The Innovation Catalyst Fund has proven essential to transforming Vanderbilt’s research into real-world solutions by providing key translational financial support that bridges visionary ideas and practical applications across diverse projects in fields like medical diagnostics, education, and environmental innovation.
An example is the Advancement of Neurodivergent-Aware VR Interview Simulator (NAVIS) project, led by Nilanjan Sarkar, professor of mechanical engineering and computer engineering. The technology, translationally advanced via Catalyst funding, is transforming human-centered innovation for neurodiversity. It offers support for neurodivergent individuals in building critical interview skills to prepare for workforce entry through immersive virtual reality technology. The work is being further commercialized through Neurodiverse Technologies.
The Innovation Catalyst Fund is sponsored by Chancellor Daniel Diermeier, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs C. Cybele Raver, and Vice Chancellor for Finance and Information Technology, Brett Sweet, to support Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers by providing necessary proof of concept funds, accelerating the path toward commercial viability and societal impact for initiatives with strong innovation potential.
“At Vanderbilt, we are intentional about bridging the space between discovery and impact. The Innovation Catalyst Fund provides the crucial early support that allows visionary research to advance toward and commercial viability. By investing in our faculty’s most promising innovations, we are not only accelerating translation—we are amplifying the societal return on our academic mission." Provost C. Cybele Raver
Since its inception in 2023, the Innovation Catalyst Fund has made remarkable impact on advancing innovations toward commercialization:
- 55 projects awarded up-to-date
- $1.8M total funding awarded in translational research support
- Of the 22 projects reporting, 11 technology disclosures generated, resulting in:
- 7 licenses executed
- 14 startups facilitated
- $15.2M+ in follow-on funding has been generated, in the form of federal grants, foundation awards, and capital investments in startups
Promising Innovative Projects Across Various Fields
At VUMC, the Image Assist project, led by faculty-entrepreneur Michael Golinko, provides an innovative approach to make patient imaging more precise and secure by incorporating national clinical photography guidelines and utilizing dynamic digital frames. The startup, ImageAssist, Inc. was launched because of the positive momentum the technology received through the Innovation Catalyst fund.
Within the University’s Engineering department, Joshua Caldwell, professor of mechanical engineering, leads Sensorium Technological Labs, which couples hyperspectral imaging technology with artificial intelligence (AI) to enable applications in the semiconductor industry. Catalyst funding was instrumental in supporting the translational development of the technology licensed to Sensorium.
Moreover, Catalyst funding was pivotal in advancing these initiatives to become new startups that will ensure personalized learning and medical treatments are more adaptable and efficient:
- Amy Booth, professor of psychology and human development, is developing the REED app to improve children's language and social-emotional skills through interactive reading prompts, technology being commercialized by the startup COG Learning.
- Scott Crossley, professor of psychology and human development, is enhancing employee learning through "intelligent text frameworks," or iTELL, creating adaptive training material.
- Scott Guelcher, professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering, is innovating surgical implants that dissolve according to the body's healing process, enhancing patient recovery.
About the Innovation Catalyst Fund
The Innovation Catalyst Fund is led by the Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation, with program management by the Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization and support from the Brock Center and the Wond'ry. This fund represents Vanderbilt’s commitment to transformative research and innovation. The strategic direction of the Innovation Catalyst Fund is guided by a 40-member peer review faculty committee. These experts, representing a range of fields, conduct thorough evaluations and provide recommendations to Vanderbilt leadership. Learn more about the committee.
The next funding cycle opens on June 1. Learn more and apply here.