$250K in Catalyst Grant Funding Fuels Five UWM Innovations with Commercial Potential
The UWM Research Foundation (UWMRF) has awarded $250,000 in Catalyst Grant funding to five University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) research teams advancing technologies in artificial intelligence, energy systems, cybersecurity, imaging, and advanced materials.
Since 2007, UWMRF’s Catalyst Grant Program has provided more than $6.5 million in seed funding to help move promising UWM technologies toward commercialization. Supported by the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation and additional partners including the Rockwell Automation Charitable Corporation, Richard and Ethel Herzfeld Foundation, GE HealthCare, Clarios, and Invenergy, the program has funded 125 projects that have generated:
- 72 issued patents
- 58 patents pending
- 35 license and option agreements
- More than $49 million in follow-on investment
- 21 UWM startup companies
These outcomes demonstrate the power of sustained philanthropic investment in transforming university research into real-world solutions. Catalyst Grants provide critical support for activities such as prototype development, technical validation, generation of critical data needed to de-risk technologies and attract follow-on funding, and industry engagement.
Meet the 2026 Catalyst Grant recipients below.
AI-Enabled Cooling for Next-Generation Electronics
Ryoichi Amano, Ph.D., Professor, Mechanical Engineering
As AI data centers and electric vehicles generate increasing amounts of heat, existing cooling technologies are approaching their limits. Dr. Amano is developing an advanced cooling platform that combines high-performance porous metal materials with AI-based controls to improve thermal management while reducing energy use. This technology could help lower costs and improve performance in both automotive and computing applications.
Grid-Edge Controller for Transmission Resiliency
Robert Cuzner, Ph.D., Professor, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
As renewable energy and distributed resources are added to the electric grid, maintaining reliability becomes increasingly complex. Dr. Cuzner’s project will develop an intelligent grid-edge controller that continuously monitors electrical systems, predicts failures, and helps maintain service during disruptions. This technology has potential applications across utilities, microgrids, data centers, and other critical infrastructure.
Nanometer-Precision Focus Control for Optical Microscopy
Valerica Raicu, Ph.D., Professor, Physics & Astronomy; Electrical Engineering
Ionel Popa, Ph.D., Professor, Physics & Astronomy
Researchers studying living cells often face challenges caused by microscopic shifts in focus. Drs. Raicu and Popa are advancing FREVR (Focus Readjustment for Enhanced Vertical Resolution), a technology that provides real-time focal plane control with nanometer precision. The system has potential applications in biological research, drug discovery, and advanced microscopy facilities.
Secure AI for Edge Devices
Zhen Zeng, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Computer Science
As AI systems are increasingly deployed on industrial sensors, robotics platforms, and medical devices, they face growing cybersecurity threats. Dr. Zeng is developing Purify-on-Demand (PoD), a lightweight, on-device defense that detects and removes malicious inputs before they reach AI models. The solution is designed to protect real-time AI systems without requiring cloud computing or model retraining.
Hemp-Based Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Xiaoxiao Zhang, Ph.D., Scientist I, Environmental Engineering
Deyang Qu, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor, Mechanical Engineering
Drs. Zhang and Qu are developing a process to convert industrial hemp into high-performance carbon materials for lithium-ion battery anodes. By creating a sustainable, domestically sourced alternative to conventional battery materials, the project could strengthen U.S. battery manufacturing while creating new value for agricultural producers.
UWMRF’s Catalyst Grant Program supports research with the potential to become impactful products, services, and startup companies. By helping bridge the gap between discovery and commercialization, the program advances innovations that strengthen the regional economy and address important societal challenges.
