High-Tech Stony Brook Company Expands

Applied DNA Sciences, a startup company based in Stony Brook, has hired more employees and has expanded into a larger space on the campus of Stony Brook University, the company announced Thursday.

The company, which develops anti-counterfeiting techniques using synthetic plant DNA, has its roots at the Long Island High Technology Incubator but has clients all over the world. Founded in 1983, it now employs 48 people, up from about 28 people in January of 2013, at its Stony Brook and United Kingdom offices. It has moved into a 30,000-square-foot facility at 50 Health Sciences Drive on the campus of Stony Brook University, where the company will have more laboratory space, more differentiated facilities, better security management, expanded office space and other features.

"The addition of top-notch people and an improved facility are two keys to handling growth," Dr. James A. Hayward, CEO and president of Applied DNA Sciences, said in a statement. "Our grow-the-company initiative will keep us steadily on the edge of science and innovation, something our customers have come to expect from us. We are prepared to deliver."

Applied DNA Sciences has performed work for the United States Defense Logistics Agency, has developed anti-counterfeiting technology for casinos, and has helped overseas law enforcement agencies convict criminals. The company's flagship product is its SigNature DNA, a unique botanical DNA product that has been used to  protect and authenticate money, computer chips, manufacturing components and more.

"We will remain light on our feet and able to serve customers quickly and with precision," Hayward said. "Our new infrastructure is built to empower that philosophy."