Grapneler Project: Transforming Combat Engineering with Innovation and Dedication:
This past fall, Vanderbilt students tackled a project to assist combat engineers with safely defusing landmines and other dangerous obstacles, a position for a Soldier that has a survivability rate of less than 10% when in a conflict scenario. The team, composed of 3rd year Jake Schorr, 2nd year Lucas Slater, and 3rd year Gavin Stevens, sought to improve the current grappling hook in use, addressing this critical need in military operations. They worked with Captain Nicholas McDonough, the Fort Campbell Eaglewerx Innovation Officer on the creation of their “Grapneler” for Dr. Kevin Galloway's class, “ME 3273:How to Make Almost Anything, and Make it Matter.” Click here to read more.
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CREST Biotechnician Bootcamp Kicks Off with Hands-On Training at Vanderbilt's VINSE Cleanroom:
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Vanderbilt Space-Edge Accelerator Launches this Fall:
Save the Date! The inaugural Vanderbilt Space-Edge Accelerator launches with a focus on biomedical innovation and space health. Through a 12-week hybrid program, participants will develop space strategies, activate them through a network of thought leaders, and be prepared to compete for funding and flight opportunities. Access the growing space economy and give your biomedical venture an edge! Applications open August 8th. Read the full announcement here.
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The Wond'ry Hosts Vanderbilt Divinity School for Innovative Design Strategy Session:
The Wond'ry was delighted to have hosted the Vanderbilt Divinity School for a recent design strategy session as part of the Wond'ry's Internal Consulting Program, which offers tailored design education and services to on-campus departments. Look forward to an in-depth feature of the experience in our upcoming July newsletter!
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Fathom Accepted into Techstars Workforce Development Accelerator
Fathom PBC is a workforce innovation company that connects talent to the world of work. The team, the technology and the timing made the company a very attractive applicant for the very prestigious and highly selective Techstars Workforce Development Accelerator based in Denver, CO.
Workforce directors facing challenges with applicant tracking, job placement, and performance reporting, can introduce Fathom’s talent management platform to streamline data verification for employment eligibility, training programs, and support services for job centers and employment agencies serving over 21 million job seekers annually.
Fathom recognizes the limitations of resumes and traditional credentials such as degrees and certificates and intends to create a more equitable and dynamic workforce. Fathom provides a mobile workforce wallet and manager dashboard for students, workers, job seekers, and service providers to streamline the collection, verification, and reporting of data and documentation in compliance with labor market regulations.
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Tobi Akisanya wins the HOD Capstone Impact Award
We are thrilled to announce that Tobi Akisanya, a 2024 graduate with a double major in Human and Organizational Development (HOD) and Theatre, has received the prestigious HOD Capstone Internship Impact Award for her work with the Wond'ry's FAB Lab. This award recognizes her work furthering the remarkable project, Designed for Dignity, devoted to reworking hospital gowns to increase the comfortability and dignity of patients as a means of empowerment. The project was proudly exhibited in the spring at the Vanderbilt Curb Center and continues to inspire through a current exhibit at the VUSN MIND Lab with the goal of gathering nurses feedback for the next iteration of designs and supporting the MIND Lab's strategic goal of “Innovation and Creativity”. Click here to learn more.
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Nisala Kalupahana’s Journey with Baseline: From the Wond’ry to Cutting-Edge Healthcare Innovation
Recent Vanderbilt alumnus Nisala Kalupahana has many reasons to celebrate this year. Not only did he graduate in May, but his entrepreneurial journey with his venture, baseline, has led to his current role at Neuralink, a pioneering healthcare technology company. At Neuralink, Nisala is helping patients with quadriplegia explore new ways of controlling their computers and regaining personal autonomy. His story exemplifies the profound impact of dedicated entrepreneurship programs and a relentless pursuit of excellence. "Nisala joins a highly selective company founded by Elon Musk that intends to restore independence in patients using a brain-computer interface", said Stryker Warren, Associate Director, Venture Development. "Truly the intersection of cutting edge technology addressing very complicated clinical presentations."
