Dr. Mahdi Yazdanpour knew that he could make a difference with his ability to address engineering problems from multiple perspectives. With a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, a master’s in industrial engineering and a Ph.D. in electrical engineering, he is in a unique position to develop innovations and solve a broad range of research problems. For the past several years, he’s focused this ability and research at Northern Kentucky University (NKU) in the areas of intelligent mechatronic systems, medical robotics, human-robot interaction, brain-computer interface, artificial intelligence and machine learning to develop a hybrid brain computer-interface and a brain-controlled prosthetic arm.
"My main goal was to empower individuals with limb amputations to control this prosthetic arm using their mind, helping them gain independence and improve their quality of life.” Dr. Mahdi Yazdanpour, NKU
Translating research to a viable commercial product on the market
Through NKU, Yazdanpour connected with Kentucky Commercialization Ventures (KCV). Since NKU does not have a dedicated tech transfer office, innovators at the school rely on KCV’s support to address any gaps in knowledge when moving academic research to practical, market-driven technologies.
Since 2021, KCV has helped Yazdanpour navigate the commercialization landscape, from an initial disclosure to patent applications that protect the intellectual property of his research. “As an engineer, I had little knowledge of customer discovery or how to bring this innovative research to market,” he said. "KCV played a pivotal role in advancing the research project. They helped me navigate the commercialization landscape, connect with legal experts for intellectual property protection and with submitting the patent application.”
These expert connections included the Launch Blue UAccel program designed to advance innovation towards commercialization. Through UAccel, Yazdanpour received professional development and coaching about the commercialization process. Topics included customer discovery and business model development, learning how to identify target markets, align research with industry needs, and create a viable business strategy.
"I learned how to transition my research project into a viable commercial product,” said Yazdanpour. “We had customer discovery and learned how to align our research with market demands. It was a great experience." After graduating UAccel, Yazdanpour was accepted into the longer Launch Blue Incubator.
KCV helped Yazdanpour acquire funding for his research
In 2022, he received an award from the Kentucky Network for Innovation & Commercialization (KYNETIC), a program led by the University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, and the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic
Development. The program was supported by KCV and funded by the NIH Research and Commercialization Hub (REACH) program. With KCV’s support, Yazdanpour is currently pursuing additional funding through the Mid-South REACH program.
KCV also awarded Yazdanpour $10,000 during the 2023 IMPACT Competition to advance another of his innovations — Soft robotic gloves with a gesture-based interface that translate American Sign Language into text and speech.
International recognition for a Kentucky-grown innovation
In fall of 2024, KCV encouraged Yazdanpour to apply to present his groundbreaking work at the international Qualinn Symposium on Innovation in Clinical Excellence in Columbia. He was one of only two presenters accepted from the United States (the other U.S. presenter was KCV innovator Nick Dottore from Morehead State University). KCV supported his attendance through the GOAL Fund, a program that supports faculty, staff and students from KCV partner institutions in attending conferences and events that promote innovation and commercialization. Participants can apply for funds to cover related expenses, with the expectation that they will gain valuable knowledge, establish networks and enhance their commercialization skills.
Yazdanpour received positive feedback and validation from experts at the symposium, reinforcing the potential of his prosthetic innovation. "I was able to showcase my innovation to medical professionals and industry experts,” said Yazdanpour. “I received positive and constructive feedback. The insights from these professionals helped us shape our project for commercialization."
Yazdanpour is currently refining and improving the prosthetic arm based on feedback and market research discovered at the symposium, with a focus on better sensory integration and making the device more intuitive and responsive. KCV will continue to support him through his path to commercialization with resources, support and network connections.
"I know that many researchers at regional universities don’t have enough information about the commercialization opportunities available to them. I encourage them to contact KCV." Dr. Mahdi Yazdanpour, NKU