Three innovative projects win KAUST Seed Funding
Tuesday March 8, 2011
THREE innovative projects have been awarded $556,662 from the KAUST Seed Fund – taking the total amount granted to $2,146,945.
KAUST Economic Development announced the winning projects from the third round of the Seed Funding Program today at an awards ceremony held in the University's Harbor Sports Club.
The Seed Fund Committee selected the three winners from 54 applicants. The successful applicants include one student, a postdoctoral researcher and a professor.
The winning projects are:
- N-Imaging: Dr. Faycal Saffih, Postdoctoral Researcher, Physical Sciences and Engineering. Inspired by intelligent biological vision systems, Dr. Saffih plans to integrate smart photo sensors using nanofabrication technology in the microelectronic image sensors manufacturing industry. Awarded: $249,640.
- Isoporous membranes: Klaus Viktor Peinemann, Professor, Chemical and Life Sciences and Engineering. These next generation polymeric membranes are designed for life science applications. They combine a state-of-the art membrane fabrication technique with the self-assembly of molecules into complex structures. Awarded: $248,000.
- Grandma & Grandpa Book: Rawad Sheikh Shabab, graduate student, Mathematical and Computer Sciences and Engineering. A social networking and medical treatment application for people with Alzheimer's and the elderly. Awarded: $59,022.
Check back over the coming weeks to find out what inspired the winning projects and how the applicants plan to develop their ventures further.
Help for Enterprising Innovators
The Seed Fund Program offers finance and support to students, faculty and staff at KAUST who wish to develop their ideas and discoveries into commercial ventures.
So far the Seed Fund has awarded winning projects a total of $2,146,945. The first eight recipients were awarded $988,000. The second five recipients have so far been awarded $602,283 and the third set of winning projects received $556,662. All winners receive additional funds and support from the University to for administration purposes.
To find out more about the Seed Fund Program or the application process, please visit the KAUST portal or email seedfund@kaust.edu.sa.