Keller program participants are among the winners of the 2025 Research & Development Council of New Jersey Awards, which celebrate groundbreaking contributions to science, technology, and innovation across the state.
Bonnie Bassler, Squibb Professor of Molecular Biology, and Justin Silpe, postdoctoral fellow, received the Edison Patent Award for their innovation in breast milk storage. Silpe first introduced the venture—PumpKin—at Keller’s 2023 Innovation Forum, where he earned second place in the STEM Innovators category. Their breakthrough uses a natural, infant-safe additive to preserve the nutritional value and freshness of frozen breast milk.
Nathaniel Banks and Yidian Liu, graduate alumni of the School of Architecture, were honored with the Emerging Tech Award. Their venture, PolyGone Systems (formerly Project Plastic), debuted at the 2021 Innovation Forum, and the pair also participated in Keller’s eLab Summer Accelerator. They are now launching the world’s first industrial-scale pilot to intercept microplastics at the source—helping to safeguard clean water and protect ecosystems.
These innovators exemplify how Keller’s entrepreneurial programs continue to drive meaningful impact in the real world. Read about all the award winners.
Register to attend this year’s Innovation Forum and learn about the next wave of transformative advancements coming out of Princeton University.
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Graduate Student, Architecture
Graduate Student, Architecture