10x

High-Level Overview

10x Technology LLC is a clean technology startup founded in 2004 in Libertyville, Illinois, that manufactures precision micro- and nano-structured polymer and metallic substrates using a proprietary roll-to-roll embossing process.[1][2][4] The company revolutionizes the $800 billion plastics industry by enabling 3D replication of nano-features into plastics faster, cheaper, and better than traditional molding, targeting high-value applications in energy, transportation, electronics, government, and medical sectors.[1][2] Products include micro-needle arrays for transdermal drug delivery, Fresnel lenses for solar concentrators, LED lighting enhancements, natural lighting windows, and aero drag reduction skins, with reported $1M in trailing twelve-month revenue and around 10 employees.[1][2][4]

This manufacturing platform supports mass-scale production akin to 3D printing but optimized for cost reduction and performance gains, serving industries needing advanced materials without high molding expenses.[1][2]

Origin Story

10x Technology was founded in 2004 as an LLC by Robert M. Pricone, who has served as President since inception, focusing on assembling a technical team to commercialize high-technology engineered materials.[1] Pricone led early efforts to develop the core roll-to-roll embossing platform for nano-features in plastics.[1][2][4]

In 2015, Thomas S. Migala joined as CEO, bringing extensive executive experience: previously CEO of FANUC AMERICA (growing revenue from $70M to $200M), GE Aircraft Engines sales leader ($3.4B), VP at GE Fanuc (scaling from $75M to $170M), and Six Sigma leader saving $650M at GE, with degrees from University of Michigan (MS/BS Aerospace Engineering) and MIT (MS Business).[1] Early traction built on applications like medical micro-needles and optics, evolving from development to pilot and full-scale production.[1][4]

Core Differentiators

• Proprietary Roll-to-Roll Embossing: Builds nano-features from the bottom up at mass scale, outperforming molding in speed, cost, and precision for micro/nano-structured substrates in polymers and metals.[1][2][4]
• Versatile Platform: Single manufacturing process supports diverse products across sectors—e.g., transdermal drug delivery needles, solar Fresnel lenses, aero skins—reducing development costs for high-value items.[1][2]
• Full-Service Capabilities: From product design and prototyping on pilot plants to full-scale manufacturing, enabling rapid commercialization.[4]
• Cost and Performance Edge: Dramatically lowers expenses in the plastics industry while improving metrics like LED efficiency or drag reduction.[1]

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

10x Technology rides the nanomaterials and advanced manufacturing wave, addressing demands for scalable micro/nano-structuring in clean tech amid pushes for sustainable energy, efficient transport, and precision medicine.[1][2] Timing aligns with rising needs for cost-effective alternatives to expensive molding or lithography, fueled by market forces like renewable energy growth (solar concentrators), EV/aerospace drag reduction, and minimally invasive medical delivery.[1][2]

By enabling cheaper, high-performance plastics, it influences the ecosystem through supplier roles to larger players in energy and electronics, potentially accelerating adoption of nano-enhanced materials in a $800B industry shifting toward efficiency and sustainability.[1]

Quick Take & Future Outlook

10x Technology's scalable platform positions it for expansion in high-growth areas like clean energy and medtech, where nano-structuring demands surge with global sustainability mandates and biotech advances. Next steps likely include scaling production, securing partnerships for volume applications (e.g., solar or aero), and leveraging Migala's network for funding beyond its <$5M raised.[1][2]

Emerging trends—such as AI-optimized materials design and green manufacturing—could amplify its edge, evolving its influence from niche innovator to key enabler in the plastics revolution, building on two decades of specialized traction.[1][4]