The University of South Florida and Florida High Tech Corridor have awarded their first round of funding for cutting-edge, early-stage research projects.
The organizations awarded $75,000 to three research projects announced on Monday. The funding follows the pair teaming up in December, with plans to deploy $110,000 to undergraduate students across nine colleges at USF. The ultimate goal is to give opportunities for internships, research projects and training.
“In research labs across USF, there are innovative ideas that, with an initial catalytic investment and dedicated time, can develop into something with tremendous public impact,” said Sylvia Thomas, interim vice president of USF Research and Innovation, in a statement. “The Early-Stage Innovation Fund is an effort to bring a number of those exceptional technologies closer to the marketplace."
In addition to internships and training, the funds will help boost research at the university, which in turn can become high-grossing patents, new business ventures and high-tech employment opportunities.
“This program was designed in direct response to feedback the corridor and USF research and innovation received from faculty on how we can further support USF’s research community,” said Paul Sohl, CEO of the Florida High Tech Corridor, in a statement. “The response to this initial round has been tremendous and the creativity, inventive spirit and collaborative nature of USF faculty is astounding.”
The three awarded projects include:
- An artificial intelligence-based translation tool for stroke patients: One-third of stroke patients have a language disorder called aphasia, which results in challenges communicating and social isolation. The AI tool aims to help the aphasia patients engage in conversations through its language processing techniques. USF Health's Morsani College of Medicine will conduct the research and said the tool could have additional uses in the future.
- A prototype device to reduce structural malfunctions in critical manufactured products and infrastructure: There is an uncertainty with creating tension when tightening a fastener, which can cause failures in products in aircraft, spacecraft, military equipment and bridges. The College of Mechanical Engineering project will be developing a prototype to integrate and automate a new method of getting preload in a bolted joint.
- An AI-based tool to deliver custom music therapy to aging populations: Music is known to improve mood and alleviate pain. The pilot combines two USF-developed technologies to measure listener responses in real time and then adjust the music selection and playback based on the effect it has on patients. The research is being conducted through USF's College of Behavioral & Community Sciences with the goal to improve access in music intervention in health care settings.
The Early Stage Innovation Fund's second round of funding is open to faculty through March 31, where faculty receive up to $25,000.
