Twelve academic researchers representing seven institutions across PA, NJ and DE have been selected as finalists for the 13th round of the Science Center research accelerator known as the QED Proof-of-Concept program. Among those finalists is a researcher representing Princeton University, the QED program’s newest participating institution. The 12 researchers will be paired with business advisors made up of industry professionals and serial entrepreneurs to develop a proof-of-concept plan. Finalists will present those plans to the selection committee later this year with the awardees announced in early 2021.
Pennsylvania State University
Patricia McLaughlin
Toxicology studies of a novel wound healing therapeutic
Jeffrey Neighbors
A novel therapeutic to enhance immunotherapy for cancer
Elias Rizk
A novel device for the treatment of fluid buildup in the brain
Princeton University
Alexander Ploss
Novel therapeutics for the treatment of hepatitis virus infections
Rowan University
Nidhal Bouaynaya
Predictive artificial intelligence software for radiation oncology
Iman Noshadi
Injectable adhesive for cornea repair
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Dongfang Liu
Immunotherapy treatment for solid tumors
Temple University
Santiago Orrego
Implantable biomaterials with anti-infective and hard tissue regeneration properties
Rouzbeh Tehrani
Hemodialyzer for faster treatment of kidney disease dialysis
University of Delaware
Anuraag Boddupalli
Collagen-mimetic peptide and gene-modified collagens for improved chronic wound healing
University of Pennsylvania
Scott Bartlett
An electromagnetic needle-free injector
Ping Wang
Rapid and ultrasensitive SARS-CoV-2 antigen detection for infection screening by non-professional users
Each of the technologies were identified as having high potential for improving human health and of being of intense industry and investor interest. Since its inception in 2009, the QED program has provided development services for over 100 academic researchers with over $8M invested in 41 projects. Twelve startups or licensing deals have resulted.
The Science Center’s commercialization programs, of which QED is part, is a leader in the development of biotechnology across the region. Equipped with deep expertise both in-house and in its network of advisors, the Science Center can efficiently identify, evaluate, accelerate, and finance the most promising life science ideas and businesses. The Science Center’s first-hand research, startup, and investment experience and its expanding set of analytical tools are used not only by academia but increasingly by industry partners seeking to simplify scouting operations around licensing, mergers and acquisitions, investment, and out-sourced technology incubation.
About the QED Proof-of-Concept Program
The QED Program provides funding and business development support for academic researchers developing early-stage life science and healthcare technologies with high commercial potential. A common participation agreement that defines matching funds, indirect costs, and intellectual property management, has been signed by 22 universities and research institutions in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Delaware State University, Drexel University, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, Lehigh University, Monell Chemical Senses Center, Moravian College, New Jersey Institute of Technology, The Pennsylvania State University, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Princeton University, Rowan University, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Temple University, Thomas Jefferson University, University of Delaware, University of Pennsylvania, University of the Sciences, Widener University, and The Wistar Institute.
