Exciting Innovations on the Horizon: UAB Selects Six Winning Projects for Blazer Bridge Fund

Exciting Innovations on the Horizon: UAB Selects Six Winning Projects for Blazer Bridge Fund

In Birmingham, the air is buzzing with excitement as the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) recently announced the selection of six groundbreaking projects that will receive funding through the 2024 Blazer Bridge Fund. This fund, which kicked off in the spring of 2023, was established by UAB’s Harbert Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Its goal is simple yet powerful: to support fresh ideas and technologies developed by UAB faculty and staff that have the potential to make a significant commercial impact.

A Warm Welcome for Innovators

The response to the Blazer Bridge Fund was impressive, with a total of 27 applications submitted by 62 inventors from 26 different departments across six schools. This enthusiastic participation underscores the innovative spirit thriving within UAB’s community. After a thorough review process, the committee has chosen six inspiring ideas to receive funding of up to $50,000 each.

Meet the Winning Projects

Let’s take a closer look at the winners of this round of funding and the fantastic projects they have proposed:

• Flexi-coat: This innovative solution for biomedical device coating is led by Jesse Jones from the Department of Neurosurgery and Vinoy Thomas from the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering.
• Neonatal apnea prediction and prevention: A project aimed at understanding and solving the issues associated with neonatal apnea, developed by Colm Travers, Namasivayam Ambalavanan from the Department of Pediatrics, and Arie Nakhmani from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
• UAB126 drug candidate for diabetic retinopathy: A collaborative effort by Jeonga Kim (Endocrinology), Venkatram Atigadda (Dermatology), Maria Grant (Ophthalmology), and Marina Gorbatyuk (Optometry) to characterize a potential treatment for diabetic retinopathy.
• Portable plasma-catalytic membrane reactor: Invented by Andrei Stanishevsky and his team from the Department of Physics, this project aims to create a versatile reactor for various applications.
• Fluid Aviator: A unique tool to strike the perfect balance of hydration for critically ill ICU patients, created by a diverse team from the Department of Pediatrics and the School of Engineering.
• Target engagement biomarkers for Tau-SH3 inhibitors: Erik Roberson from the Department of Neurology is at the forefront of this project focused on developing critical biomarkers.

Impactful Solutions in Healthcare

One of the standout projects, the Fluid Aviator, addresses a very real need in healthcare: how to ensure that ICU patients remain adequately hydrated while avoiding the dangers of fluid overload. This balance is vital for patient recovery, and the team behind this innovation hopes to implement practical solutions that can ultimately save lives.

Similarly, the project focusing on neonatal apnea aims to proactively predict and prevent these episodes in vulnerable newborns, highlighting the commitment to improving infant health and safety.

Encouraging a Culture of Innovation

These projects symbolize just a fraction of the innovative spirit present at UAB. The Blazer Bridge Fund is more than just financial support; it’s a recognition of the potential these ideas hold to change lives and push the envelope of modern science.

As these remarkable teams get started on their projects, there’s no doubt that Birmingham will be watching closely, eager to see how they transform their innovative concepts into practical solutions that could make a difference not just locally, but also on a global scale.

The Road Ahead

With the spotlight on these groundbreaking projects, UAB continues to foster an environment where ideas can flourish. The stories of the innovators and their inventions will undoubtedly inspire many others within the community, proving that with the right support, imagination can transform into reality.