Vanderbilt University announced seven recipients of the Innovation Catalyst Fund awards for the October 2025 cycle. The awards offer strategic pre-seed funding to help faculty across a wide range of disciplines turn promising research concepts into tangible solutions that address fundamental societal needs. The selected research projects involve using innovative biomedical, medical and AI technologies to develop advanced diagnostic tools, pathogen detection methods and assistive systems aimed at addressing critical health care challenges.
This cycle's recipients include:
- Audrey Bowden, professor of biomedical engineering: Advanced Prototype Development for an Ultra-Low-Cost Dermatoscope
- Frederick Haselton, professor of biomedical engineering: Exponentially scalable PCR for multiplex detection of pathogens in a single tube
- Jonathan Heimlich, assistant professor of medicine: Development of a Commercial Assay for Clonal Hematopoiesis of Indeterminate Potential (CHIP)
- Brian Lima, associate professor of clinical cardiac surgery: Development of a Conversational AI Interface and Real-Time Audio-Video Data Capture Framework for the AMPULSE Intelligent Perfusion System
- Nilanjan Sarkar, vice dean of the School of Engineering and professor of mechanical engineering: Advancement of Neurodivergent-Aware VR Interview Simulator (NAVIS) for Job Interview Training
- Brian Shirts, associate professor of pathology, microbiology and immunology: Prototype development of empirical validation methods for genomic data
- Bryan Steitz, assistant professor of biomedical informatics: Testing and Clinical Validation of a Prototype Remote Sensing Device to Monitor Supplemental Oxygen Changes for Early Detection of Clinical Deterioration
"We are excited to be able to support our faculty at a critical moment in their innovation journey, when the curiosity and exploration of early-stage research gives way to the excitement of bringing a powerful new idea they know can work into the real world," said Bob Webster, senior associate provost for commercialization and technology transfer. "The success of these projects will produce new lifesaving medical devices and therapeutics, and even new tools for workforce development. Each can beneficially transform an aspect of our world, and we eagerly anticipate the results our innovators will produce in each area."
The Innovation Catalyst Fund will begin accepting applications for the next cycle on Feb. 1. All full-time faculty at Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center are eligible to apply.
About the Innovation Catalyst Fund
The Innovation Catalyst Fund's goal is to propel faculty research ideas toward market and real-world impact. The program provides support for proof-of-concept commercialization, advancing early-stage projects with high innovation potential and developing research projects with societal relevance.
The Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation manages the fund in consultation with university academic leadership and Vanderbilt University Medical Center's Office of Research. The Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization coordinates the submission and review process in collaboration with deans across Vanderbilt's schools and colleges.
