JOHNSTON ASSOCIATES INC. (JAI) was founded by venture capitalist, Robert F. Johnston, in 1968. JAI launched companies from the ground up around unique and commercially promising technologies. The Firm also has financed more established small companies with demonstrated growth potential. JAI's portfolio of companies range from pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, cell separations and imaging to drug discovery and delivery, toxic waste remediation, genetic engineering and biopesticides. Some of these companies are in the early stages of development while others have emerged as publicly traded companies.

JAI nurtures young companies by providing financial assistance and key managerial and technical support. An extensive network in the academia, venture capital and medical communities assures the ongoing capital, R&D, regulatory and personnel assistance needed for growth. JAI provides seed funding and assists on an on-going basis raising money through private investors, financial and technical alliances with large corporations and strong relationships with leading underwriters.

JAI, through contacts in the scientific research community, is instrumental in recruiting leading experts and establishing scientific advisory boards for each of the companies. These close links with the research community keeps the portfolio companies abreast of the most recent developments.