Medicine

Penn State Hershey researchers selected as finalists in Proof-of-Concept Program

Three Penn State Hershey researchers have been selected as finalists in the $200,000 QED Proof-of-Concept Program hosted by the University City Science Center.

In the life science category, Mark Kester, professor of pharmacology and director of the University’s Center for NanoMedicine and Materials was selected for his research on a novel drug delivery platform. 

In the digital health category, Dr. Joseph Sassani, physician and professor of ophthalmology and pathology, was selected for his development of a microsurgical simulation software, and John Wawrzyniak, physical therapist, was selected for his work on a mobile medical application for physical therapy.

The QED Proof-of-Concept Program received a total of 64 white papers from 14 participating colleges and universities. White paper submissions were reviewed by a panel of industry and investment experts. Over the next ten weeks, finalists will work closely with a team of business advisers to build a strong commercialization plan for the technology. Award recipients will be announced in late fall.

The QED Proof-of-Concept Program provides intensive business development support for academic researchers. The goal of the program is to reduce the risk of investing in early-stage technologies and increase the attractiveness of these technologies to established life science companies and private investors. 2013 marks the second year of participation for Penn State Hershey. Joyce Tombran-Tink, professor of neural and behavioral science, was awarded $200,000 in the life science category in 2012.

Last Updated July 24, 2013

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