VCU Innovator of the Year is ‘proof of pathway’ to success for physicists

Massimo Bertino, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Physics in the College of Humanities and Sciences and director of the Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Ph.D. Program, received the 2024 Innovator of the Year award for his groundbreaking aerogel research. Traditionally expensive and dangerous to produce, Bertino’s method simplifies aerogel creation, making its production safer and more cost effective. His innovation, licensed by ThermaGEL Innovations, bypasses hazardous processes, enabling large-scale commercialization of superior insulation. Bertino’s work, protected by VCU TechTransfer and Ventures, marks a significant advancement in sustainable manufacturing. His award highlights physics’ practical impact and VCU’s commitment to translational research, showcasing a “viable pathway to success.”

VCU ranked in nation’s top 100 for university utility patents for second year

VCU has been recognized as a top 100 university for utility patents granted by the National Academy of Inventors for the second consecutive year. This continued recognition highlights VCU’s commitment to solving real-world problems with new, innovative technologies.

VCU’s new Startup Accelerator will propel university research that has market potential

VCU has launched a new Startup Accelerator program to support faculty entrepreneurs and turn their research into innovative businesses. This program provides coaching, mentoring, and resources to help researchers develop their ideas and bring them to market.