How the CIA grows tech: An inside look at In-Q-Tel

摘要

When scientists at Redlen Technologies invented a new manufacturing process for a specialized semiconductor, they knew the medical industry would be intrigued. The semiconductors, made of a cadmium zinc telluride compound that had been considered impossible to manufacture reliably, could improve the equipment used to pinpoint tumors and expose clogged arteries. What the scientists didn't anticipate was all the attention they would receive from government agencies eager to use their semiconductors to hunt for dirty bombs and screen airport baggage. The same features that make the technology useful in medical devices also make it a natural choice for compact, lightweight radiation detectors, said Glenn Bindley, Redlen's president and chief executive. In April, Redlen announced a strategic partnership with In-Q-Tel, the nonprofit investment arm of the U.S. intelligence community. In-Q-Tel did not disclose the value of its deal with Redlen or what type of product it hopes to buy.