In the world of startups, Wyonics is making waves with its focus on sustainability and innovative technology. Founded in 2018 in Laramie, Wyoming, Wyonics aims to transform lab discoveries into real-world applications. We recently caught up with Kristin Di Bona, the CEO and co-founder, to talk about their journey, the impact of their work, and their experience in the NSF Great Plains Hub’s Regional I-Corps program in Spring 2024.
The Beginning of Wyonics
Kristin shared that Wyonics initially explored various technologies, but in 2021, they began developing a unique instrument for manipulating micro and nanoparticles. This technology can make a big difference in many fields by allowing precise handling and analysis of tiny particles.
“Our focus is on sustainable technologies and getting things from the lab to commercial and out into people’s hands,” Kristin said. This mission led them to the I-Corps program, where they learned a lot through talking to potential customers.
Learning from Customers
One of the most valuable parts of the I-Corps program was the customer discovery process. Kristin emphasized the importance of speaking with a wide range of potential customers to understand their needs.
“When you have something like an enabling technology, you just think everyone’s the customer. But that’s not necessarily true,” Kristin pointed out. This insight helped Wyonics identify their initial target market and design their prototype to meet specific needs.
For example, in forensics, precision and accuracy in particle manipulation are critical. In other sectors, handling large volumes of particles quickly is more important, even if it means sacrificing some accuracy. This understanding allowed Wyonics to focus their efforts and reduce costs.
Starting a deep tech company is challenging, especially with limited resources and during a global pandemic. Kristin reflected on the early days of Wyonics and provided advice for future I-Corps teams, highlighting the importance of having a strong, diverse team.
“Get a bigger team early on. It will help you because startups are hard, especially when you’re doing deep tech,” she advised. Building a diverse team with different expertise is crucial for overcoming the many challenges of a startup.
The insights from the I-Corps program also helped Wyonics prepare for their participation in the Department of Energy’s Phase Shift II program. This initiative focuses on making Wyonics economically sustainable by refining their business model, cash flow strategies, and manufacturing plans.
Looking Ahead
Wyonics aims to become a leader in enabling technologies with a focus on sustainability. Kristin envisions a future where their technologies are widely used, making significant contributions to various industries while promoting environmental responsibility.
“Our ultimate vision is to become a leader in enabling technologies. We really want to see our technologies out there being used, making other peoples’ lives easier and more sustainable,” she said passionately.
Kristin’s journey with Wyonics shows the power of innovation, perseverance, and understanding of your customers. For anyone starting on a similar path, she offers this advice: start customer discovery early, build a strong team, and always strive to understand your market.
As Wyonics continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible with their cutting-edge technologies, we look forward to seeing their impact on industries and the environment alike.
