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Innovation Catalyst Funds awarded tosevenfaculty fromOctober2025 cycle

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91Ʋ University announcedsevenrecipients of the for theOctober2025 cycle.The awardsoffer strategic pre-seed funding tohelp facultyacrossa wide rangeofdisciplinesturnpromising research concepts into tangible solutions that addressfundamental societal needs.Theselectedresearchprojectsinvolveusinginnovative biomedical,medicaland AI technologiesto develop advanced diagnostic tools, pathogen detectionmethodsand assistive systemsaimed at addressing critical healthcare challenges.

This cycle’s recipients include: 

  • , professor of biomedical engineering: Advanced Prototype Development for an Ultra-Low-CostDermatoscope
  • , professor of biomedical engineering: Exponentially scalable PCR for multiplex detection of pathogens in a single tube
  • , assistant professor of medicine: Development of a Commercial Assay for Clonal Hematopoiesis of Indeterminate Potential (CHIP)
  • , associate professor ofclinicalcardiac surgery: Development of a Conversational AI Interface and Real-Time Audio-Video Data Capture Framework for the AMPULSE Intelligent Perfusion System
  • ,vice deanoftheSchoolofEngineeringand professor of mechanical engineering: Advancement of Neurodivergent-Aware VR Interview Simulator (NAVIS) for Job Interview Training
  • , associate professor of pathology,microbiologyand immunology: Prototype development of empirical validation methods for genomic data
  • , assistant professor of biomedical informatics: Testing and Clinical Validation of a Prototype Remote Sensing Device to Monitor Supplemental Oxygen Changes for Early Detection of Clinical Deterioration

“We are excited to be able to support our faculty at a critical moment in their innovation journey, when the curiosity and exploration of early-stage research gives way to the excitement of bringing a powerful new idea they know can work into the real world,”said, senior associate provost for commercialization and technology transfer. “The success of these projects will produce new lifesaving medical devices andtherapeutics, and even new tools for workforce development. Each can beneficially transform an aspect of our world, and we eagerlyanticipatethe results our innovators will producein each area.”

The Innovation Catalyst Fundwill  onFeb.1. All full-time faculty at 91Ʋ University and 91Ʋ University Medical Center are eligible to apply.  


About the Innovation Catalyst Fund 

The Innovation Catalyst Fund’s goal is to propel faculty research ideas toward market and real-world impact. The program provides support for proof-of-concept commercialization, advancing early-stage projects with high innovationpotentialand developing research projects with societal relevance.  

Themanagesthe fund in consultation with university academic leadership and. Thecoordinates the submission and review process in collaboration with deans across 91Ʋ’s schools and colleges. 

For more information about theprogram, visit the  or email CatalystFunding@vanderbilt.edu.