6 KU innovations selected for Rock Chalk Ready commercialization program

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas Center for Technology Commercialization (KUCTC) has selected six promising research projects for its inaugural Rock Chalk Ready program, a universitywide initiative designed to mature early-stage innovations and position them for commercialization success.

Supported by a FORGE grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce, Rock Chalk Ready reflects a collaborative One KU approach, inviting participation from innovators on KU’s Lawrence and Medical Center campuses. The program aims to de-risk technologies and business concepts by providing funding, guidance and connections to resources across KU’s innovation ecosystem.

“We were thrilled to see the enthusiastic response from our research community to the Rock Chalk Ready program,” said Cliff Michaels, director of KUCTC. “We expect these funds will help these innovators make meaningful advances over the next six to 12 months and remove some of the risks inherent in early-stage innovations.”

The program received 25 proposals from across the university, demonstrating strong interest and need for early-stage innovation support. A panel of internal and external experts reviewed proposals, with six ultimately selected for funding. Projects range from novel therapeutics and medical devices to industrial and agricultural innovations, highlighting the breadth of cutting-edge research happening at KU.

Funded Rock Chalk Ready projects:

• Alan Allgeier – Technologies to Enhance Corn Oil Extraction During Ethanol Production. Allgeier is a professor of chemical & petroleum engineering.
• Michael Hageman – Prodrug Formulations for Oral Testosterone Replacement Therapy. Hageman is the Valentino J. Stella Distinguished Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry.
• Divya Kamath – A Novel Therapeutic for Multiple Sclerosis. Kamath is a research assistant professor of cancer biology.
• Simon Patton – A Medical Device for Improved Hysterectomy Surgeries. Patton is a clinical assistant professor of obstetrics & gynecology.
• Shyam Sathyamoorthi – Antifungal and Antibacterial Agents for Industrial Agricultural Use. Sathyamoorthi is an associate professor of medicinal chemistry.
• Mark Shiflett – Novel Acids for Use in the Fuel and Detergent Industries. Shiflett is a Foundation Distinguished Professor of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering.

The Rock Chalk Ready program embodies a cross-campus partnership where KU Innovation Park, the KU Office of Economic Development and KUCTC all collaborated in securing the FORGE grant. KUMC’s research administration team is helping manage the initiative. The KU School of Business is also contributing by pairing business students with the selected teams to assist with market analysis and commercialization planning.

Innovators whose proposals were not selected received detailed feedback and encouragement to engage with other programs, such as KU Innovation Park’s SBIR/STTR Boot Camp or the Great Plains I-Corps Hub.

Rock Chalk Ready projects will continue through summer 2026.

Learn more about the FORGE grant and KU’s innovation ecosystem.