The University of Tennessee Research Foundation’s (UTRF) Accelerate Fund has announced a $150,000 investment in VisualizAI, an artificial intelligence startup co-founded by UT Knoxville professor Jian Huang and CEO Mac Bartine. VisualizAI aims to commercialize an AI-driven data visualization and analytics platform to enhance efficiency and accuracy in data-intensive professional settings. The company’s flagship product, ClaimsAgent, is designed to assist healthcare providers by analyzing claims, identifying patterns in denials and underpayments, and recommending corrective actions. This investment will support VisualizAI in advancing pilot trials and validating its technology to demonstrate its impact on healthcare claims processing.
UTRF in the News
2025 UTRF Technology Maturation Grant – Call for Submissions
The University of Tennessee Research Foundation (UTRF) is announcing a call for submissions for its 16th annual maturation program. The UTRF Technology Maturation Grant aims to assist innovators in advancing new technologies on the path to market by awarding up to $20,000 in direct costs to the highest ranking proposals. The program is open to (read more)
UTRF’s Accelerate Fund Makes First Investment in UT Startup, Co-Investing with LaunchTN’s InvestTN Fund
The University of Tennessee Research Foundation’s Accelerate Fund made its first investment in Orion Therapeutics, a biotechnology startup developing next-generation RNA medicines using a novel drug delivery system. UTRF and Launch Tennessee (LaunchTN) co-invested, both contributing $150,000 of pre seed investment. UTRF’s Accelerate Fund launched in 2023 and provides funding opportunities to help viable startups (read more)