*This is one in a series of feature articles about companies that received SBIR/STTR funding and matching funds from Launch Tennessee. Companies that have received this funding will be highlighted at this year’s upcoming Innovation Week, Feb. 24-28. Mark your calendars!
Company: Vibronyx
Name and title: Clayton Nicholas, CEO
Location: Franklin
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the world’s supply chain was disrupted, and Tennessee company Vibronyx helped address the critical challenges of that time. The company also ensures resilience for military operation supply chains, where readiness and reliability are mission-critical.
Nicholas shared more about his company and how Tennessee is the ideal location for the business.
Q: Tell us in layman’s terms about your company or research — what does it do? What problems are you looking to solve?
A: Vibronyx helps organizations accelerate digital transformation by using automation, analytics, and artificial intelligence to solve complex challenges like parts obsolescence, supply chain inefficiencies, and data-driven decision-making. We simplify processes, enhance innovation, and deliver measurable outcomes for public sector and commercial clients.
Q: How long have you been doing this work? When and where did it begin for you?
A: Vibronyx was founded in 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee, initially focused on Department of Defense clients. We launched with the Defense Logistics Agency as our first customer, delivering supply chain digital transformation services and technologies.
Q: What makes your work special?
A: Vibronyx stands out for addressing critical supply chain challenges, highlighted by disruptions during COVID-19. Our expertise in automation, analytics, and AI is vital for ensuring resilience in supply chains, particularly for military operations where readiness and reliability are mission-critical. We deliver tailored solutions to drive measurable impact in these high-stakes environments.
Q: How will you use your SBIR funding? What’s the first thing you’re going to spend it on?
A: We’ll use the SBIR funding to expand our technical skill sets and further build our digital twin and digital transformation enablement technologies. (Editor’s note: A digital twin is a virtual representation of a system that uses real-time data to simulate its behavior.)
Q: What makes Tennessee the right home for your company/research?
A: Tennessee is ideal for Vibronyx due to its strategic location as a logistics hub and access to top talent. The University of Tennessee is a leader in supply chain education, and Vanderbilt excels in technology innovation, providing a strong foundation for our work in digital transformation and AI-driven solutions.
Q: Tell us about a recent success that you’re particularly proud of.
A: Vibronyx is proud to receive the 2024 Defense Manufacturing Technology Achievement
Award on Dec. 4, 2024 for our work on the Joint Food Management System (JFMS). This AI-powered solution, developed with the Defense Logistics Agency, modernizes the $3 billion Subsistence supply chain, ensuring greater visibility and readiness to support the armed forces, FEMA, and USDA.