From Prototype to Partnership

An Innovation Pilot Award from Florida Atlantic University’s Office of Technology Development (OTD) is helping propel groundbreaking cell research from the lab toward real-world impact.

Sarah Du, Ph.D., professor in FAU’s Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering and Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science, received the award in March for her pioneering technology that can simultaneously measure the mechanical and electrical properties of single cells. This dual-function capability offers potential in biomedical research and clinical diagnostics.

With the award funds, Du refined her prototype and showcased her work at a major industry conference in Texas. There, she connected with the CEO of NaMi Diagnostics , a startup company focused on advanced diagnostic solutions. NaMi sponsored a research project in Du’s FAU lab to explore the application of her technology for diagnosing sepsis.

“The support the award provided allowed us to develop our initial concept further and establish a successful collaboration with NaMi,” Du said. “This program truly made the difference in moving my research closer to commercialization.”

Today, Du and NaMi are collaborating on a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) proposal, and the company is exploring opening a Florida-based office at the Research Park at FAU.

“Dr. Du’s work is a perfect example of how the Innovation Pilot Award Program can bridge the gap between academic research and market adoption for public benefit,” said Dana Vouglitois, senior associate director of Technology Development at Florida Atlantic University. “By supporting faculty with seed funding, we help them improve their technologies, make critical industry connections, and accelerate the path toward commercialization.”

The Innovation Pilot Award Program was created in 2024 to support FAU researchers in advancing early-stage technologies with strong commercial potential. Through strategically targeted funding, the program empowers faculty to generate proof-of-concept data, build prototypes and engage industry partners.

Applications for the next cycle of the Innovation Pilot Award Program open in January. Learn more or support the program.