The University of California, Davis, is awarding over $480,000 to help scientists advance compelling research and innovations toward commercial applications through the Science Translation and Innovative Research (STAIR™) proof-of-concept grant program. The program plays an important role in helping campus innovators bridge the early-stage hurdle of access to funding during one of the most challenging phases in new technology development.

“Funding from the STAIR grant program continues to play a critical role in helping our innovative faculty members advance promising new technologies along a path towards societal impact,” said Simon Atkinson, vice chancellor for research. “I would like to congratulate each of the award recipients and look forward to seeing the impact of their work.”

This year, in partnership with UC Davis Health Ventures, the STAIR program is focusing on the theme of Tomorrow’s Health Care Today, funding interdisciplinary innovations to address opportunities in human health.

Venture Catalyst, a unit within the Office of Innovation and Economic Development, manages the STAIR proof-of-concept grant program in close coordination with the UC Davis Office of Research, including collaboration with the Technology Transfer Office. As of 2022-23, over $3.4 million has been awarded to UC Davis faculty through Venture Catalyst proof-of- concept programs, with $179 million in follow on funding, resulting in 29 intellectual property agreements and 21 startups.

“I am delighted to see the STAIR program once again adding such a strong cohort of ideas to its already impressive history. We look forward to working with all the researchers involved and supporting them through the next phase of development,” said George Baxter, chief innovation and economic development officer.

“Collaboration is key to harnessing the full potential of UC Davis and UC Davis Health in tackling major health care challenges, such as affordable new therapies in cell and gene therapy,” said Don Taylor, chief ventures officer for UC Davis Health Ventures. “By intentionally integrating diverse UC Davis disciplines — medicine, engineering, veterinary medicine, and agricultural science — these projects will drive innovative solutions in human health.”

Following best practices used by federal agencies such as the National Science Foundation’s Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) grants, Venture Catalyst staff assembled external review committees consisting of industry professionals, investors and experienced entrepreneurs, who reviewed the proposals, recommended the recipients of the STAIR awards, and offered feedback to all applicants.

Restoring speech communication with an assistive device platform

Lee Miller, professor, Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior; Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery; Center for Mind and Brain

Miller’s team will develop an assistive device platform that enables fluent, own-voice speech production in individuals who have lost the ability due to disease or injury. To accomplish this, the team will use a novel engineering approach that combines low-density muscle recordings with video of the face. The speaker need only move their mouth silently as if they are speaking. A neural network then learns the custom, individualized mapping from muscle recordings and video to speech output and will synthesize intelligible speech in the talker’s own voice. This project promises to radically improve social integration, work productivity, and quality-of-life for patients.

Miller was one of seven UC Davis faculty to receive a 2023-24 STAIR Grant. Read the full article here.