Across the SUNY system, there are great minds doing great things in research. New ideas in computer technologies, medical goods, educational resources, and more are being developed by the great minds in SUNY research.
Since its launch in April 2011, the Technology Accelerator Fund (TAF), which is jointly funded by the State University of New York and the Research Foundation, has invested over $2.6 million and catalyzed the investment of an additional $14.5 million from external partners, including federal agencies, industry licensees and angel investors. This outpouring of financial support helped create 40 of SUNY’s most promising technologies.
One of the most successful inventions that has gained success in the market via the Technology Accelerator Fund is a mobility assist device developed by Dr. Anurag Purwar, a research associate professor of mechanical engineering at Stony Brook University.
Dr. Purwar wanted to help Dr. Hari Pillai, who found it incredibly difficult to move thanks to post-polio syndrome. So over a period of nearly two years, Dr. Purwar and his associates got to work studying the body’s mechanics and using that information to develop a device that could help people stand who are incapable of doing so themselves.
Today, the device holds a patent, and that patent is licensed to Biodex Medical Systems for bringing the device to market. Dr. Purwar has given TED Talks about his work and continues to work on bringing this product to more people who have been impacted by illness and disease that prevent standing and walking.
2019 Technology Accelerator Fund Project Eligibility
The 2019 TAF awards seek to advance the commercial readiness of technologies developed by SUNY talent that align with one or more SUNY Research Priority Areas. These 9 areas are key to continuing the vision of SUNY leadership that will strengthen our current economic, scientific, and environmental responsibilities into the future.
- Artificial Intelligence (examples include: machine learning, autonomous systems);
- Next Generation Computing and Communication (examples include: high performance computing, device and system architecture, hardware, software);
- Resilient Communities and Critical Infrastructure (examples include: grid sensor monitoring, water purification and management, weather forecasting, fracturing and geomechanics, pipeline monitoring);
- Aging (examples include: diagnostics, therapeutics, or devices related to diseases and conditions associated with older populations);
- Substance Addiction (examples include: holistic approaches to pain management);
- Environmental Health and Medicine (examples include: pollution, environmental remediation, health impacts resulting from hazard exposure);
- Clean Energy and Energy Storage (examples include: power electronics, materials enabling cleaner or more efficient energy, renewable energy);
- Biomedical and Biotechnology (examples include: diagnostics, therapeutics; the combination of engineering and technology to solve biological problems); and,
- Advanced Materials (examples include: new materials or modification to existing materials enabling superior performance, materials exhibiting novel properties).
Previously funded TAF projects are eligible for TAF Class of 2019 funding so long as the eligibility criteria are met. Only SUNY faculty, staff, or students are eligible to apply for TAF funding.
Like the other inventions that have found partners and supporters thanks to the TAF Award, there are many others all across SUNY that have the potential to be the next success story.
Learn more about the 2019 Technology Accelerator Fund Application and Administrative Guidelines