The Team Behind This Brighter Future

StabiLux Biosciences® is a Michigan Technological University (MTU) spin-out that has developed proprietary, high-brightness fluorophores (dyes) for biomedical applications, particularly for biomedical researchers using multi-color flow cytometry. Our NovoLux® High-Brightness Dyes™ offer a drop-in platform technology, allowing researchers to detect what was previously undetectable while enabling existing equipment to be used to its fullest potential without the need for additional parts or new software.

"We allow biomedical researchers to detect what was previously undetectable."

The Team

CEO | STEVE TOKARZ, MBA

Steve Tokarz, CEO, is an experienced C-level entrepreneur, fundraiser and business developer. 30+ years of business and start-up experience. Founded Cantilever Investors Fund and Business Partners who are investor partners in StabiLux Biosciences®. Launched several businesses within Masco Corp. Exited first company after $14 mil raise. Steve provides the business development and first-hand knowledge of how to commercialize new technologies and efficiently bring them to market.

He holds a BSE in Engineering Physics/Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan as well as an MBA from Indiana University. Steve is leading the company through its early growth phase and responsible for fundraising and bringing additional talent to the team.

PRESIDENT, CHIEF TECHNICAL OFFICER | DR. YOKE KHIN YAP, PH.D.

Dr. Yap is the founder of StabiLux®. He is a professor of physics, and director of applied physics graduate program at Michigan Technological University (MTU). Dr. Yap earned a series of research honors, including the National Science Foundation CAREER award, Global Alumni Fellow of Osaka University, and the honorable "University Professor" at MTU. He has extensive expertise in our foundational technology and is supervising our research and development activity towards a commercially successful product launch.

VP OF OPERATIONS | JONATHAN LEINONEN, MBA

Jon leads our Business Development and also assists in fundraising. He has over 20 years’ experience working in the start-up community including the Michigan Tech SmartZone and with an internal start-up at EDS Corp.

Jon is also active in the MI start-up space having close relationships with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

PRINCIPAL SCIENTIST | DR. NAZMIYE YAPICI, PH.D., ORGANIC CHEMIST

Dr. Yapici is the lead scientist of our product research and development team. She has extensive experience in synthetic organic chemistry and cellular biology. She is the principal investigator of our NSF STTR Phase II award. Dr. Yapici is leading a team of scientists, engineers, and assistant at StabiLux Biosciences®. In addition to her strong technical background, Nazmiye was trained with entrepreneurial skills through multiple business development programs including the NSF I-Corps team project.

Read the stories behind the StabiLux journey

StabiLux in the News

StabiLux® is Finalist at CYTO Innovation Showcase

For the second consecutive year, StabiLux® Biosciences was selected to be one of the Innovation Showcase finalists at the International CYTO convention. Continue reading.

StabiLux® Receives Funding

StabiLux Biosciences®, a company founded by Michigan Technological University physics professor Yoke Khin Yap, has recently been awarded more than $650,000.
Continue Reading.

StabiLux® Sees Colorful Future

StabiLux Biosciences Inc.® was just what Steve Tokarz was looking for when he began working with Michigan Technological University in Houghton last summer — a promising technology startup. Continue reading.

Startup using funds to help with local battle against COVID

StabiLux Biosciences is one of two Houghton-based, high-tech companies that recently received direct investments, or loans, from the state’s Tech Startup Stabilization Fund to assist them during the COVID-19 outbreak. Continue reading .