Syracuse Surge Accelerator-Meet the Teams: Certainty Analytical Labs

Dr. Brandy Young has always been a tinkerer, describing herself as the type of kid who would take VCRs apart and try to put them back together. Her family encouraged her curiosity, and her interest led her to a career in science.

It was in graduate school where she developed skills in entrepreneurship. After earning her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from Purdue University, she opened her first business in Cape Town, South Africa, where she developed point of care technology for tuberculosis tests. However, when she returned to the United States, there wasn’t a market need for the tests like there was in Cape Town. So, after a stint in academia, she pivoted and created Certainty Analytical Labs.

“I'm a chemist, and I spent the last 15 years in research and development, lab operations, lab training/management,” said Dr. Young. “Right now, in the cannabis industry, there's a need for laboratory scientists and people that know how to do compliance testing. I bring all those skills to this industry.”

Certified by New York’s Office of Cannabis Management for all analytes, Certainty Analytical Labs ensures that cannabis grown and sold in New York is free of substances such as pesticides, heavy metals and harmful pathogens, ultimately making sure products are safe for human consumption. It’s the only MWBE certified business in the cannabis laboratory testing space, and the first and only Black women owned cannabis laboratory permitted by New York State.

“Our North Star is very much geared around supporting businesses that have been harmfully impacted by the drug laws. We work with legacy marketers that have been underground and that otherwise want to come above board. So, we are uniquely positioned to support those businesses,” said Dr. Young.

Now Dr. Young and Certainty Analytical Labs is looking to grow in Syracuse. Dr. Young first opened her business in Rochester, but the Syracuse Surge Accelerator brought her down the thruway to further her business. She’s now looking to expand her laboratory space in Syracuse and hire additional lab workers. 

“I've done a lot on my own. It's kind of like I was getting to a point and realizing that I need to get some help. There's only so much I can do on my own. I was seeking the assistance of business experts that could put eyes on my business and add valuable insight,” said Dr. Young.

Dr. Young said the Surge Accelerator has provided her time to put intentional focus on the business and this, combined with a community of BIOPIC founders, has provided the synergy she was looking for.  Her priority now is fundraising, taking time to source the most appropriate financial vehicles to support the business’ short-term and long-term objectives.

To learn more about Certainty Analytical Labs, visit their website. If you have a startup that you think would be right for the Syracuse Surge Accelerator, please click here to fill out our interest form and receive information about when applications open for the next cohort.

Photo by Shanay Bradley-Light to the Darkness Photography