The Bounce Effect: How Akron’s Innovation Hub Helped S4 Mobile Laboratories Scale

S4 Mobile Laboratories is a demonstration of the power of innovation, collaboration, and leveraging local resources. Born out of a research project at the University of Akron, S4 Mobile Laboratories has grown into a promising tech company with groundbreaking technology and a strong commitment to Northeast Ohio. In this article, we explore S4’s journey through the lens of its leadership team—Chris Matney (Co-Founder), Russell Pier (Technical Sales Manager), and Elyse Ball (Vice President of Programming at Bounce Innovation Hub). Their story highlights not only their successes but also the lessons learned, and resources leveraged along the way.

“Who Wants to Find a Dead Body?”: The Origins of S4

The story of S4 began in an unconventional way. Chris Matney recounts their elevator pitch: “The opening line was, ‘Who wants to find a dead body?’ If someone raised their hand, I’d never ride an elevator with them again.” This unusual introduction captures the unique problem S4 set out to solve—detecting buried human remains without excavation.

The S4 technology originated as a collaborative research project at the University of Akron involving three professors—Tim Matney, Linda Barrett, and David Perry, S4 Co-Founders and company leaders. Their work led to Subterra Grey, a device capable of detecting organic compounds underground. When the academic team reached the limits of their research, they turned to entrepreneurship. “We participated in NSF’s I-Corps program, which taught us how to transition from lab work to real-world applications,” Matney explains. However, it wasn’t until they connected with Bounce Innovation Hub that they gained access to critical resources needed to build a sustainable business.

Bounce Innovation Hub: A Launchpad for Success

Bounce Innovation Hub has played a pivotal role in S4’s growth by providing affordable workspace, tailored programs, and access to mentors. Elyse Ball explains, “Bounce offers everything from professional services to workshops and networking events. For S4, we provided lab space for their USDA SBIR Phase II project and programs like Sales Ignition.” Russell Pier describes how Bounce’s facilities meet their specific needs: “Our lab on the eighth floor is industrial but perfect for processing soil samples and housing our soil library. It’s not glamorous, but it’s exactly what we need.” Beyond physical space, Bounce connected S4 with key partners like MAGNET for manufacturing support and Gene Groys, an Entrepreneur-in-Residence who transformed their sales strategy.

Key Resources Leveraged by S4 at Bounce:

• Lab Space: Affordable and flexible lab space tailored for startups working on physical products.

• Sales Ignition Program: Helped refine sales strategies by shifting from cold calling to relationship-based selling using tools like LinkedIn.

• Entrepreneurs-in-Residence: Provided expert guidance on business-to-business sales and marketing campaigns.

• Workshops: Topics ranging from HR compliance to intellectual property management helped address operational challenges as S4 scaled.

  
  

The Power of Teamwork

A recurring theme in S4’s success is its strong team dynamic. Ball emphasizes this point: “What sets them apart is their ability to execute as a team.” Matney adds that their diverse expertise—ranging from PhDs in forensic chemistry to field technicians—has been critical in delivering ahead of schedule on federal grants. Pier reflects on how this teamwork extends beyond internal collaboration: “Whether it’s lugging equipment into the field or meeting clients in Bounce’s professional spaces, everyone contributes where they’re needed most.”

Traction and Scaling Challenges

S4 has made significant progress with its flagship product, Subterra Grey, while preparing to launch Subterra Green by year-end. Their technology has attracted interest from organizations like the FBI but scaling production remains a challenge due to limited manufacturing capacity.

“We can currently build about 12 units per year,” Matney explains. “But demand is growing—we’ve had inquiries for 50 units from just one client.” Despite these challenges, S4 remains committed to keeping operations in Northeast Ohio.

Lessons Learned: Takeaways for Startups

S4’s journey offers valuable insights for other entrepreneurs:

• Leverage Local Resources: Startups in Northeast Ohio have access to organizations like Bounce Innovation Hub, MAGNET, JumpStart, and others that provide critical support at every stage—from prototyping to scaling production.

• Engage in Customer Discovery Early: Programs like NSF’s I-Corps taught S4 the importance of listening to potential customers early on to validate market needs.

• Build a Strong Team: A diverse team with complementary skills can overcome challenges more effectively than any single individual.

• Early Revenue: Even if your product isn’t perfect, testing it in real-world scenarios provides invaluable feedback and builds credibility.

• Stay Rooted Locally: Akron offers unique advantages such as affordable space, access to experts willing to share knowledge, and a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Akron: A City Rooted in Innovation

S4’s decision to remain in Akron reflects both its origins and its future potential. Matney explains that Akron provides an unparalleled network of experts willing to share their time and knowledge. Ball adds that initiatives like Bounce Innovation Hub are transforming Akron into a hub for innovation by fostering collaboration among startups, universities, and regional organizations.

However, challenges remain—particularly around securing venture capital locally. “The VC community here isn’t as robust as on the coasts,” Matney acknowledges. “But we’re determined to grow locally while leveraging grants and other funding sources.”

Innovation Through Execution

S4 Mobile Laboratories exemplifies how startups can thrive through innovation and collaboration within supportive ecosystems like Akron’s Bounce Innovation Hub. Their story highlights the importance of leveraging local resources while staying adaptable and focused on execution.

As Akron continues its transformation into an entrepreneurial hub, companies like S4 serve as both success stories and inspirations for other startups aiming to solve meaningful problems while driving regional economic growth.

Learn more about how Bounce Innovation Hub in Akron fosters innovation and supports startups in our region with tools and services to grow: Bounce Innovation Hub