The UT Research Foundation (UTRF) proudly hosted its annual Innovation Awards on November 25 in Knoxville and December 4 in Memphis, commemorating 90 years of advancing research, commercialization, and innovation. UTRF recognized 3 startups, 36 commercialization agreements, and 25 issued patents during these two events. Additionally, UTRF recognized two exceptional researchers with the prestigious 2024 (read more)
UTRF News
UTRF: Bridging the Gap Between Innovation and Impact
The University of Tennessee Research Foundation (UTRF) is a powerhouse that drives UT’s mission to turn groundbreaking research into real-world applications. With a 90-year track record of commercial success and a rich innovation pipeline, UTRF serves as a connector within the UT innovation ecosystem and a bridge between the university and the business and investment (read more)
Inventor Spotlight: Jian Huang
Over its 90-year history, the University of Tennessee Research Foundation (UTRF) has collaborated with inventors across the UT System to apply research to real-world challenges. Often, these technologies originate from emerging or evolving fields with the potential to transform the world. One researcher charting new waters is Jian Huang, a professor in the Department of (read more)
UTRF’s Decades-Long Commitment to Economic Development
UTRF plays a key role in state and regional economic development efforts at the intersection of cutting-edge research and real-world solutions. In the past two decades, UTRF has supported biofuel innovation, renewable energy projects, advanced materials and manufacturing, technology entrepreneurship, and many other impactful initiatives that enhance Tennessee’s economy. Genera: Pioneering Biofuel and Biomass Innovation (read more)
Inventor Spotlight: Ahmedullah Aziz
The University of Tennessee is not just a hub of academic excellence; it’s a powerhouse of innovation where brilliant minds turn groundbreaking research into real-world solutions. Among these trailblazers is Ahmedullah Aziz, an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at UT Knoxville. He stands out for his relentless drive and (read more)
2024 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)
Inventor Spotlight: Robert Trigiano
UTRF is celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2024. As part of this celebration, UTRF will highlight some of its long-term partnerships with UT inventors and startups in the coming months. One founder is Robert Trigiano, UT Knoxville Chancellor’s Professor and UTIA Institute Professor in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at the UT Institute (read more)
UTRF Welcomes Three New Interns and One Returning Intern
To promote the commercialization of UT’s innovations and to help train the next generation of commercialization professionals, UTRF recently welcomed three new interns and one returning intern across its Knoxville and Memphis offices. In Knoxville, Andrea Gutierrez-Cortez and Lauren Williams, rising second-year law students at UT Knoxville, joined the team as Commercialization Analysts. Jacob Hale (read more)
Inventor Spotlight: Uday Vaidya
The University of Tennessee Research Foundation is honored to partner with Uday Vaidya, a prolific researcher, industry leader, and advisor. He is priceless,” said UTRF President Maha Krishnamurthy. “One of our most prolific innovators. His contributions towards his students’ success, along with impactful contributions in the field of advanced composites, make him invaluable to UTRF (read more)
From Theory to Practice: Students Transform Decades-Old IP into Sound Dental Solution
The University of Tennessee Research Foundation celebrates and supports entrepreneurship across the UT System. One way UTRF does this is by working with students in the two-semester Senior Design course with UT Knoxville’s Tickle College of Engineering together with innovators at UT Health Science Center. UTRF has been sponsoring such projects over the past five (read more)
Innovation is Everywhere Tour
Catch us around UT Knoxville’s campus once a month to learn how the UT Research Foundation (UTRF) can help commercialize your research!
UTRF Commercialization Analyst Internship Program Applications are Open!
Are you a graduate-level student interested in learning about the technology transfer industry, intellectual property or a career at the intersection of business development, entrepreneurship and law? Apply for our Commercialization Analyst Internship Program today! Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, will close February 28th, and the internship will begin in May following (read more)
2024 UTRF HSC Innovation Awards
The UTRF Health Science Center Office Innovation Awards ceremony was held in Memphis on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. Congratulations to all of the awardees! Innovator of the Year With great pride, we recognize Dr. Wei Li as this year’s Innovator of the Year Award recipient! Dr. Li is currently a UTHSC Distinguished Professor in the (read more)