MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The University of Memphis FedEx Institute of Technology and its Office of Technology Transfer have announced the recipients of their 2025–26 Commercialization Grants, awarding funding to seven faculty-led research projects that demonstrate strong potential for market impact.
Designed to turn breakthroughs into products, services and startups, the grants provide targeted, milestone-driven support that helps UofM researchers de-risk innovations, build prototypes, validate markets, and position technologies for licensing or venture formation.
These grants support the University’s mission to advance innovation and entrepreneurship by providing targeted funding to help researchers move promising technologies closer to commercialization. Each project funded this year represents a distinct example of how University of Memphis research translates into practical, real-world solutions.
“Through this grant program, we are helping our faculty and students transform their discoveries into technologies that have the potential to improve lives, strengthen industries, and create new economic opportunities for our region,” said Dr. Hai Trieu, Director of Intellectual Property in the Office of Technology Transfer.
The 2025–26 Commercialization Grant recipients are:
Each funded project advances a clear path toward market readiness—through prototyping, pilot testing, regulatory planning or IP protection—and demonstrates strong industry relevance:
- Dr. Yufeng Zhang – Production of Red Carotenoid Pigment Using Recombinant Yeast
- Dr. Manob Saikia and Dr. Rajib Mondal – Wearable and Skin-Conforming Flexible ECG System for Continuous Fetal Heart Monitoring
- Dr. Myounggyu Won – Traffic-Aware Vehicle–Drone Routing Simulator for Last-Mile Delivery
- Dr. Yuankai Huang – Smart Real-Time Soil Sensing and Robotic Gateway for Precision Agriculture
- Dr. Jessica Jennings – Colorimetric Sensor
- Dr. Yuan Gao – Acoustic microsystem for rapid formation of multicellular spheroids
- Dr. Ricky Leung – AI-Based Engagement Device for Older Adults with MCI and ADRD
Administered by the Office of Technology Transfer within the FedEx Institute of Technology, the program emphasizes commercialization deliverables such as invention disclosures, patent filings, prototypes, industry collaborations, and pathways to licensing or startup formation. Grantees are also encouraged to involve students, expanding experiential learning while accelerating development in lab-to-market environments.
Funded projects must be completed by June 15, 2026, with final reports due by the end of June. Reports will document key outcomes, including IP filings, prototype validation, licenses, and student engagement.
For information about future funding opportunities through the Office of Technology Transfer, please contact Dr. Hai Trieu at hhtrieu@memphis.edu or Ido Sarig at isarig@memphis.edu.
About the FedEx Institute of Technology
The FedEx Institute of Technology at the University of Memphis serves as the University’s research and innovation hub, advancing cutting-edge technologies and interdisciplinary collaboration. Through its Office of Technology Transfer, FIT empowers faculty and students to bring their inventions to market, fostering economic growth and expanding the University’s impact in the region and beyond.
Media Contact:
Parker King, Assistant Director
University Media and Public Relations
University of Memphis
tpking1@memphis.edu
