SOUTH BOSTON, VA – The ChemQuest Group, a global business strategy and external specialty chemicals technology development firm, has expanded its Technology Institute offerings to include Collaborative Innovation, led by Vice President Dr. Victoria Scarborough. Scarborough is known worldwide as an R&D leader and subject matter expert for the commercialization of in-demand new technology that leverages open innovation.
The ChemQuest Technology Institute (CQTI) is an R&D facility staffed by accomplished Ph.D. chemists that work in tandem with ChemQuest’s senior business strategy experts (former senior managers from multinational manufacturers and chemical business owners) to collaborate on IP de-risked coatings and adhesives solutions that deliver intrinsic value to end markets. CQTI’s services include formulation design, synthesis and optimization that unlock the potential of existing or new molecules in a jointly developed molecular design, for example, or target functional coatings properties for high-value end uses.
The ChemQuest Group is a specialist consulting practice with over 40 years of experience, possessing both a working knowledge in its markets and a proficiency in business/marketing methodologies. The ChemQuest Group focuses on specialty chemicals value chains for the formulated products industry including paints, coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers. By extension, CQTI is an entrée into formulation, testing and application processes as well as rapid vetting and commercialization. Clients are able to augment their internal resources with CQTI’s collaborative innovation expertise and access to conditions that mimic the performance of their product in the manufacturing setting.
For over 25 years, Scarborough has advanced technology by creating and managing complex R&D and commercialization activities for the Sherwin-Williams Co. in roles including Director of New Technology (2007–2010), then Program Director of Global External Innovation (2010–2017). She created and organized various global technical conferences, is an Open Innovation Master Class YouTube channel presenter for the Canadian Innovation Centre, and is currently CoatingsTech Magazine’s Inside Innovation columnist and a Publication Subcommittee member.
Of the launch of Collaborative Innovation, Scarborough said, “There is a direct need for an external resource to vet all aspects of the innovation cycle without ego or career concerns. This organization combines a deep understanding of market drivers with the vision for real, not incremental, innovation. It is an honor to pioneer this process with the distinguished group of colleagues at ChemQuest and to continue the innovation journey by providing insights into new technologies that provide meaningful results for our clients.”
“Dr. Scarborough’s multi-faceted background facilitating collaboration among technology owners, equity partners and key stakeholders will position ChemQuest clients for sustainable profitability in leading specialty chemicals’ markets,” said ChemQuest CEO Dan Murad. He added, “Vickie has a remarkable track record for value creation that leverages open innovation to develop breakthrough products and processes amid stiff competition, global raw material shortages and price pressures. ChemQuest is committed to supporting its clients by delivering distinctive, thorough, actionable, confidential and professional work. We look forward to launching a new decade of external technology development enabling excellence in research, accelerating our clients’ growth objectives, with significant contributions from Dr. Scarborough, ChemQuest’s team of experienced Ph.D. chemists and external partners, in our state-of-the-art R&D facility in South Boston, Virginia.”
