Early-Stage Innovation Fund awards advance technologies in healthcare, environmental sustainability and disaster preparedness

The Florida High Tech Corridor, in partnership with University of South Florida (USF) Research & Innovation, is pleased to announce the latest recipients of the Early-Stage Innovation Fund
awards. Now in its fifth year, this initiative supports pioneering research projects
with significant commercial potential, providing each selected faculty-led team with
up to $25,000 in seed funding to advance their innovations toward market readiness.

This round’s awardees represent diverse disciplines and showcase solutions to pressing
global issues, ranging from neurodegenerative diseases to water purification and caregiver
tools for disaster planning. The awarded projects below are led by faculty from the
College of Engineering, College of Arts & Sciences and the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences.

New Compounds for Alzheimer’s Disease
Dr. Jianfeng Cai
College of Arts & Sciences
Department of Chemistry

This project developed a novel class of compounds that stabilize proteins linked to
Alzheimer’s disease, preventing the formation of toxic aggregates. Early results show
the compounds can reverse damage, protect cells, and improve mitochondrial function,
offering strong potential for commercial drug development. The funds will be used
to further optimize the compounds and conduct additional preclinical testing to accelerate
commercialization.

Porous Metal Halide Semiconductors for Water Desalination and Disinfection
Dr. Ioannis Spanopoulos
College of Arts & Sciences
Department of Chemistry

Researchers created a new semiconductor-based material that combines water desalination,
purification, and antibacterial properties into a single solution. With a provisional
patent and published results, this material holds promise for commercial systems addressing
global water challenges. The funds will support system prototyping and testing to
validate its desalination and disinfection capabilities.

Disaster Preparedness Assist for Caregivers (DPAC)
Dr. Lindsay Peterson
College of Behavioral & Community Sciences
School of Aging Studies

This computer tool helps caregivers create personalized disaster plans for vulnerable
individuals, including older adults and those with disabilities. The funds will be
used to conduct pilot testing to refine the tool’s usability and effectiveness, with
a goal to commercialize an accessible solution for family and professional caregivers.

Wearable Electronics Printer for Electronic Circuits on Fabrics
Dr. Arash Takshi
College of Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering

Dr. Ehsan Sheybani
Muma College of Business, USF Sarasota-Manatee

The project focuses on automating a copper circuit printing system for wearable electronics
by integrating smart algorithms and machine learning. This innovation could transform
industries such as healthcare, fitness, and defense by enabling seamless integration
of electronics into fabrics. The funds will be used to develop a fully automated prototype
printer and validate its effectiveness on different fabric types.

A Wearable Sensorimotor Integrator (SMI) to Treat Musculoskeletal Dysfunction
Dr. Stephanie Carey
College of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Center for Assistive,
Rehabilitation & Robotics Technologies (CARRT)

Dr. Sang-Hie Lee
College of Design, Art & Performance, School of Music, Performing Arts Medicine Collaborative 

The SMI is a non-invasive device that uses sensors and haptic feedback to aid rehabilitation
for conditions like stroke-induced hemiparesis, Parkinson’s and dystonia. This wearable
technology has commercial potential for improving quality of life and expanding neuromuscular
treatment options. The funds will support prototype refinement, clinical testing and
market validation for potential commercialization.

About the Corridor Early-Stage Innovation Fund
Launched in 2022, the Early-Stage Innovation Fund is a collaborative initiative between
USF Research & Innovation and the Florida High Tech Corridor. The program aims to
support applied research projects with significant commercial potential, providing
critical seed funding to help bridge the gap between innovative ideas and market-ready
solutions. For more information about the Early-Stage Innovation Fund and future funding
opportunities, please visit USF Research & Innovation.

About the Florida High Tech Corridor
An economic development initiative of three research universities – the University
of South Florida, the University of Central Florida and the University of Florida
– the Florida High Tech Corridor converges and catalyzes the capacity of high tech, innovation and bright minds across
a 23-county region to generate a global ripple effect that advances the lives of people
in the communities it serves. Learn more about the Florida High Tech Corridor at USF.