I-Corps: Translation Potential of Artificial Intelligence Powered Matchmaking and Resource Discovery for University-Driven Innovations

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $50,000 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

This I-Corps project focuses on an online platform that uses advanced large language model reasoning and natural language processing to match university discoveries with investors, industry partners, and community organizations. The platform collects and studies the full national patent record, open access research papers, and verified inventories of laboratory equipment and other institutional resources. By revealing connections that are currently hidden in separate data silos, the technology addresses the costly delays that slow the transition of research results into new products and services. Across the country thousands of promising inventions remain idle each year because inventors and potential sponsors cannot find one another quickly. Accelerating these matches strengthens the scientific enterprise, supports economic growth, and broadens access to knowledge. Faster adoption of breakthrough health treatments, clean energy devices, and advanced manufacturing methods improves public welfare, creates jobs, and enhances national competitiveness in emerging technology sectors. This I-Corps project utilizes experiential learning coupled with a first-hand investigation of the industry ecosystem to assess the translation potential of the technology. This solution is based on the development of a recommendation engine that combines artificial intelligence reasoning with continuously updated knowledge graphs generated from patent filings, scholarly literature, and institution

Key facts

NSF award ID
2526499
Awardee
Drew University (NJ)
SAM.gov UEI
R7WKWJMB2RL3
PI
Alexander Rudniy
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
ARTIFICIAL INTELL & COGNIT SCI
Estimated total
$50,000
Funds obligated
$50,000
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
09/15/2025 → 08/31/2026