, the multi-phase education and investment program designed to help grow University of �鶹��ý entrepreneurs and startups, has selected four companies for the program’s sixth cohort. More than 100 companies applied across multiple UH campuses.

The teams are eligible for up to $75,000 in seed capital, plus an additional $100,000 in follow-on funding, for a total XLR8UH-driven investment of $175,000.

“As we continue to build out a complete innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem for the entire UH System, we are pleased to see a high number of strong applicants competing for the few seats in this round,” said David Ai, chief innovation officer and director of the UH Office of Innovation and Commercialization. “It is a clear sign that UH has a robust entrepreneurial culture in place, which motivates us to continue to offer more services to give our startups their best chance at success.”

Cohort 6

• Olga Borić-Lubecke, Victor Lubecke
• Adnoviv makes intelligent occupancy sensors that save energy without compromise

• Reza Ghorbani, Nour Lababidi
• Helps care-providers and physicians remotely monitor and examine their patients via secure web-based portals and web-integrated wireless devices

• Alberto Gonzalez Martinez, Dylan Kobayashi, Ryan Theriot
• A collaboration platform providing real-time team workspaces in the cloud

• Tom Knapp-Ramos
• Gift wrap for digital gifting

Over four months, the teams will receive company mentors, weekly workshops, office hours, presentations and lectures conducted by notable experts specializing in business, technology and startups. The program culminates in a public showcase where teams present in front of an audience of investors, partners and community stakeholders.

Recognized in 2017 by Forbes as one of the top 30 accelerator programs in the United States, XLR8UH is a public-private partnership between UH and .

“The excellent companies in this year’s cohort are sure to contribute to the program’s ongoing national recognition,” said Omar Sultan, founder and managing director, XLR8UH.

The National Science Foundation has awarded University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� researchers a $750,000 grant to develop a low-cost sensor capable of detecting human presence and monitoring occupants for energy-savings and smart-building applications. The Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II grant was awarded to UH ����ԴDz� in partnership with .

, professor of electrical engineering in the and a co-principal investigator on the grant, co-founded Adnoviv in 2013 with electrical engineering Professor . The company focuses on research-driven technology, developing innovative sensors and systems for industrial, medical and security applications, including its centerpiece product, True Presence Occupancy Detection Sensors (TruePODS). Adnoviv is a Phase I graduate of the and has already hired four UH graduates.

The technology that Adnoviv is commercializing is based on Doppler radar physiological monitoring research pioneered by Borić-Lubecke and Lubecke.

“Adnoviv has served not only to move UH technology out of the lab and toward the market, but also to provide job opportunities for our graduates in �鶹��ý, and inspire some of our students to successfully pursue their own start-ups,” said Borić-Lubecke. “While commercialization has not been an easy path, it has been a rewarding experience to witness our students growing into entrepreneurs and the University of �鶹��ý developing means to support such endeavors.”

During Phase I of the STTR, the UH/Adnoviv team carried out TruePODS testing in the Flexible Response to Ongoing Growth classrooms on the UH ����ԴDz� campus, in collaboration with from the . The test results demonstrated superior performance for TruePODS compared to commercially available occupancy sensors, eliminating false triggering. Phase II will include research and development of advanced system architectures and algorithms for occupant count.

The duration of the new National Science Foundation grant is two years.

.

The University of �鶹��ý’s award-winning startup accelerator, , was named one of only 20 national winners of the . This marks the third year in a row that the University of �鶹��ý accelerator has won the competition, which includes a $50,000 cash award.

XLR8UH was the only winner from �鶹��ý in this year’s SBA’s Growth Accelerator Fund competition, which is designed to draw attention and funding to parts of the country with gaps in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Winners were selected by experts in entrepreneurship, investing and business plans from both inside and out of the federal government and based on applications and pitch videos submitted by the finalists.

“We are pleased to have our XLR8UH program take home this prestigious SBA national award once again,” said UH Vice President for Research and Innovation . “It further validates our continuing efforts under the to diversify the state’s economy by creating a third economic leg based on the commercialization of UH research.”

Building on XLR8UH’s national recognition

This award builds upon the national recognition garnered by XLR8UH in 2017, which also includes being named one of the top 30 accelerators in the country by Forbes. XLR8UH is one of the first public university investment programs in the nation, revolutionizing the way innovation and research is commercialized.

“We are honored, once again, to have won this award and be counted among the top accelerator programs in the country,” said Omar Sultan, co-founder and managing partner of XLR8UH and . “The SBA’s recognition over the past three years has helped shine a national spotlight on the strong and growing entrepreneurial ecosystem here in �鶹��ý and on the innovations generated by �鶹��ýresearch.