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Upcoming Events: Our events are not only area-focused but also collaborative efforts with both campus-led and community partner initiatives.
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Summer Electrical Makerspace WorkshopsElectrical workshops are kicking off soon! There's something to learn for all skill levels, from beginners to experts, so make sure to sign up and snag a spot. Click here to learn more.
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Mid-South Hub I-Corps Info Session:
Jun. 26
Join Mid-South Hub Director, Charleson Bell, to learn more about NSF's National Innovation-Corps, an immersive entrepreneurial training program and $50,000 grant for research commercialization! Click here to register.
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TN Maker Fest: Save the Date - Sept. 28This is a free indoor event with over 45+ exhibits ranging from art, to candle making, to fabrication, to robotics, and more. Click here to learn more.
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New Fall Social Innovation Programming Schedule
Fall 2024 Map The System - Tuesday Afternoons
Sept. 10 - MTS Fellowship Session - 4:30-6 PM
Sept. 17 - MTS Kickoff - 4:30-6 PM
Nov. 19 - MTS Finals - 4:30-6 PM
Nov. 26 - MTS Fellowship - 4:30- 6 PM
SI Workshops
Sept. 20 - Climate Resilience
Oct. 18 - Biomimicry
Nov. 1 - Social Innovation
Nov. 15 - Student Leadership
SI Lunch and Learn
Nov. 21 11:45 AM-1:30 PM; 3rd floor lounge
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BioTech Day Summit: June 14th
Phase Capital and 615.vc are excited to invite you to BioTech Day Summit on June 14! This premier summit is tailored for biotech startup founders, investors, and ecosystem influencers looking to deepen connections and explore the frontiers of innovation and investment in the biotech sector. Join us for a series of enriching discussions and panels that aim to catalyze strategic partnerships and foster groundbreaking ideas within the biotech landscape. You will also get to hear from several Wond'ry staff and venture speakers with Yesenia Sevilla, Director of Strategic Engagement & Ecosystem Development at the Wond'ry, Cameron Russ, Program Coordinator of Biomedical Entrepreneurship at the Wond'ry, Margaret Rox, CTO at VenoDynamics and Karrie Dudek, CEO of Eupalinos Inc. slated to speak.
For a detailed event schedule and more information, please visit our main website at BioTech Day Summit 2024. Don’t miss this chance to connect with the forefront of the biotech industry.
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Life Science Showcase: July 18
The Industry Collaborations Division of OVPRI and CTTC invites you to attend the 2024 Vanderbilt University Life Science Showcase on Thursday, July 18th, 2024, 1 PM – 5 PM at the Student Life Center. Click here to learn more.
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Challenges and Opportunities:
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Next Cycle Application Open for Innovation Catalyst Fund:
The Innovation Catalyst Fund provides translational research support for Vanderbilt innovations that require proof of concept to attain commercial relevance, nascent projects that have strong innovation potential, and research projects with civic and social relevance. Click here to learn more.
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2024 Next Awards - Application Deadline: June 14
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Vanderbilt Community Impact Fund
Know of a local nonprofit organization seeking funds? Vanderbilt University's new Community Impact Fund makes financial and in-kind contributions for special programs and events and provides seed funding for important community projects.
The Community Impact Fund prioritizes projects that increase service capacity or ensure long-term sustainability for organizations. Applications for fall funds open between June 3, 2024–September 16, 2024. Click here to learn more.
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InFlight Application Deadline June 14InFlight is a 12-week accelerator-level program featuring interactive classroom sessions and ongoing support from dedicated Entrepreneurs-in-Residence. The original deadline of June 7th has been extended to June 14th. Click here to apply.
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Do you want to share your project or story with us?
We would love to feature your projects, ventures, and ideas in future publications. If you feel you have a compelling story or update, feel free to reach out to us by filling out this form.
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Support Our StudentsBy making your tax-deductible gift to our Wond’ry Student Project Fund, you help us award students with the funding they need to turn their ideas into reality. Donate here.
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