Software that combines quantum and classical computing for faster, more accurate results and a reimagining of performance art to foster audience inclusivity were the projects that took first place at this year’s Innovation Forum.
The awardees were among a field of eight Princeton researchers invited to the Innovation Forum to unveil their novel solutions that have the potential for venture development, cultural enrichment, and/or societal impact.
The forum organizers invited faculty, post-doc, and graduate researchers from science, engineering, humanities, and the social science fields to pitch to a panel of industry experts for a share of 60K in prize money. The participants addressed topics ranging from the impacts of Princeton’s nuclear science advancements on Native lands and communities to a device that administers plasma-activated mist to aid in chronic wound care.
“The ideas you will hear today all have the potential to transform not only technology but also how we learn, how we work, how we play, and how we interact with each other, particularly in an ethical manner,” said Andrea Goldsmith. Dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Science.
Goldsmith kicked off the competition by acknowledging the importance of cross-discipline collaborations in designing effective and sustainable solutions and the challenges researchers face in taking their ideas out of their laboratories and offices and creating valuable impact in the world.
Esther Schor, Chair of the Humanities Council, introduced the Humanities and Social Science track pitches with a nod to the Keller Center for “recognizing humanists and social scientists as innovators, pioneers, and pathfinders.” A fact proven by the Council’s 70-year history of funding, supporting, and uplifting research projects that “stimulate new ways of thinking, and foster new interdisciplinary fields among artists, architects, designers, as well as physical, biological, environmental, and computer scientists,” leading to the creation of powerful advancements for scholarship and society.
“The diversity of innovations and innovators showcased at the forum demonstrates the inclusive atmosphere the Keller Center fosters on campus,” said Keller Center director Naveen Verma. “Cross-disciplinary, cooperative projects are a critical piece in designing solutions to address some of society's most pressing issues,” he said.
2023 Innovation Forum Winners
STEM Innovations
- First Place - $15,000 - ArQiTech, a software platform that combines quantum and classical computing, presented by Wei Tang
- Second Place - $10,000 - PumpKin, helping mothers provide the best nutrition for their babies, presented by Katie Silpe
- Third Place - $5,000 - Mechanism-Enabled Discovery Platform, catching viral infections and vaccine delivery in action, presented by Wiliam Brown
Humanities and Social Science Innovations
- First Place - $15,000 - Rhythm Bath, an immersive dance installation that welcomes neurodiverse audiences, presented by Susan Marshal
- Second Place - $10,000 - Empowering Korean Language Learners, using immersive virtual reality technology in language learning, presented by Ho Jung Choi
- Third Place - $5,000 - Nuclear Princeton, highlighting the impacts of Princeton’s nuclear science and engineering advancements on Native lands and communities, presented by Ryo Morimoto
Read about all the participants and learn more about Innovation Forum on our website.
Related People
Dean of Engineering and Applied Science, Arthur LeGrand Doty Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Director of the Keller Center; Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering