Program Overview
The Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization (MTRAC) Life Sciences Innovation Hub has awarded more than $1.9 million to 15 translational biomedical research projects developed at the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Wayne State University.
The 2026 awards include:
• Eight Mid-Stage Commercialization Awards
• Seven Early-Stage Kickstart Grants
The program is supported by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and co-managed by the University of Michigan’s Innovation Partnerships and Fast Forward Medical Innovation.
Since launching in 2014, MTRAC Life Sciences has invested more than $29 million, helping generate over $491 million in follow-on funding, launch more than 50 startups, and create over 390 high-tech jobs.
According to Kelly Sexton, Associate Vice President for Research – Innovation Partnerships and Economic Impact:
“The breadth and ingenuity represented by this year’s awardees… showcase how research from our state’s universities fuels real progress in medicine and technology.”
Strategic Relevance for GAP Leaders
MTRAC remains one of the strongest examples of a statewide commercialization ecosystem integrating universities, government, industry, and venture expertise.
Rather than simply funding research, the program combines milestone-based investment with experienced mentors-in-residence, commercialization education, technology transfer professionals, entrepreneurs, and venture investors to improve commercialization outcomes.
Its long-term performance metrics demonstrate the value of sustained translational funding:
• $29M invested
• $491M+ in follow-on funding
• 50+ startup companies launched
• 390+ high-tech jobs created
• Recent $835M acquisition of Amplitude Vascular Systems by Stryker, a company previously supported through MTRAC
For GAP leaders, MTRAC provides a compelling example of how sustained proof-of-concept funding can become a major economic development engine while strengthening an entire regional innovation ecosystem.
Innovation & Technology
The 2026 portfolio spans an exceptionally broad range of biomedical technologies addressing cancer, cardiovascular disease, obesity, infectious disease, orthopedics, diagnostics, AI-enabled healthcare, and advanced manufacturing.
Projects were selected through competitive review processes involving experienced industry executives, entrepreneurs, venture investors, and commercialization professionals, ensuring strong alignment between scientific innovation and commercial opportunity.
Potential Market Applications
Mid-Stage Commercialization Awards
Amar Basu (Wayne State University)
Wearable Orthostatic Monitoring System
Market Applications
• Continuous monitoring for patients with orthostatic disorders and cardiovascular conditions.
Michael Deininger (University of Michigan)
Protein Degraders for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Market Applications
• Targeted leukemia therapeutics designed to eliminate persistent leukemia stem cells.
Carolyn Harris (Wayne State University)
AccuCID Shunt Insertion Technology
Market Applications
• Improved neurosurgical guidance systems for safer shunt placement.
Sophia Lunt & Richard Lunt (Michigan State University)
Next-Generation Photosensitizers
Market Applications
• Novel photodynamic therapies for treatment-resistant head and neck cancers.
Nouri Neamati (University of Michigan)
First-in-Class NDUFS7 Inhibitors
Market Applications
• Precision oncology therapeutics targeting mitochondrial metabolism.
Yamaan Saadeh & Albert Shih (University of Michigan)
Microdiscectomy Device
Market Applications
• Advanced spinal surgery devices improving lumbar fusion procedures.
Charles Schuler & Sherman Fan (University of Michigan)
Anaphylaxis Detection Platform
Market Applications
• Early detection technologies for severe allergic reactions and emergency medicine.
Cristiane Squarize & Rogerio Castilho (University of Michigan)
Targeted Hair Regrowth Therapy
Market Applications
• Precision regenerative therapies for alopecia and hair restoration.
Early-Stage Kickstart Awards
Ruma Banerjee
PhysioLid physiological gas control systems for laboratory imaging and assays.
James Bour
Thermally regulated inhaled nitric oxide delivery technology.
Nisha D’Silva
Therapeutics to improve radiation sensitivity in oral cancer.
James Moon
Clinically validated prebiotic inulin gel.
Julien Sebag
Novel obesity therapeutics targeting the Prokineticin Receptor 2 pathway.
Jean Tien
AR-CDK12 DALTAC therapies for prostate cancer.
Ashootosh (Ashu) Tripathi
DeepChiral AI platform for molecular chirality characterization.
Read the Full Story
Related Topics
university gap funding, translational medicine, proof-of-concept funding, biomedical commercialization, university venture development, medical device innovation, oncology innovation
