When it comes to high-tech innovations, sometimes it’s not so much a matter of what a new technology can make happen, it’s what it can prevent from happening. Today, we have two guests whose companies have come up with innovations that have exciting applications in preventing real world destruction by things like corrosion and fire.

Plank Road Technologies is a joint venture that is not based on Plank Road. It’s actually located in the LSU Innovation Park business incubator. Plank Road Technologies combines two patented technologies that enable everything from military assets to motor vehicles to lithium ion batteries to be safely transported in air-tight, vacuum-packed bags. The company’s technology holds exciting potential for the military and NASA, and currently has deals in the works.

Jeff Garfinkle is the president of Plank Road Technologies. 

Mitchell Montanio has come up with a better way to put out fires. detect and prevent fires. and he is the xxx of Hot Shot Sprinklers. The company’s patent pending technology has created a sprinkler system that uses infrared technology to detect a fire then more accurately aim a nozzle at the flames to extinguish them without causing extensive water damage. It’s a really cool story, but here’s the real kicker: Mitchell and his team are just high school students at the Dunham School.  

Photos at Mansurs on the Bouevard by Ken Stewart.