Q&A Series: Learn about NCInnovation-Backed Research in the Piedmont Region
Trailblazing research is underway in the Piedmont Region of North Carolina, backed by NCInnovation
From groundbreaking medical advancements to next generation clean energy solutions, research funded by NCInnovation is shaping the future of North Carolina’s economy and global innovation. Regional Director Louis Judge leads NCI’s work in the Piedmont region.
Kristen Dellinger, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Nanoengineering at North Carolina A&T State University received a two-year grant to advance the development of a novel method to carry therapeutic agents across the blood-brain barrier, improving the delivery of therapies.
Hemali Rathnayake, Ph.D., Professor, Nanoscience, at UNC Greensboro also received a two-year grant to support her work in scaling the development of a cost-effective and efficient lithium refining process for converting lithium into battery-grade lithium carbonate.
Unlike traditional research grants, NCInnovation’s funding is designed specifically to move cutting edge discoveries from the lab into real-world applications. By supporting applied research at North Carolina’s public universities, NCInnovation bridges the gap between innovation and commercialization. Keep reading to hear from Louis, Dr. Dellinger, and Dr. Rathnayake about the world-class research and its potential to make an impact in North Carolina and globally.
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Can you describe the goal and potential impact of your research?
Dr. Rathnayake: The goal of our research is to develop a technology to refine lithium from unrefined resources like hard rock and spent batteries. This refined lithium is then converted into battery-grade lithium. The project aims to contribute to the clean energy transition by producing lithium domestically and minimizing environmental impact.
Dr. Dellinger: The overall focus of our research is to improve the delivery of therapeutics to the brain, particularly for neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The work focuses on using extracellular vesicles to improve drug delivery by crossing the blood-brain barrier to help medicines reach the brain. Extracellular vesicles are tiny bubbles released by cells that carry important messages and materials to other cells to help them work properly.
How does NCI play a role in advancing your research?
Dr. Dellinger: The NCInnovation grant is instrumental in supporting the commercialization of this research. It helps the team connect with industry professionals, ensuring that our approaches are aligned with the needs of larger pharmaceutical companies. The grant also facilitates collaboration with an entrepreneur-in-residence, providing valuable expertise in developing patents and working toward scaling the technology, moving her invention from one TRL to the next.
Government and private investors sometimes use a matrix called Technology Readiness Level (TRL) to define each phase of a research product. Federal grants largely exist to fund basic research from inception to TRL-2. But private investors don’t generally consider getting involved until a technology reaches TRL-7 or above. Between TRL-3 and TRL-6 lies the “valley of death,” where many promising innovations die on the vine. NCInnovation funds this crucial R&D stage between proof of concept and market readiness.
Dr. Rathnayake: NCInnovation’s grant has played a crucial role in advancing our research by providing the funding needed to move from basic research into applied research and technology development. This support helps us scale up our processes and bridge the gap toward commercialization. Additionally, the grant allows us to protect our intellectual property through patents, ensuring that our innovations are safeguarded as we move forward with this technology.
How can this research help drive economic growth within the region and across North Carolina?
Louis Judge: The Piedmont Triad is seeing an economic impact from innovations like these, particularly in the battery and lithium sectors. As companies like Toyota and others come to the area, it can create thousands of jobs, boosting local economies and driving growth. Additionally, with workforce development programs, the region can train individuals to work in these new industries, further contributing to economic stability.
Dr. Rathnayake: This research can directly impact the local economy by supporting the growth of the mining industry in North Carolina. Specifically, the technology we’re developing can be applied to lithium mining in places like Kings Mountain. Additionally, through partnerships with companies such as Toyota’s battery manufacturing plant, we’re driving job growth and workforce development in the Piedmont region, while also helping to strengthen the state’s supply chain, setting an example for other states.
How do you anticipate this research will make an impact beyond North Carolina?
Louis Judge: This research has the potential for global impact in Alzheimer’s treatment. For example, Dr. Dellinger’s research into Alzheimer’s could provide solutions that benefit not only the U.S. but other countries as well, creating a worldwide ripple effect in the care of those living with neurodegenerative disorders.
Approximately 5 million people in the U.S. are living with neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other related conditions. Worldwide, the number is much higher, with an estimated nearly 50 million people affected by neurodegenerative diseases. These numbers are expected to rise as the global population ages, highlighting a significant public health challenge in terms of healthcare costs, caregiving needs, and quality of life impacts.
Dr. Dellinger: Our research aims to advance treatments for neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, which have global significance. Beyond medical applications, our work on isolating extracellular vesicles could have broad uses in other fields, such as agriculture and pathogen sensing. Ultimately, this research has the potential to improve quality of life worldwide, making a lasting impact beyond North Carolina.
NCInnovation is driving North Carolina’s future through bold investments in university research. Learn more about how we are turning innovation into economic opportunity.
NCInnovation, Inc. is a Research Triangle Park, NC-based 501(c)(3) public-private partnership designed to accelerate commercialized innovation from North Carolina’s research universities. Backed by more than $25 million in private philanthropic commitments, NCInnovation uses the interest and income from a $500 million State-funded endowment to provide non-dilutive grant funding, mentors, and support services so that North Carolina university proofs-of-concept return value to the regional communities that created them. Learn more at NCInnovation.org.
