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Iya Technology Partners with Ohio Third Frontier

Abraham Katampe and Emmanuel Itapson needed help in late 2007 when their startup business, Iya Technologies, LLC, received a large order that threatened to overwhelm their capacity to deliver product. Katampe, with a PhD in chemistry, was a senior scientist at Cycolor Inc. and focused on four areas of expertise: micro-encapsulation, photochemistry, specialty media, and new material science.

Katampe was working as a consultant to other companies when Itapson urged him to start his own business. They formed Iya Tech in Kettering in 2004 with a focus on Katampe's areas of expertise consulting for companies while developing their own products.

Their first product, a breakthrough approach to iron-on transfer technology, prompted a buyout offer with an invitation to relocate to Indiana. Katampe and Itapson now considered Ohio home. The business partners decided that they wanted to maintain ownership while keeping their operations in Kettering.

In December, 2007, a major printing products company sought a huge order and a long-term distribution agreement. While this was wonderful news, the request tested their companies' ability to deliver. Iya was a fledgling company with a small supplier base. Katampe and Itapson knew they needed help, fast. Iya Technologies sought help from the Entrepreneurial Signature Program, an Ohio Third Frontier initiative administered regionally by the Dayton Development Coalition.

This collaborative support network helped Iya delve into its needs, revising its business plan and and providing critical support to assist the company in establishing business practices that would ensure they met the demand of their growing customer base.

Ohio Third Frontier awards from the Entrepreneurial Signature Progam assisted Katampe and Itapson focus on the business side of the company. They also allowed Katampe to return to the lab in the hopes of further development.

One year later, Iya's sales revenues have grown over 92%, the company employs 13 workers, and is the recent recipient of the Dayton Chamber of Commerce's Soin Innovation Award, given in recognition of entrepreneurs that contribute to the Regional growth by developing new technologies and creating jobs in the Dayton Region.

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