Division of Research & Innovation
UofM Announces 2025–26 Commercialization Grants Awarded to Propel Research Innovations Toward Market Impact
Seven faculty projects receive funding to advance prototypes, protect IP, and accelerate technology transfer
The University of Memphis has announced the 2025–26 Commercialization Grant recipients, awarding support to seven faculty-led projects poised to make a meaningful impact in the marketplace. Administered by the FedEx Institute of Technology and the Office of Technology Transfer, the program provides targeted, milestone-driven funding to help researchers transform discoveries into products, services, and startup opportunities.
Designed to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world application, the grants enable teams to de-risk early-stage technologies, build prototypes, conduct pilot testing, pursue IP protection, and validate market potential. Each award reflects the University’s commitment to advancing innovation and strengthening the regional economy through research commercialization.
“Through this grant program, we are helping our faculty and students transform their discoveries into technologies that have the potential to improve lives, strengthen industries, and create new economic opportunities for our region,” said Dr. Hai Trieu, Director of Intellectual Property in the Office of Technology Transfer.
2025–26 Commercialization Grant Recipients
The following projects were selected for their strong commercial promise and clear pathways to market readiness:
- Dr. Yufeng Zhang – Biomanufacturing of red carotenoid pigment using recombinant yeast
- Dr. Manob Saikia & Dr. Rajib Mondal – Wearable, skin-conforming flexible ECG system for continuous fetal heart monitoring
- Dr. Myounggyu Won – Traffic-aware vehicle–drone routing simulator to optimize last-mile delivery
- Dr. Yuankai Huang – Smart, real-time soil sensing and robotic gateway for precision agriculture
- Dr. Jessica Jennings – Rapid colorimetric sensor technology
- Dr. Yuan Gao – Acoustic microsystem for fast formation of multicellular spheroids
- Dr. Ricky Leung – AI-based engagement device to support older adults with MCI and ADRD
As part of the program, grantees will pursue commercialization-focused milestones such as invention disclosures, patent filings, prototype development, and industry partnerships. The initiative also encourages student involvement, providing hands-on experience in applied research, technology development, and entrepreneurial exploration.
By investing in early-stage innovations, the University of Memphis continues to strengthen its position as a hub for translational research—transforming ideas developed on campus into solutions that benefit the community, the economy, and society at large.
For more information, contact Dr. Hai Trieu at hhtrieu@memphis.edu, or Ido Sarig at isarig@memphis.edu.
Read full press release »