Five UNLV-led projects were selected for commercialization and startup support through a collaboration between the UNLV Office of Economic Development, Franklin Venture Studio by Franklin Advisory, and the Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development's Knowledge Fund.

The initiative represents the first cohort supported through Franklin Venture Studio's work with UNLV. Over the past nine months, Franklin Venture Studio worked directly with selected researchers to evaluate market opportunities, develop commercialization strategies, support venture formation, conduct customer discovery, and connect innovators with entrepreneurial resources.

The five UNLV ventures selected for the initial cohort were drawn from a pool of two dozen invention disclosures and represent technologies in energy, biotech, sports, dental innovation, and water intelligence.

• X-Regen (Michael Pravica, College of Sciences) uses X-rays to extend the lifespan and performance of lithium-ion batteries. Potential applications include electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and consumer electronics.
• Regenvi (Lina R. Nih, Kerkorian School of Medicine) is developing novel therapeutic approaches for stroke recovery and neurological regeneration, translating cutting-edge biomedical research into new treatment options.
• Immersive Golf Labs (Chris Papesh, School of Public Health) combines artificial intelligence and physical performance analysis to provide golfers with real-time feedback and training insights, and with applications across sports performance.
• @ttach-it (Kory Grahl and James Mah, School of Dental Medicine) is advancing orthodontic technology designed to improve treatment processes and patient outcomes in clear aligner treatments.
• A wastewater innovation project (Edwin Oh, Kerkorian School of Medicine/College of Sciences) explores advanced monitoring technologies with potential applications in public health surveillance, environmental monitoring, and community health management.

As a result of the initiative, several of the technologies advanced into newly formed startup companies, while others identified alternative commercialization routes through licensing opportunities, industry partnerships, and other market-based approaches. 

The effort builds upon a broader network of innovation-focused partnerships and initiatives being advanced by UNLV's Office of Economic Development, including the creation of Desert Forge Ventures, an ongoing collaboration with Zero Labs, and partnerships with GOED. Together, these initiatives are helping establish a more comprehensive pathway that supports innovators from research discovery through venture creation, capital formation, and company growth.

Visit the UNLV Office of Economic Development online to read the full release and learn more about ways to connect.