Nine innovative projects at the University of Alabama at Birmingham are the 2025 recipients of The Blazer Bridge Fund. The projects range from development of a novel antibody to target cancer to a web-based AI communication coaching app.
The Blazer Bridge Fund, an initiative of the Harbert Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, was launched in 2023 to identify and assist in the development of promising ideas, discoveries, innovations and technologies from UAB faculty and staff that have commercial potential. Since the program’s inception, the HIIE has invested $900,000 in 21 projects.
Nine projects were selected out of a pool of 41 applications representing 98 inventors in 45 academic departments and divisions across four schools.
“This year’s Blazer Bridge Fund cycle was our biggest yet — we were able to support nine projects, the most we’ve ever funded in a single round,” said HIIE Senior Director Karthik Gopalakrishnan, Ph.D. “What’s especially exciting is that this support reached teams from across UAB’s campus. It’s a great example of how innovation thrives when we invest in a broad range of ideas and collaborators.”
Full story: Leading innovation: Blazer Bridge Fund announces 2025 winners – UAB News