In accepting the SBA award, the winning accelerators will be committing to bi-annual reporting of metrics on jobs created, funds raised, startups launched, corporate sponsors obtained and more. These metrics will allow the SBA to better understand accelerators and their impact, and to develop long-term relationships with the startups and constituents in these innovative and entrepreneurial communities.

Launched in 2014 as a public-private partnership between UH and Sultan Ventures, XLR8UH has mentored and trained five cohorts consisting of 24 companies. In total, these companies have created more than 100 jobs and generated over $5 million in revenue, nearly all of which remains in �鶹��ý.

“With only 20 awards available this year, the two tiered selection process made the competition even more difficult,” said Jane Sawyer, director of the SBA’s �鶹��ý District Office. “Our team is extremely pleased that XLR8UH once again was recognized as one of the nation’s top accelerators.”

President made his report to the at their meeting on October 19, 2017.

Highlights include:

• First high school student set to earn associate degree ()
• UH plays role in national STEM initiative ()
• Building STEM pathways ()
• STEM enrollment steady at community colleges ()
• UH Cancer Center submits proposal to renew designation ()
• XLR8�鶹��ýteam accepted to premier international program ()
• Dunkin’ Donuts opens ()

View previous reports to the board.

University of �鶹��ý spinouts Adnoviv, LLC; Radial3D and SNR Analytics, Inc. (SNRAI) were invited to present at the prestigious showcase of university technologies held on June 28, 2017 at California State University, Los Angeles.

Presentations were made to an invitation-only audience of over 200 investors, entrepreneurs, and faculty and staff from the participating universities. The University �鶹��ý spinouts were invited to participate in the showcase by the UH Office of Technology Transfer, Arizona State University Technology Transfer and the Los Angeles Venture Association.

Adnoviv

Adnoviv’s intelligent occupancy sensors were developed by and of the UH ����ԴDz� . The company’s True Presence Occupancy Detection Sensors are the first to employ Doppler radar “life-signs” sensing technology to detect true human presence in indoor spaces to avoid the cost and nuisance associated with erroneous power switching.

Radial3D

Radial3D, developed by a team led by Scott Lozanoff of the , is a collaborative platform that allows medical students and healthcare professionals to work together to view medical imagery and share their diagnosis. It is a 3D web-based medical imaging platform that is accessible from any web-connected device and any VR/AR device.

SNRAI

SNRAI is a technology company focused on the discovery and validation of molecular signatures for precision immunotherapy applications. Developed by and his colleagues at the , SNRAI is an analytical pipeline that seeks to develop a portfolio that will provide “companion” diagnostics for existing antibodies that target specific checkpoint genes in a given cancer, or suggest cancers for which an antibody targeting a specific checkpoint gene should be developed.

Both Adnoviv and Radial 3D are graduates of XLR8UH, the University of �鶹��ý’s multiple award-winning proof of concept center and venture accelerator program.

“I’m pleased that we were invited to First Look LA for a third consecutive year,” said UH Vice President for Research and Innovation . “It further validates our continuing efforts under the �鶹��ý Innovation Initiative to help diversify the state’s economy through the creation of a thriving innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem based on UH research.”

More about First Look LA

First Look LA is a full-day showcase of emerging technology investment opportunities from premier research institutions in Southern California and Arizona, including Caltech, USC, UCLA, UC Irvine, UC Santa Barbara, Children’s Hospital LA, City of Hope, and Arizona State University.

, a public-private partnership between the and created to educate, mentor and invest in �鶹��ýstartups and entrepreneurs, has been named a top 30 U.S. accelerator in the 2017 Seed Accelerator Rankings, a part of the (SARP).

The XLR8UH program is a four-month startup accelerator that works with UH-affiliated entrepreneurial teams to offer office hours, weekly workshops, presentations and lectures conducted by noted business, technology and startup experts. Teams are eligible for up to $75,000 in seed capital, plus an additional $100,000 in follow-on funding, for a total XLR8UH-driven investment of $175,000.  Each session culminates in a formal, highly competitive showcase day where teams present to a panel of investors, partners and executives.

“We are extremely pleased with the success of XLR8UH and this ranking underscores the growing belief in �鶹��ý as a source of high-potential startup opportunities,” said UH President David Lassner.  “In the same vein, it further validates our efforts in the �鶹��ý Innovation Initiative to help diversify the state’s economy and create more high-quality, living-wage jobs.”

Over the past three years, XLR8UH has mentored, educated and inspired more than 40 startup ventures with 24 matriculating out of the program. These 24 companies have generated, in total, more than $5 million in revenue, and have raised more than $30 million in funding.

