Clemson, NSF hub to advance commercialization of university research

Clemson University has joined a hub of Southeast universities tasked by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to help nurture the commercialization of innovation with a new $15 million investment.

The NSF Southeast I-Corps Hub of eight institutions in four states will work to identify business development opportunities for new technologies, prepare inventors for commercial success and unlock the market potential of university research. It is one of three new regional I-Corps Hubs the NSF announced today.

"This will expand the impact of our research by getting innovation to the marketplace where it can be of most benefit to society, and this will offer great professional development opportunities for faculty and students," said Tanju Karanfil, Clemson senior vice president for research, scholarship and creative endeavors.

Clemson will receive approximately $1.6 million over five years for its participation in the Southeast I-Corps Hub, which is part of NSF's Innovation Corps (I-Corps) program. Karanfil will serve as Clemson's lead along with the Clemson University Research Foundation (CURF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to advance the research enterprise of Clemson University by supporting faculty and students engaged in research and introducing them to respective industry partners.

"This is an outstanding opportunity for not only Clemson, but for the entire state of South Carolina to foster a culture translating deep technology and venture creation to enhance and diversify economic development in our great state," said Chase Kasper, senior deputy director for CURF. "The members of the Southeast Hub have collaborated for more than two years to see our vision for the Southeast region become reality.

The Southeast Hub is led by the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) and includes Clemson, University of Alabama, University of Florida, University of Miami, University of Central Florida, University of South Florida and Morehouse College. In January, when the NSF I-Corps Southeast Hub officially launches, the consortium of schools will expand to also include the University of Puerto Rico.

The hub's director is Nakia Melecio of Georgia Tech. Lead faculty and instructor is Keith McGreggor of Georgia Tech.

NSF Southeast I-Corps Hub aims to address regional inequities in access to capital, experienced entrepreneurs, mentors and advisors for deep technology researchers. It will provide entrepreneurial training to researchers and students, increase engagement with the Southern community in terms of startups and technology commercialization, and increase interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, especially among underrepresented groups.

"The goal of the I-Corps program is to deploy experiential education to help researchers reduce the time necessary to translate promising ideas from laboratory benches to widespread implementation that in turn impacts economic growth regionally and nationally," Erwin Gianchandani, NSF assistant director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, said in a news release. "Each regional NSF I-Corps Hub provides training essential in entrepreneurship and customer discovery, leading to new products, startups, and jobs. In effect, we are investing in the next generation of entrepreneurs for our nation."

Clemson researchers interested in engaging with the NSF Southeast I-Corps Hub may contact Kasper at [email protected].

NSF I-Corps Hubs form a National Innovation Network (NIN) of universities, NSF-funded researchers, established entrepreneurs, local and regional entrepreneurial communities, and federal agencies. Hubs work collaboratively to build and sustain diverse and inclusive innovation networks across the country. This is the first hub extending to South Carolina.