Driving Discovery: UWM’s Latest Patent Innovations

From concept to creation, researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) are shaping the technologies of tomorrow.

In 2025, the UWM Research Foundation (UWMRF) filed four provisional patent applications—early steps that protect groundbreaking ideas and set the stage for future commercialization. These inventions span diverse fields and promise real-world impact:

Innovative Drug Design for Depression Treatment (OTT 1890)

Lead Inventor: Alexander (Leggy) Arnold, Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Developing new medications that target brain receptors using benzodiazepine-based molecules for more effective mental health therapies.

Smart Biosensors for Cleaner Water and Safer Agriculture (OTT 1883)

Lead Inventors: Rebecca Klaper and Eric Ostovich, School of Freshwater Sciences

Harnessing algae and machine learning to detect chemical contaminants and improve environmental safety.

Tool to Monitor Cell Temperature in Battery Packs (OTT 1797)

Lead Inventor: Brian Armstrong, Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Integrating smart technology into battery packs to monitor cell health and detect temperature changes early, enhancing safety and reliability.

Protective Coatings for Copper Surfaces (OTT 1871)

Lead Inventor: Pradeep Rohatgi, Distinguished Professor of Engineering

Making copper alloys tougher and more resistant to damage with advanced surface treatments.

Beyond this year’s new breakthroughs, UWMRF filed 16 additional patent applications to protect earlier discoveries—strengthening our intellectual property portfolio, expanding global reach, and opening doors to industry partnerships.

These patents showcase next-generation technologies, creating powerful opportunities for collaboration and investment.

Innovation starts here. Together, we lead the way—transforming ideas into solutions that shape industries and improve lives worldwide.