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Grant funds UWM research to mass-produce water sensors

A graphene-based water sensor developed at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee outperforms current technologies for sensing speed, accuracy and sensitivity – exactly what’s needed to continuously monitor drinking water for miniscule traces of contaminants like lead. But the cost of mass-producing these tiny sensors using traditional methods is high.

Untangling health care costs, one cord at a time

Nurses have assigned an array of nicknames to the web of medical lines, cords and tubes stationed by a patient’s bedside. Snake pit. Spaghetti. Rat’s nest.  With no universal system to sort the numerous cords and tubes, they frequently get twisted and disorganized. For health care workers, the problem of discombobulated cords can range in severity from a time-consuming nuisance to an occasional tripping hazard to something far more dangerous.

T3 BioScience Successfully Concludes its Planned Capital Increase

UWM and Duke startup T3 BioScience successfully concludes its planned capital increase on July 25, 2017 – accelerating its R&D development plans Milwaukee, August 1, 2017 – T3 BioScience announces the successful closure of its capital increase on July 25, 2017. The (undisclosed) raised capital will empower the biotech firm to execute its product and business strategy.

UWM Student Entrepreneur of the Month: Fabien Edjou

Fabien Edjou, veteran, retired Army Officer, and undergraduate student pursing a degree in Supply Chain and Operation Management at UWM, has created a sustainable solution to waste through his new startup, LeanServ, LLC. Founded in 2016, Edjou’s business specializes in technology information, products, and services (TIPS) that help organizations transform into zero-waste environments.   “Serving in the military has taught me discipline and a greater level of responsibility for self and duty to others,” says Edjou. “My experiences as an Army Officer continue to reinforce my desire to reach my full potential, take risks, and create a positive impact on as many people as possible.” While many waste initiatives focus on reducing and managing waste, LeanServ, LLC., concentrates on preventing waste. Through UWM’s Student Startup Challenge Program (SSC), Edjou collaborated with student engineers and designers to develop a versatile and modular accessory organizer called LeanVO (Lean Vertical Organizer). TIPSfolio, a separate optimization tool used in conjunction with LeanVO, was also prototyped and developed through SSC to bring an efficient link between waste producers and consumers. “Becoming aware of the Student Startup Challenge was the most exciting moment I’ve had since returning to school,” says Edjou. “Going through Customer Discovery was an eye-opening experience that taught me that you never truly know how good your product is until you hear honest feedback from potential customers.” After graduation, Edjou plans to continue growing his business and supporting entrepreneurship at UWM through mentorship and financial sponsorship. With help from the UWM Research Foundation (UWMRF), Edjou filed several Intellectual Property disclosures with even more waiting to be processed. “Learn to enjoy every aspect of your journey, regardless of where it takes you,” says Edjou. “No one knows your dream better than you, so don’t give up!”

UWM Names First Two Kellner Fellows in Entrepreneurship

The fellows, Ilya Avdeev, an associate professor of mechanical engineering, and Anne Basting, a professor of theater, are supported by the Mary and Ted Kellner Fund for Entrepreneurship, which was established in 2016 through a gift from the Kelben Foundation to fund faculty and staff at the Lubar Entrepreneurship Center at UWM. The work of the fellows aims to bolster the regional economy by creating new enterprises and helping improve the success of UWM graduates by teaching them skills through hands-on entrepreneurial experiences.

UWM Student Entrepreneur of the Month: Taffanie Johnson

Taffanie Johnson (second from left), an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Women and Gender Studies at UWM, is empowering local women and young girls through her new mobile pop-up program, Untangle. Johnson’s program offers a unique set of interactive coaching, workshops, support, and resources focused on improving Milwaukee women’s self-esteem, love, and sufficiency.

Wisconsin State Budget Analysis: Impact on UW-Milwaukee and Biohealth Industry – BioForward Speaker Series Recap

After a successful first event from UW-Madison and Accuray, BioForward’s speaker series on the importance of public university research visited the UWM Innovation Accelerator last Thursday for the second event, featuring the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Lisa Johnson, CEO of BioForward, kicked off the event with BioForward updates including highlighting Wisconsin’s strengths as a state, beginning BioForward’s new membership year, and protecting research in the state through advocacy efforts.

Milwaukee’s life sciences landscape is sprouting

When Loren Peterson moved ZyStor Therapeutics from St. Louis, Mo., to Milwaukee in the early 2000s, he had trouble finding other health care and biotechnology startups to keep him company. “It was pretty much a desert,” recalled Peterson, who sold ZyStor and its line of enzyme replacement therapies to BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. in 2010. Today, Milwaukee’s once-arid life sciences landscape is sprouting more ideas and emerging companies. It’s a trend that was on display Thursday at Milwaukee’s University Club during a pitch event that featured five promising health-tech ideas as well as two innovations in advanced materials.