Harbert professor to help Auburn faculty translate research

Auburn receives NSF grant to boost research commercialization

Auburn University has received a $6 million, four-year award from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) to help researchers move promising discoveries toward practical applications through startups, industry partnerships, technology licensing and other pathways.

“Auburn researchers are making discoveries across a wide range of disciplines, and we want to ensure they feel supported as they take those discoveries to market and put them to work in ways that can make a difference in people’s lives,” said Steve Taylor, senior vice president for research and economic development. “This award gives us an opportunity to strengthen the culture of innovation at Auburn.”

Led by Patrick Reed, Auburn’s assistant vice president for innovation and partnerships, the initiative will establish funding, training and other resources to help faculty explore how their research can address societal needs. The initiative brings together faculty and administrators from the colleges of business, sciences and mathematics, engineering and agriculture.

A central component is the Launch Innovation Fund, which will provide up to $50,000 for proof-of-concept work and prototype development to help researchers advance promising technologies.

Researchers will also participate in customer discovery and entrepreneurship programming through the new Faculty Venture Studio, led by LaKami Baker, a certified I-Corps instructor and Russell Foundation Associate Professor of Entrepreneurial Studies in the Harbert College of Business.

The training, mentoring and business research support will help faculty identify potential users, understand market needs and assess possible applications for their discoveries.

“I’m excited to leverage my experience in technology commercialization and entrepreneurship to help Auburn faculty recognize the entrepreneurial potential of their research and its societal value,” said Baker.