May is National Inventors’ Month. To celebrate, we took a moment to applaud innovation at The University of Alabama, which is designated one of the Top 100 U.S. Universities in 2024 by the National Academy of Inventors.
Alongside its well-known traditions, the University fosters a culture of innovation and invention. UA’s Office for Innovation and Commercialization is the machinery that supports the groundbreaking discoveries and inventions of UA faculty.
Helping Inventions into the Real World
Dr. Nghia Chiem, OIC’s innovation and commercialization program director, helps faculty inventors move their new technologies into the marketplace. The University has successfully fostered growth in its research enterprise over the past few years, Chiem said. His office works to translate this research into the world through licensing agreements with entrepreneurs and businesses.
“One of the things I want to emphasize is that [technology transfer] is a collaborative effort with our inventors,” he said. “They are the ones doing the research, and we connect them with the outside world to commercialize their work.”
Chiem and his staff hold regular outreach events with faculty on campus to educate them about patent and licensing procedures. Once an invention has been disclosed to their office, OIC evaluates the invention, helps faculty file for patent protections when an invention holds promise, and then markets their inventions to potential industry partners.
Once researchers disclose an invention, a review committee assesses the invention’s potential for success in the marketplace. This might mean ensuring that nothing too similar is already patented or undertaking market research to gauge potential need and interest. Many factors, including intangible things like timing, affect whether the technology finds its way to the marketplace. Managing this garden of UA intellectual property is vital to a thriving innovation ecosystem.
The Leadership Factor
Dr. M. N. V. Ravi Kumar, distinguished university research professor and assistant vice president for interdisciplinary research, was elected a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors in 2023. His research focuses on innovative drug delivery systems that aim to precisely target therapies, effectively balancing risk and benefit profiles.
Universities are centers of innovation in part because they bring together all kinds of people and big ideas, he said. “We love what we do, and it’s intellectual curiosity that keeps us moving forward.”
He emphasized that support from the university administration has been essential in creating a positive and productive research environment.
“Leadership and environment make a significant difference,” he said. “You can be a capable and dedicated faculty member, but without the support of a collaborative academic community, including engaged colleagues, motivated students, and a responsive administration, your potential may go unrecognized and underutilized.”
Kumar is currently the only NAI fellow at UA, but the university is home to many previous NAI honorees and many other patent-holding researchers. Together, these faculty and university leaders exemplify the university’s culture of innovation and its commitment to translating research into real-world impact.
Five UA Inventions
Dr. Alankriti Bajpai, a technology transfer specialist in the OIC, noted that one of UA’s key differences from many other universities in the state is the variety in its intellectual property portfolio. “We have a diverse range of topics represented,” she said.
Below are a few inventions that are currently on the market or available for licensing, selected to showcase the breadth of scientific innovation at The University of Alabama:
1. Sideline privacy tent
Lead Inventor: Jeff Allen
Now known as SidelinER, this collapsible sideline tent transforms how athletic teams respond to medical events. It provides instant privacy for evaluations during games without blocking spectators’ views. The design improves both athlete care and event experience, illustrating how simple innovations can elevate safety and dignity in sports environments.
2. “Smart control” for DC power networks
Inventor: Shuhui Li
This invention introduces a smart control system for DC power networks using artificial neural networks. It optimizes energy distribution in real time and contributes to the development of intelligent, efficient microgrids. The work represents a significant step forward in the automation and adaptability of next-generation power infrastructure.
3. Motorized robotic walker that senses its surroundings
Lead Inventor: Xiangrong Shen
This robotic walker uses image processing to understand its surroundings and assist users accordingly. It is designed to enhance mobility for individuals who need support while walking. The combination of visual intelligence and physical assistance makes this device a meaningful advancement in assistive care.
4. Body composition assessment using a single photo
Inventors: Michael Esco, Michael Fedewa
This patent offers a new approach to body composition analysis using standard 2D digital images. By applying algorithmic processing to photographic data, it creates a user-friendly and scalable alternative to traditional clinical methods. The technology brings health diagnostics closer to the everyday user.
5. Rapid UV light process to improve solar cell manufacturing
Inventor: Dawen Li
This innovation introduces a rapid UV light process for improving perovskite solar cells. It reduces manufacturing time while preserving performance, addressing a critical challenge in the field of photovoltaics. The method supports the path toward more affordable and widely available solar energy solutions.