Two Beckman Laser Institute & Medical Clinic researchers awarded funding to accelerate market-ready innovations

Two faculty members from UC Irvine’s Beckman Laser Institute & Medical Clinic have been selected for spring 2025 Proof of Product (PoP) grants from UC Irvine Beall Applied Innovation, bringing their groundbreaking research closer to real-world applications.

Bridging Research and Market Impact

UC Irvine Beall Applied Innovation’s PoP Grants program identifies researchers with early-stage projects that show exceptional commercial potential. The program provides up to $100,000 in critical funding to help Principal Investigators (PIs) navigate pivotal development phases, including customer discovery and market validation, feasibility studies and technical assessments, prototype development and testing and industry partnership development

This strategic investment accelerates the pathway from laboratory discovery to market-ready solutions that can measurably improve lives.

Spring 2025 Institute Awardees

Medical Devices Track
Dr. Brian Wong, School of Medicine
Project: Electrochemical clearing of the cornea post-chemical injury

General Track
Dr. Howard Lee, School of Physical Sciences
Project: Hollow core optical fiber bundle for high-power laser delivery in geothermal drilling*

These diverse projects demonstrate the university’s commitment to translating cutting-edge research into practical solutions across multiple industries, from medical treatment to sustainable energy.

Click here for more information about UC Irvine Beall Applied Innovation, the PoP Grant Program, and the complete list of awardees.

Author: Gabrielle Comfort