The Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization Life Sciences Innovation Hub awarded nearly $1 million to support and advance six translational research projects with high commercial potential, including two O&P devices. The Hub is co-managed at the University of Michigan (U-M) and funds high-tech projects addressing significant unmet needs in healthcare.
Shorya Awtar, ScD, a professor of mechanical engineering at U-M, received funding for his project developing a high-performance prosthetic hand with anthropomorphic capabilities.
Elliott Rouse, PhD, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at the university, received financial support for his project developing an intelligent AFO that can automatically adjust across activities and users.
The projects and the researchers will benefit from access to experienced mentors-in-residence, commercialization education programming, and feedback from an extended network of expertise.
“This funding, combined with the mentorship and resources dedicated to these projects, has resulted in returns through follow-on funding, job creation, and technology licensing,” said Larry Herriman, university technology program director of the Michigan Economic Development Corp, which supports the Hub.
Editor’s note: This story was adapted from materials provided by the University of Michigan.