“It’s an honor to be recognized alongside other pioneering accelerator programs, most of which are located in traditional startup hotspots,” said Omar Sultan, managing partner at both XLR8UH and Sultan Ventures. “Being named a top 30 accelerator in the country—which puts us in the same company as the well-known programs of Y Combinator, Techstars, 500 Startups and Mucker Lab—is a reflection of the caliber of the University of �鶹��ý’s talent and innovation.”

XLR8UH was �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s only accelerator program to make the SARP’s 2017 list of top accelerators.

More about the SARP rankings

The Seed Accelerator Rankings Project is headed by three former entrepreneurs who are now leading academic experts on accelerators. The researchers are Yael Hochberg, an entrepreneurship professor at Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business; Susan Cohen, an assistant professor of management at University of Richmond's Robins School of Business; and Dan Fehder, a postdoctoral scholar at Rice University and a researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

To be invited to participate in the SARP rankings, accelerator programs had to be fixed-term, cohort-based startup "boot-camps" that include educational and mentorship components and culminate in a public pitch or demo day. Invitees also had to have graduated at least one cohort and have more than 10 startup graduates.

The University of �鶹��ý announced that two of its accelerator programs, and the UH Maui College (MFIC) at UH Maui College, were recipients of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 2016 Growth Accelerator Competition awards. This marks the second straight year that both programs received the prestigious award and a $50,000 cash prize.

XLR8UH and MFIC are two of the 85 winners selected across 37 states and the District of Columbia who will collectively receive a total of $4.25 million to boost the economic impact of accelerators. The purpose of the SBA’s annual competition is to draw attention and funding to parts of the country where there are gaps in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, including those not readily supported by the private sector.

“We are again pleased that XLR8UH and MFIC were recognized nationally by the SBA,” said UH Vice President for Research and Innovation . “As we continue to build our innovation ecosystem through the aggressive commercialization of our research, this award is a validation of our efforts to help diversify the state’s economy.”

XLR8UH is one of the first public university investment programs in the nation, revolutionizing the way innovation and research is commercialized. To date, 19 companies have been developed through the program, generating more than $1 million in revenue and $8 million funding.

“It is a huge honor for us to be among the 2016 top accelerators. Winning a second time in a row speaks to the strength of Startup Paradise and the commitment to �鶹��ý’s entrepreneurs,” said Tarik Sultan, co-founder and managing partner of XLR8UH and .

“There is a great camaraderie in �鶹��ý among the entrepreneurial community and what we’re all working to achieve. The $200,000 coming into our State from SBA will support the continued growth of our startup community and accelerators holistically,” Sultan added.

Incubator for future food industry leaders

Through its Maui Food Industry X-Celerator Program, MFIC provides an incubator program to support businesses in the form of training, community resources and access to a certified commercial kitchen at UH Maui College. To date, the program has received 47 applications and graduated 24 businesses in two cohorts—of which 90 percent are women entrepreneurs.

“We are thrilled to receive SBA national recognition and continued validation of UH Maui College and our Maui Food Innovation Center programs for a second consecutive year,” said Chris Speere, site coordinator for the Maui Food Innovation Center. “The funding award speaks to the effort of our graduates, business, government, food industry leaders and community partners that help us build a successful and winning program.”

As competition winners, both XLR8UH and MFIC will report metrics such as jobs created, funds raised and startups launched. This will allow SBA to continue building upon its database of accelerators and their impact and to develop long-term relationships with the startups and constituents in these innovative and entrepreneurial communities.

“The creation of great, living wage jobs in �鶹��ý through the establishment of a vibrant innovation sector is the goal of the ,” said UH President . “National recognition like this illustrates the validity of our programs and the direction of our efforts to create at $1 billion innovation, research, education and training enterprise here in the islands.”

In the official announcement, SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet said: ”SBA created the Growth Accelerator Fund Competition in 2014 as a way to make new connections and strengthen existing bonds within America’s small business support network, bringing entrepreneurs and innovators together and connecting them with local and national resources that support small business job creation and growth. These awards deliver on a longstanding commitment at SBA to strengthen and modernize these support systems especially in parts of the country where access to capital has been a major barrier to starting a business. This year’s winners show that our efforts are bearing fruit and further cementing our nation’s most pioneering accelerators, incubators and innovation hubs as major players driving America’s technology startup ecosystem.”

The announced the selection of eight teams for the fifth cohort of its accelerator startup investment program—. The startups in this round include digital technology providing athletes and physicians ways to identify, measure and monitor sports concussions; a lifesaving blood analysis smartphone platform; and a data collection and project management platform for conservation and agriculture customers.

