Syracuse Sun

Syracuse University Libraries has announced the recipients of the Fall 2024 Orange Innovation Fund grant. Seven individuals have been awarded $5,000 each to support their research initiatives originating from campus innovation programs.

Angelo Niforatos, a graduate student at Martin J. Whitman School of Management, founded Niffy Drone Solutions LLC. His venture aims to enhance decision-making through drone operation and data analysis. "I finally pursued what I’d been discussing for five years thanks to Syracuse University," said Niforatos.

Ava Lubkemann, an undergraduate at the College of Engineering and Computer Science, launched Revamped, an initiative focusing on eco-friendly thrift shopping using an upcycled school bus platform. Lubkemann stated, "This funding gives me the ability to create a venture that addresses the problem of textile waste."

Brianna Gillfillian, who is studying Engineering and Computer Science as both an undergraduate and graduate student, established STEAMfluence—a summer program designed for students of color in underserved communities. "With the help of Orange Innovation Fund, I will be able to turn dreams into reality," she expressed.

Emeka Christopher Ossai from Whitman initiated CampusLabs to provide critical skills for entrepreneurship to university students in developing economies. He noted that this fund would enable him to expand his startup accelerator model across different regions.

Tony Goncalves, also from Engineering and Computer Science, created GymIn—a platform solution aimed at optimizing gym equipment usage through real-time tracking. "GymIn is revolutionizing the fitness industry," he remarked.

Tosin Alabi from Whitman developed Diabetech—a smart bandage solution for diabetes wound care integrating electronic sensors with AI analytics. Alabi shared her personal motivation behind this project by saying, "When we prevent a diabetic amputation...we’re keeping families walking together longer."

Waqar Hussain, another Whitman graduate student and Fulbright Scholar, founded Iconnic.cloud—an AI-driven compute pricing arbitrage platform. He mentioned that they aim to revolutionize cloud management services for small businesses with this award's support.

The Orange Innovation Fund was established through a donation by Raj-Ann Rekhi Gill ’98 and is administered by Syracuse University Libraries in partnership with university research programs. The fund helps students move projects from ideation towards commercialization.

Awardees were selected based on comprehensive proposals outlining prototype development needs and project milestones over a defined period. The next funding round opens in winter 2025 with proposals due by March 28.

For further information regarding future grants or application processes: email OrangeInnovation@syr.edu.