UCF electrical engineering student Joe Sleppy is leading the commercialization of a breakthrough energy-storage technology developed by nanoscience Professor Jayan Thomas. Through their startup, Capacitech Energy, the team has licensed Thomas’ wire-based capacitor innovation, which allows manufacturers to cut capacitors to custom lengths—reducing size, cost, and inventory challenges for electronics makers.
Supported by UCF’s entrepreneurial ecosystem—including the NSF-funded I-Corps program and the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership—Sleppy and Thomas credit university resources for helping them validate their business model and prepare for market entry. Capacitech has already earned major recognition, winning the UCF Joust competition and receiving national innovation honors such as the R&D 100 Award and recognition by Nature.
The company is currently advancing toward seed funding, working with prospective customers, and pursuing acceptance into the UCF Business Incubation Program as it continues developing applications ranging from lightweight consumer electronics to energy-storing smart materials.
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