As one of the most prolific inventors in history, Thomas Edison had a fairly simple approach to his never-ending quest for solutions: find out what the world needs, then go ahead and try to invent it.
This resulted in more than 2300 patents for the magnate of Menlo Park, N.J. However, Edison also had one caveat to his creativity, encapsulated by the following quote:
“Anything that won't sell, I don't want to invent. Its sale is proof of utility, and utility is success.”
Through the University of Houston Technology Bridge’s Innovators to Founders cohort, several worthwhile ideas have emerged from a vibrant collection of forward-thinkers. Through the cohort’s key partnerships with the Innovation Center and the Texas Gulf Coast Small Business Development Center (SBDC), along with vast resources from Tech Bridge, the cohort helps participants gain needed business acumen to prove their creations’ usefulness and take it to market.
On May 16, the latest crop of aspiring innovators will take aim at realizing Edison’s definition of success and becoming the latest groundbreaking solution to emerge from Tech Bridge during Innov8 Hub Pitch Day. Here, UH faculty, aspiring entrepreneurs and more will sell their ideas in front of Houston’s community, investors, and founders. Based on the popular vote, the best idea and pitch will receive prizes.
Let’s meet these hopeful game-changers and learn more about their solutions, which tackle several societal issues from health, safety, biomedical advancements and more.
Bradley McConnell, University of Houston
On a mission to revolutionize cardiac care by developing a biological pacemaker capable of repairing the broken heart, UH professor of pharmacology Bradley McConnell has developed innovative approaches involving reprogramming adult cells into specialized cardiac cells and delivering targeted biological therapeutics.
McConnell aims to address critical issues such as cardiac conduction disease and heart attacks. His pioneering work holds the potential to significantly reduce mortality rates associated with heart disease and transform the landscape of cardiovascular medicine.
“By collaborating with the Tech Bridge in their Innov8 Hub program, I have been guided with an entrepreneurial vision with step-by-step tools and methods, starting from my initial idea to confidently present business concepts to the investment community,” McConnell said. “This Innov8 Program is helping to build our foundation for clinical trials using a cardiac-targeted nanoparticle-based approach to deliver biologicals as a therapeutic strategy in heart failure patients.”
Chrysa Latrick, A la Mod Therapeutics
Chrysa Latrick, assistant professor of biology and biochemistry at UH, is working at developing new gene therapies that can be used to treat patients with inherited genetic diseases. Her company, A la Mod Therapeutics, has a clear mission to enhance the quality of life for patients grappling with serious genetic conditions, and her work shows a clear dedication to developing innovative solutions that offer hope and healing.
Venkatesh Balan, Jai Solutions
Venkatesh Balan, associate professor of biotechnology at UH and founder of Jai Solutions, invented a new process to isolate carbon dioxide generated during mycelium production using microalgae. Using a harvested algal biomass as substrate to produce mycelium, he’s developed a carbon neutral process.
This mycelium has many applications in the food industry, acting as a healthy alternative to commonplace starches and proteins. His mission is to produce healthy, sustainable, and environmentally friendly commodity products to the community.
Vesna Tumbas Saponjac & Rashim Singh, Sanarentero
Through Sanarentero, Vesna Tumbas Saponjac, postdoctoral fellow at UH’s College of Pharmacy and pharmaceutics professor Rashim Singh are developing therapies for drug-induced side effects, as well as providing natural solutions to digestive tract issues.
“Besides lab and office space provided, we had the opportunity to participate in two Innov8 Innovator to Founder Cohorts and work closely with SBDC weekly in one-on-one meetings to work on our commercialization strategy,” Saponjac said. “In addition, we receive ongoing support and mentoring from Tanu Chatterji, associate director of startup development. Tech Bridge has been instrumental in helping us connect to the right people to take our technology forward.”
Stephanie Calloway, Sanasol Wellness
In response to the escalating issue of workplace burnout and declining mental health, Stephanie Calloway, founder of Sanasol Wellness, has developed an innovative solution aimed at addressing the root causes of stress and promoting holistic well-being in U.S. workplaces.
“My start-up is addressing the growing problem of burnout and poor mental health in U.S. workplaces,” Calloway said. “Especially since the pandemic, we have seen a rise in workplace stress and stress-related disease that is threatening the viability and sustainability of many industries including healthcare, education and IT/tech. Sanasol Wellness has developed a cognitive recharge station that combines the documented benefits of mindfulness, aromatherapy and nature connection in an accessible adaptable intervention.”
Andrew Morris, Accel Activewear
Accel Activewear, led by founder Andrew Morris, plans to revolutionize and increase performance of marching band gear. With a focus on providing top-quality shoes and equipment, Accel Activewear aims to enhance the performance, health, and overall experience of marching musicians nationwide.
“Tech Bridge has allowed me to understand my own business and field a little bit better by understanding the process of building a business, as well as making connections with people and resources I wouldn't otherwise know about,” Morris said. “It has been great for helping me stay focused on what matters, and providing even more resources in the community.”
Michael Smith, AltiSora
Hoping to offer sustainable building solutions for the future, Michael Smith, co-founder of AltiSora, is working on developing a more eco-friendly and effective type of concrete using graphene, a super strong lightweight material. With the price of graphene being extremely expensive, AltiSora is working on finding a low-cost way to utilize graphene on a commercial scale.
Kenneth Campbell, NexGen Safety
Kenneth Campbell, a 33-year Navy veteran is developing a product that reduces the distance between a fire fighter and the fire, and also improves the time it takes to put out a fire. Most importantly, it allows the fire to be put out in a safe and effective manner.
“Tech Bridge has given me and others the confidence needed to pursue our innovations in a logical business-like fashion and has provided the expert leadership guidance all startups need to fast track our innovative ideas to the commercial markets,” Campbell said. “This open and honest feedback approach prepares us all for real world concerns and critiques.”
Startup Pitch Day culminates a three-month process where these innovators have been working extensively to fine-tune their products and pitches with the outstanding resources and expertise from the SBDC and Tech Bridge, where research and innovation continues to thrive.
The event begins at 5 PM in building 4 of Tech Bridge. Register for Innov8Hub Pitch Day.