The eight teams have the potential to receive $25,000 to $50,000 for completing the program and up to $100,000 in follow-up funding.

XLR8UH cohort 5 finalists

• Smart Yields, a farm data analytics platform designed to enhance yields by providing critical crop protection alerts and real-time monitoring to enhance yields.
• HealthTech Apps, a mobile technology platform that provides athletes and physicians ways to identify, measure and monitor sports concussions reducing the risk of re-injury.
• OiOiOT, provides smart and IOT solutions on connected community projects through a patented secure bi-directional communication method.
• Herbavore, a horticultural hand tool company for professional and hobbyist growers that offers customizable, ergonomic and more efficient products.
• Radial3D, a web and mobile store app that facilitates shared viewing of medical images by clinicians and their patients within a Mixed Reality environment.
• iFirst Medical Technologies, a lifesaving blood analysis and management smartphone platform.
• Natural Resource Data Solutions, a platform for data collection and project management for conservation and agriculture customers saving time and money.
• Azimov Technologies, guidance and control technology for unmanned aircraft systems.

The teams are currently in the first phase of XLR8UH’s intensive 16-week mentorship and investment program, where they will be assessing and developing their business models. Startups selected to advance to the second phase will further their business development, and in the third phase will develop and practice their pitch to investors. Experienced entrepreneurs and investors will mentor the teams throughout the program.

“As a sector agnostic program, we receive a variety of applications from multiple sectors and disciplines, which is a testament to the amount of innovation occurring out of the University of �鶹��ý. With this cohort we are seeing more emphasis on medical technologies, as well as applications for the agricultural industry,” said Omar Sultan, managing director of XLR8UH. “We’re excited to see more innovation in sectors representing some of �鶹��ý’s strengths.”

XLR8UH is a first-of-its-kind startup investment program developed by UH and , a boutique venture firm that also manages the program. XLR8UH educates, mentors and invests in UH research and talent, ranging from students to post docs, faculty and alumni. It is one of the first public university investment programs in the nation, revolutionizing the way innovation and research is commercialized.

“Once again, we are excited to see the diversity of issues that are being addressed by the XLR8UH teams though UH-based research,” said UH Vice President for Research and Innovation . “These innovative ideas and their potential to develop into dynamic, locally based companies is what the �鶹��ý Innovation Initiative is all about.”

, the University of �鶹��ý’s nationally recognized accelerator program, is accepting applications for its 5th cohort taking place in fall 2016. The deadline for applications is October 7. The program provides industry mentorship to faculty, staff, students and alumni to validate their business ideas and bring them to market.

XLR8UH will prepare participants with:

• mentorship from an experienced team
• access to industry experts and investors
• investor led bootcamps and pitch practices
• help on financial models for their business
• intellectual property strategy guidance

Phase I companies (idea stage/proof-of-concept) can apply for up to a $25,000 investment.

Phase II companies (commercialization/growth) can apply for up to a $50,000 investment.

All companies are eligible for up to $100,000 in follow on investment.

or email aloha@xlr8uh.com for more information.

Join the 50+ other entrepreneurs that have graduated from the award winning startup investment program. Many have gone on to raise millions of dollars in funding and investment for their business.

Who we are:

XLR8UH is the accelerator program. We provide industry expertise and mentorship, working with faculty, students, staff and alumni of the �鶹��ýsystem to validate their business idea and bring it to market.

XLR8UH will prepare you with:

• Mentorship from an experienced team
• Access to industry experts and investors
• Investor led bootcamps + pitch practices
• Financial modeling for your business
• Intellectual Property strategy guidance
• And much more!

Phase I companies (idea stage/proof-of-concept) apply for up to a $25,000 investment.

Phase II companies (commercialization/growth) apply for up to a $50,000 investment.

All companies are eligible for up to $100,000 in follow on investment.

How to apply

Apply at by October 5 to be considered for our fall cohort. We are always reviewing applications and admit on a rolling basis. The earlier you apply, the better your chances.

Information sessions: Want to know more?

Take the first step in learning more about XLR8UH at one of our information sessions. Refreshments will be provided. RSVP below.

• Thursday, September 1, 4:30–6 p.m. at iLab UH ����ԴDz� Campus
  
• Wednesday, September 14, 4:30–7 p.m. at XLR8UH HQ (Downtown)
  

Ask us about our award winning program. Email us at info@XLR8UH.com.

The University of �鶹��ý’s nationally recognized venture accelerator program XLR8UH is accepting applications for its 5th cohort taking place in fall 2016. Applications are open to all students, faculty, staff and alumni of the 10 campus University of �鶹��ý System.