Innovation


New Device Improves Measurement of Water Pollution

UConn Today – UConn researchers have developed a device that makes it easier to measure contaminant levels in water. With help from UConn’s National Science Foundation Innovation Corps program, Accelerate UConn, marine geochemist Penny Vlahos and graduate student Joe Warren are now well on their way to commercializing their technology.



Fund Provides UConn Business Startups Financial Support

UConn Today – The University of Connecticut in partnership with Connecticut Innovations (CI) and Webster Bank today announced it is establishing a $1.5 million UConn Innovation Fund that will provide early-stage financial support to new business startups affiliated with UConn.


Women’s entrepreneurship conference coming to Stamford

Westfair Online – The inaugural edition of Xcite, an entrepreneurship and innovation conference for women, will be held next month at the Crowne Plaza Stamford Hotel. The conference is being presented by the University of Connecticut School of Business and the Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.



2016 iQ Winners

Elizabeth “Liz’’ Pouya, a rising senior majoring in physiology and neurobiology, who ultimately hopes to become a physician, presents her idea to prospective investors. (Nathan Oldham/UConn School of Business)
Elizabeth “Liz’’ Pouya, a rising senior majoring in physiology and neurobiology who ultimately hopes to become a physician, presents her idea to prospective investors. (Nathan Oldham/UConn School of Business)

“I Was Surprised That Someone Hadn’t Invented This Yet”

UConn senior Stephen Hawes debuted as an entrepreneur several years ago, working diligently to perfect his first invention: a wrist-mounted, propane-driven flame thrower.

His parents worried that their son, a mechanical engineering student, would burn down their home.

But Hawes persisted, and brought his prototype to an engineering conference in New York City. There, he saw a company demonstrating artificial appendages for children missing fingers.Continue Reading


Nerac to Host the Next XcellR8 Meeting April 28

Nerac – Nerac (www.nerac.com/) is pleased to announce the next XcellR8 meeting which will be held Thursday, April 28, 2016 at the Nerac headquarters in Tolland, CT. The XcellR8 meetings are high energy, interactive gatherings for entrepreneurs to pitch ideas and concepts and to brainstorm creative solutions to challenges. XcellR8 welcomes Greg Kirber and the team from PartsTech, Inc. (www.partstech.com/)


Boosting Business in the ‘Quiet Corner’

UConn Today – UConn is creating a center to connect small and medium-sized technology and manufacturing businesses in Eastern Connecticut with the University’s resources and outside partners, after the Economic Development Administration agreed to fund a portion of the $1.5 million startup costs.


Student Ideas Become Reality at Innovation Quest Workshop

The Daily Campus – Having an idea and turning it into something real is the premise behind the world’s greatest achievements, from jets that fly around the world to electric cars. At the second Innovation Quest workshop at the University of Connecticut School of Business lounge, students began to make some of their ideas into a reality.


UConn Launches 5th Innovation Quest

Students, alumni, and mentors gathered on Feb. 22 to launch the 5th Annual Innovation Quest.  (Nathan Oldham/UConn School of Business)
Students, alumni, and mentors gathered on Feb. 22 to launch the 5th Annual Innovation Quest. (Nathan Oldham/UConn School of Business)

Students, Teams, Ideas Soaring to New Levels, Mentors Say

Graduate nursing student Samantha Nesbeth wants to find a way to use genetics, instead of hair transplants, to help men and women regrow thinning hair.

“When you lose your hair, you see yourself as a different person,” said Nesbeth. “You don’t know who you are without hair. It can be disabling and depressing. Your hair is part of who you are,” said the Meriden native, who is planning a career as a nurse practitioner specializing in dermatology.Continue Reading