Launch Blue Announces Second UAccel Cohort
Launch Blue is pleased to announce the Spring 2021 UAccel University Technology Commercialization Focused Cohort. Seven Kentucky university technologies were selected to participate in the twelve-week UAccel program. Candidates were selected through a competitive application and interview process. The final selections for the cohort were determined by a selection committee appointed by the organizing partners.
The UAccel program is a Launch Blue focused cohort organized in partnership with the University of Kentucky (UK) Office of Technology Commercialization and Kentucky Commercialization Ventures. The program is designed to offer professional development and an experiential learning opportunity to innovators in higher education interested in learning the best commercialization path for their technology. The goal of the program is to advance the technology toward commercialization, including preparations for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant applications, creation of a startup, or licensing of the technology.
Arun Aneja, MD, PhD,
Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopaedics, UK
Arjun Srinath, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, UK
We have designed implants to treat complex fractures of the lower extremity. Through their unique intramedullary design, these implants provide biological benefits of smaller incisions and biomechanical advantage of early weight bearing.
Luke Boatright, PhD,
Managing Director, Professor, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, UK
VerraGlo, LLC, a manufacturer of analytical testing kits and reagents, has been awarded a 2020-21 USDA Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant to produce novel sensors for measuring oxidation levels in edible fats and oils. VerraGlo’s Metal-Organic Lumiphore (MOL) sensors have many advantages over existing methods because it does not generate any hazardous waste, cost less & takes less time, and there is no laboratory glassware & no clean-up.
Sunil N. Ketty, Assistant Professor & Program Director, Media Informatics, NKU
I have an opportunity to design & develop teaching tools and tutorials for new artists learning virtual three-dimensional modeling. The tangible Prop Kit will allow individuals a chance to pre-visualize proper modeling techniques prior to creating content through industry standard computer software. The placement of 3D geometry is vital when creating the mesh object for a 3D character, vehicle, prop, or asset.
Partha Paul, PhD, MBA
Chief Executive Officer of Cerelux, Biotech & Med-tech Executive
Keith R Pennypacker, PhD, Co-Founder of Cerelux, Professor, Interim Director for the Center for Advanced Translational Stroke Science, UK
Our proprietary technology is based on applying machine learning to gene expression and protein analysis of real-world stroke patients’ thrombus and blood samples from the brain. Our technology addresses the unmet medical need in improving prognostics and creating therapeutics for stroke patients.
Kevin T. Hubert, President and CEO
Dr. Joshua M. Werner, PhD, Assistant Professor, Institute for Sustainable Manufacturing, UK
X MET is an innovated company pursuing ground breaking technology commercialization in the space of extractive metallurgy for both the primary and secondary metals sectors. Leveraging the technology developed at the University of Kentucky for advanced reactors and processes, X MET anticipates creating significant value in underserved and underutilized metallic resources.
Dr. Margaret W. Ndinguri, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, EKU
Dr. Lindsey Cormier, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, EKU
Inventors Drs. Ndinguri and Cormier both Associate Professors from Eastern Kentucky University have designed a theranostic approach to combating reproductive cancers. They have designed novel radionuclides to enhance PET/SPECT imaging leading to earlier metastasis diagnosis and more precise determination of colony localization. Further, after diagnosis, a targeting chemotherapeutic agent was designed to selectively targeted the cancer cells while reducing side effects commonly associated with chemotherapy. Most notably their technology will target hard to treat cancers such as triple negative breast cancer and metastatic ovarian cancer. Drs. Ndinguri and Cormier technology will provide a movement in the healthcare system to link diagnostic and therapeutic metrics and approaches to improve and better facilitate patient care.
Mohammad R. Alsabri, Researcher, Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, UK
Weeds are a universal problem in agriculture, costing growers billions of dollars annually. Although chemical herbicides have significant effects on weeds, they often lead to herbicide resistance and are not environmentally friendly. The combination of increasing demand for organic food and awareness about harmful effects from chemical pesticides have created a global surge in the development of bioherbicides. However, there are currently few bioherbicides available commercially, driving the need for new herbicidal mechanisms for environmentally friendly weed control. To that end, we are developing a bioherbicide produced by a bacterium. Our next objective is to find a good formulation to produce new bioherbicide and make it available for producers around the globe.
The Spring 2021 UAccel program will begin on February 19th and will conclude on May 7th.