Three research teams from Tulane University’s School of Science and Engineering have received Provost’s Proof of Concept (PPOC) funding from the Tulane Innovation Institute to advance their research into real-world applications that address global challenges and could potentially save lives. These projects include protecting Louisiana’s coastline from storms, using AI to convert privacy-compliant healthcare records into life-saving research, and improving the detection of aerial drone threats. PPOC has awarded $150,000 to the Fall 2025 recipients.
“In just a few years, the Provost’s Proof of Concept Fund has helped Tulane researchers move more than a million dollars’ worth of innovation closer to real-world use, and it is exciting to see three of this year’s awards land in the School of Science and Engineering. These projects capture what SSE does best: apply deep expertise in science and engineering to create solutions for better lives,” noted Hridesh Rajan, PhD, Dean of the School of Science and Engineering.
A partnership between the Tulane Innovation Institute and Provost Robin Forman, PPOC has reached a significant milestone. Since launching its first awards in Spring 2023, the program has distributed over $1 million across six funding rounds to help Tulane researchers commercialize their innovations.
