tech community is rising to the occasion to help fight the new deadly coronavirus. Below is a look at several ongoing efforts by our local innovative companies, research institutions, and organizations that are developing test kits, vaccines, ventilators, hand sanitizers, real-time dashboards, and more.

 

  • Irvine-based Brian the Pekingese (under parent company Bentley Brands), an organic children’s pajamas company, is refocusing their attention to the coronavirus. Using their 100% organic cotton material, the company is manufacturing washable and reusable face masks.

 

  • Costa Mesa-based Experian has released an evaluator tool to better map out high risk areas and demographic populations in response to COVID-19

 

  • UCI’s COVID task force continues to make breakthroughs with their testing, the latest being tests on a series of antibodies

 

  • Irvine’s Jamboree Housing Corp. has been delivering boxes of food to the homes of people especially vulnerable to the coronavirus

 

  • Engineers from UCI‘s Samueli School of Engineering are collaborating to create devices and treatments in the face of COVID-19

 

 

  • PharmaCyte Biotech Inc. in Laguna Hills is in the process of using Chinese technology to further develop their coronavirus testing kits.

 

  • The Samuelis (Annaheim Ducks owners) have announced that they will continuing paying all of their part-time workers throughout June 30, even though events are not being held.

 

  • ShiftPixy Inc., a tech-based restaurant staffing company, has seen a dramatic increase in the inquiries from restaurants, who are looking to stay open and capitalize on food delivery throughout this pandemic.

 

  • Fresh N’ Lean is hiring upwards of 75 workers across all their departments as demands for takeout increase in wake of the global pandemic.

 

  • XPrize launches the XPrize Pandemic Alliance with the purpose of bringing together global innovators to find solutions and accelerate treatment to the novel coronavirus. Usually a competitive innovation organization, this company has changed its focus in order to contribute its efforts towards the global crisis.

 

 

 

  • Orange County restaurants are refocusing their services to start selling staple groceries to residents. Along with continue to make food for takeout, these restaurants are providing the necessary goods during this crucial time.

 

  • Irvine’s Razer is doing good for the community in a time of need. ? The gaming hardware maker will use some of its manufacturing capacity to make up to 1M masks to donate to US health officials. Via Orange County Business Journal 

 

  • What a time to be in business for Santa Ana’s Adroit Worldwide Media & its AI-powered AWM Smart Shelf . They’ve opened a cashier-less QuickEats market at local Santa Ana apartments, allowing residents to safely grab essentials. The Smart Shelf uses tech and AI to track customer’s shopping and once the customer leaves, they are charged through their digital wallet.

 

  • From tackling the student debt crisis to helping with COVID-19 efforts, San Clemente’s Zero Student Debt Initiative  is stepping up to the plate in a time of need. The student debt fintech startup is using its tech & AI to help organize fundraising efforts for COVID-19 Relief. ?

 

  • In response to the COVID-19 virus outbreak, Brea’s ViewSonic  is offering schools free access to its remote learning tools. Its virtual classroom software, myViewBoard, lets educators run video conferences and use a digital whiteboard. ??

 

Via OC Startups Now:

  • In response to the hand sanitizer shortage,  Aescula Tech is working to manufacture and distribute hand sanitizer to high-density and at risk communities in the LA area to help flatten the curve.

 

  • Aequor, Inc. is working with an international airport on the use of their advanced surface cleaners to help prevent the spread of the disease. Their cleaners contain EPA-approved and commercially available chemicals that last over 48 hours.

 

  • Gynisus LTD has created an infectious disease monitor to support medical centers by providing in-depth and precise investigations. Already in place in New York, Gynisus LTD is working on expanding their tool to other medical centers around the world.

 

  •  Biotech company IntelliStem has acquired the virus and is working towards developing and delivering a vaccine for clinical trials in the coming weeks.

 

  • PatientFi is sending all their customers hand sanitizer made in a compound pharmacy in bulk.

 

  • SMS BioTech is currently working on a therapeutic for COVID-19.

 

  • Smudge Labs has been developing tools that allow hospital staff to virtually train on ventilators and other equipment so that staff need not travel to learn how to use the devices that are most necessary in fighting COVID-19.

 

  • Synova Life Sciences has been conducting clinical trials with acute patients. They have been testing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their potential to mitigate the severe respiratory distress that comes from COVID-19.

 

Attention Orange County science and tech companies: Companies developing COVID-19 related diagnostics, etc…, are encouraged to fill out this brief form by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

Is your company, organization or institute working on novel research, technology or products to help combat COVID-19? We’d love to know!  Email us at zesty@freshsqueezedtech.com.

Editor’s Note: This blog post will be updated regularly with the latest Orange County COVID-19 innovations. 

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Stay up to date on the latest insights into Orange County's tech community! Highlighting local leaders, connecting the great community and being your "one-stop" for all things technology.