xray-pearX-Ray vision may be coming to your next generation smartphone. The University of Washington and Microsoft Research division have been working in collaboration on technology that is applying hyperspectral technology, which is already used in satellite imaging,  to see what’s under the skin. It has a variety of applications from biometric security to determining the ripeness of fruit that we used to have to squeeze before we buy. Read more in Geekwire.

Washington State’s research institutions work in close collaboration with entrepreneurs in a fertile culture of cross-pollination. Software and technology developers work hand in hand with mechanical engineers, materials scientists and medical researchers to advance manufacturing technologies, create new materials and revolutionize health care.

Washington companies have been innovating across industry sectors for over 100 years. Check out our interactive timeline of innovation.