About TandemLaunch
TandemLaunch is a Canadian deep-tech venture builder that transforms breakthrough university research into scalable startups. We provide founders with pre-seed capital, access to cutting-edge facilities, and a network of mentors, industry partners, and investors. Our mission is to create companies that redefine industries by leveraging disruptive materials, hardware, and AI innovations.
Our next venture will commercialize a breakthrough material platform: stimulus-responsive meshes made from hydrogels that adapt their porosity in real time to environmental conditions .
About the Opportunity
We are seeking a Founding Technical Entrepreneur to lead a startup based on stimulus-responsive hydrogel mesh technology . These meshes can dynamically change pore size in response to moisture, temperature, light, salinity, or electric/magnetic fields , enabling tunable permeability. Potential applications span performance apparel, protective gear, medical devices, sports equipment, filtration systems, and smart building materials .
As the founding leader, you will validate the strongest commercial opportunities, develop prototype products, and guide the technical roadmap from lab-scale proof-of-concept to scalable manufacturing.
What You’ll Do
- Develop and refine prototype products showcasing the unique benefits of stimulus-responsive meshes (e.g., waterproof-yet-breathable apparel, self-regulating helmet liners, adaptive tent materials, medical membranes).
- Translate hydrogel fabrication methods (coating, impregnation, IPN/semi-IPN synthesis, 3D structuring) into scalable, manufacturable processes.
- Conduct early customer discovery to identify urgent pain points in target markets (outdoor gear, healthcare, filtration, etc.).
- Collaborate with TandemLaunch’s venture team to shape go-to-market strategy, validate regulatory pathways, and secure early adopters .
- Recruit and lead a founding technical team of polymer chemists, materials engineers, and product designers.
What We’re Looking For
- Deep technical expertise in polymer science, hydrogel chemistry, biomaterials, or smart textiles.
- Knowledge of stimulus-responsive materials and their functionalization (moisture, ion concentration, temperature, or light responsiveness).
- Experience with fabrication techniques : polymerization, nanocomposite integration, surface treatments, or 3D printing of soft materials.
- A track record of applied research or product development in materials science, biomedical devices, or smart textiles.
- Entrepreneurial mindset — excited by uncertainty, motivated to move fast, and eager to build a company from scratch.
- Strong communication skills, capable of engaging with technical experts, customers, and investors.
- (Optional but valuable) Prior startup or translational research experience.
We Offer
- $600k in pre-seed funding and hands-on operational support to launch your company.
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities for materials prototyping and testing.
- A curated network of industry partners in outdoor gear, healthcare, and advanced materials.
- Collaboration with our venture team for customer development, fundraising, and team building .
- A competitive founder compensation package , including significant equity and stipend support.
