Monica M. Jablonski, PhD, professor in the Department of Ophthalmology in the College of Medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), has been selected as the first user of the UTHSC Innovation Lab space. The UTHSC Innovation Lab will allow Jablonski to further develop an ophthalmic microemulsion designed to combat the shortcomings traditionally linked to standard eye drops and improve treatment efficacy in certain ophthalmic diseases.

Thanks to a recent partnership between Memphis Bioworks Foundation and UTHSC, the 420 square-foot turnkey space will be available to Jablonski for up to 12 months, at no cost to her, as she develops her intellectual property (IP) in anticipation submitting a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and/or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) proposal.

During the 12-month period of occupancy in the Memphis Bioworks building, Jablonski will have access to standard lab equipment (e.g., tissue culture hood), services, as well as consulting. New companies using the Innovation Lab will be required to submit at least one SBIR and/or STTR grant application during the year of occupancy.