MSI Connect Phase I Showcase Features Tomorrow’s Innovators

Brookhaven National Laboratory | Upton, NY: On August 16, 2024, Brookhaven National Laboratory hosted the Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) Connect Phase I Showcase, a program funded by the DOE Office of Technology Transitions and led by Brookhaven National Laboratory with support from FedTech. The showcase featured an impressive cohort of student entrepreneurs from 10 Minority-Serving Institutions across the United States. During the event, the teams pitched their plans to commercialize DOE lab technologies.

The MSI Connect program provides a unique opportunity for MSI undergraduates, graduate students, and alumni. This immersive summer fellowship unites these bright minds, pairing them with advanced DOE lab technologies to foster hands-on experience and cultivate innovative insights with the potential to form new energy ventures.

The showcase represented the culmination of the program's first phase, with the two winning teams moving forward to Phase II and receiving $75,000 to continue developing their commercialization plans over the next year.

BeeMission, representing the Southern University System , West Virginia State University , and Universidad de Puerto Rico , with their project Microwave-Accelerated Aqueous Solvent Regeneration using Microwave Absorbers for Carbon Capture (technology developed by National Energy Technology Laboratory ).

RadonLock, representing Universidad de Puerto Rico and West Virginia State University , with their project Silica Nanocages for Trapping Noble Gases (technology developed by Brookhaven National Laboratory ).

“I came into this program with a certain amount of imposter syndrome. Hearing about opportunities like this—they’re usually reserved for the Ivy Leagues. But throughout this summer, I’ve learned that the future leaders of our country are in this room,” said one program participant. “I want to tell everyone that you are capable, and you can do it—no matter where you come from. This program has taught me that.”

The showcase event featured multiple DOE, FedTech, and national laboratory stakeholders, including remarks from:

• Noel Blackburn , Chief Diversity Officer at Brookhaven National Laboratory
• JoAnne Hewett , Director of Brookhaven National Laboratory
• Sheri Alexander , Director of Business Services Division at Brookhaven National Laboratory for the Department of Energy
• Kirsten Hillyer , Commercialization Program Manager for the Department of Energy at the Office of Technology Transitions
• Poornima Upadhya , Manager of Technology Transfer at Brookhaven National Labs
• Robyn Brazzil , Chief Delivery Officer at FedTech

FedTech remains committed to empowering the next generation of innovators through programs like MSI Connect. By providing the tools, mentorship, and opportunities necessary for success, we are shaping a future where technology and innovation are accessible to all.

Learn more about FedTech's role in MSI Connect HERE.

Thank you to our partner universities:

• Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University
• Hampton University
• Howard University
• New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
• North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
• Texas Southern University
• The University of New Mexico
• University of North Carolina at Greensboro
• Universidad de Puerto Rico
• The University of Texas at El Paso
• West Virginia State University

Thank you to our partner labs:

• Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL)
• SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory
• Sandia National Laboratories
• Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

The MSI Connect Program is funded by the Technology Commercialization Fund, Powered by the Office of Technology Transitions, Department of Energy (DOE).