Faculty and researchers recognized for issued patents, licensed technologies and new startups

Boise State University's campus community celebrated a distinguished group of faculty and researchers for their outstanding contributions to innovation. The event was hosted by the Office of Technology Transfer, Office of Community Engagement and other partners at The Junction, Boise State's newest entrepreneurial hub which promotes innovation, research translation, and venture creation.

This year's honorees secured new patents, successfully licensed their technologies to industry partners, or launched a new startup company; milestones that reflect the university's deep commitment to translating research into real-world impact.

Patents

The following innovators have been awarded patents in recognition of their groundbreaking work:

• Inventor: Daniel Fologea - Radiation-Triggered Liposomes: This patent covers a novel approach to radiation-triggered liposomal drug delivery systems, with promising applications in targeted cancer treatment and precision medicine.
• Inventors: William Knowlton, Bernard Yurke, Ryan Pensack, and Paul Davis - Dyes in Dye Aggregate Systems: Engineering J, K Dye Packing: This invention advances the understanding and engineering of molecular dye packing in aggregate systems, with applications in quantum information science, photonics, and sensing.
• Inventors: David Estrada and Naqsh Mansoor - Methods of Removing Contaminants from a Solution and Related Systems: This patent presents innovative methods and systems for removing contaminants from wastewater, desalination, and agricultural remediation.
• Inventor: Bernard Yurke - (1) Ballistic Exciton Transistor: This invention introduces a ballistic exciton transistor concept, representing a significant step forward in quantum computing and ultrafast optical switching technologies. (2) A Molecular Aggregate for Optically-Pumped Nonreciprocal Exciton Devices: This second patent from Dr. Yurke introduces a molecular aggregate platform for nonreciprocal exciton devices, advancing the frontier of optical isolators and next-generation photonic circuits.
• Inventors: Shafaq Kausar and Hani Mehrpouyan - Millimeter Wave Reconfigurable Antenna with Single Layered Unit Cell Pattern: This patent covers a reconfigurable millimeter wave antenna design that enables advanced wireless communication capabilities, with direct relevance to next-generation 5G and 6G networks.

Licensed Technologies

The following technologies developed at Boise State have been successfully licensed to industry partners, marking an important step in bringing university research to the marketplace:

• Scott Phillips, Kyle Nogales, and Rebecca Miller - Licensee: Avery Dennison: Their technology has been licensed to Avery Dennison, a global leader in labeling and packaging materials, positioning this research for broad commercial deployment.
• Konrad Meister - Meister's technology is being tested by a climate technology company for cloud seeding applications to manage and prevent drought.
• Steve Pentland - Licensee: Rhetorix Lab: Steve Pentland's technology has been licensed to Rhetorix Lab, the startup he founded, creating a direct pathway from university research to entrepreneurial commercialization.

New Startup Company

• Steve Pentland - Startup: Rhetorix Lab - Steve Pentland has founded Rhetorix Lab, a new venture built on research developed at Boise State University. The startup exemplifies the university's mission to foster entrepreneurship and create lasting economic impact in Idaho and beyond.

"These innovators represent the very best of what Boise State has to offer," said Brett Adkins, director of the Boise State University Office of Technology Transfer. "From issued patents to licensed technologies and a new startup, their work demonstrates that world-class research is happening right here in Idaho - and that it has the power to change lives."

Boise State University's Office of Technology Transfer supports faculty, staff, and students in protecting and commercializing their inventions, fostering a culture of innovation that drives economic growth and societal benefit. Learn more at boisestate.edu/thejunction.

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