Eight MIT research teams receive $600,000 to develop new technological innovations

Posted: October 7, 2009
Eight MIT research teams receive $600,000 to develop new technological innovations
(Nanowerk News) The Deshpande Center for Technological Innovation at MIT today announced it is awarding $600,000 in grants to eight MIT research teams currently working on early-stage technologies. These projects have the potential to make a significant impact on our quality of life by revolutionizing composite materials, diagnostics, disease therapies, drug discovery, diabetes treatment, high-power electronics, energy efficient displays, and sensors.
Acting as a catalyst for innovation and entrepreneurship, the Deshpande Center awards grants that fund proof-of-concept explorations and validation for emerging technologies. "We are excited about the new technologies that continue to emerge from the researchers at MIT," said Leon Sandler, the center's executive director. "These grantees have unique and innovative technologies to solve significant problems and create value."
The fall 2009 grant recipients are:
MEMS for Large Area and Flexible Applications: Vladimir Bulovic A flexible paper thin micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) array that can be used for sensing and actuation over large surfaces.
Device for Treatment of Cerebral Edema: Michael J. Cima A drug-delivery device to treat brain edema with reduced systemic side-effects typical of conventional treatments.
Stable Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Light Emitting Diodes: Karen Gleason Long-lived LEDs on flexible substrates providing energy efficient portable displays. (Renewal from fall 2008 grant round.)
A Novel Device for Label-free Cell Rolling Separation: Rohit Karnik and Jeffrey Karp A device for separating cells that could be used for the monitoring and diagnosis of a wide variety of diseases. (Renewal from fall 2008 grant round.)
A Wearable Sensor for Continuous Glucose Monitoring for Diabetics: Michael Strano A carbon nanotube based, minimally invasive, tissue implantable, glucose sensor. The sensor will allow continuous glucose monitoring for diabetes patients, resulting in improved glucose regulation and better health.
Chemical Production of Functionalized Graphene for Enhanced Composite Materials: Timothy Swager The development of a chemical process to produce graphene at a very reasonable cost, leading to the industrial use of new composite materials.
Nano-engineered Surfaces for Ultra High Power Density Thermal Management: Kripa Varanasi Heat needs to be removed rapidly from high power electronics or the semiconductors will fail. This project will develop a system to very rapidly dissipate large amount of heat from such devices.
New Antibiotic Target: Graham Walker A project to attempt to isolate lead compounds to develop a new antibiotic. (Renewal from fall 2008 grant round.)
The Deshpande Center grants help recipients assess and reduce the technical and market risks associated with their innovations. In addition to financial support, the Deshpande Center's network of entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and academic and legal experts helps recipients assess the commercial potential of their innovations and make decisions that accelerate progress toward the development of business plans or licensing strategies.

For more details on the research projects, visit: http://web.mit.edu/deshpandecenter/release_100709.html
The Deshpande Center has provided approximately $10,000,000 in grants to over 70 MIT research projects since 2002. Eighteen projects have spun out of the center as independent startups, having collectively raised over $150 million in outside financing from investors.
About the MIT Deshpande Center for Technological Innovation
The Deshpande Center is part of the MIT School of Engineering and was established through an initial $20 million gift from Jaishree Deshpande and Desh Deshpande, the co-founder and chairman of Sycamore Networks. It is supported by gifts from alumni, friends and sponsors. The center serves as a catalyst for innovation and entrepreneurship by supporting leading-edge research and bridging the gap between the laboratory and marketplace.

Source: MIT