Biolocity, the commercialization initiative housed within the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, has announced the five research teams selected for the 2025–2026 cohort, following a highly competitive pitch process hosted by Portal Innovations Atlanta. The five teams represent the forefront of biomedical innovation, selected from a pool of ten finalists who presented their groundbreaking technologies during the 2025 Biolocity Social and Full Pitch Day on May 7.

“The 2025–2026 Biolocity awardees demonstrate the strength of collaboration among different disciplines and institutions. These teams display expertise in mechanical engineering, surgery, biomedical engineering, biological sciences, electrical and computer engineering, and pediatrics, showing how Georgia Tech and Emory innovators aim to transform patient care,” said Angela Gil Nelms, BME 2007, managing director of Biolocity.

“With Biolocity’s support, these projects are accelerating the journey from lab research to patient application, fostering real-world impact through progress in diagnostics, therapeutics, and medical technologies that will ultimately enhance lives across many clinical areas,” she said.

Projects range from improved cancer detection and therapies to a better surgical tool and MRI imaging. Each chosen team will receive funding for their projects, as well as a year of intensive commercialization support, including mentorship from Biolocity’s Entrepreneurs-In-Residence.

Meet the 2025–2026 Biolocity Grantees:

CytMesh | Georgia Tech & Emory University

Team: A. Fatih Sarioglu, Ph.D. & Tobey J. MacDonald, M.D.

CytMesh is developing a non-invasive lab test to detect rare metastatic circulating tumor cells in pediatric cancer patients. This technology enables clinicians to monitor tumors through blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples, offering earlier insights into metastasis, treatment resistance, and disease progression.

Infiltrate Bio | Georgia Tech

Team: Susan N. Thomas, Ph.D.

This project introduces a Cell Adhesion Chromatography platform that enriches immune cells with superior tumor-infiltrating potential. By modeling tumor vasculature, the technology enhances the efficacy and manufacturing of adoptive cell therapies, potentially transforming cancer immunotherapy.

Infinite Loupe | Emory University

Team: Anthony Law, M.D., Ph.D. & Atharva Madiwale, M.S.

Infinite Loupe is a wearable mixed-reality surgical visualization system that integrates optical zoom, 3D spatial awareness, and real-time digital augmentation. Designed to replace traditional operative microscopes, it aims to improve surgical precision and patient outcomes.

OnCuRNA – Drug Delivery for Solid Tumor Cancers | Georgia Tech

Team: Nick Housley, Ph.D., D.P.T., Alisyn Bourque, & M.G. Finn, Ph.D.

OnCuRNA is developing SANGs, a novel nanostructure that targets and can be retained in ovarian cancer tissues. This platform aims to enhance chemotherapy delivery while reducing toxicity, with the potential to revolutionize treatment for gynecologic cancers.

RoboMateMR | Georgia Tech

Team: Yue Chen, Ph.D., Yifan Wang, Sam Wilcox, & Zhefeng Huang

RoboMateMR introduces robotic precision to cardiac MRI by correcting image artifacts caused by cardiac implants. This innovation enables clearer imaging and more accurate diagnoses for patients with heart conditions and implants.

Since 2016, Biolocity has provided financial support and guidance to more than 40 research teams. The program remains committed to accelerating the development of early-stage biomedical technologies that address unmet clinical needs.

For more information on each team, visit the Biolocity website.