New Emory program aims to foster innovation in diabetes research through startups | Emory University | Atlanta GA
New Emory program aims to foster innovation in diabetes research through startups Emory News Center
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The Emory Global Diabetes Research Center Launches the Diabetes Translational Accelerator
The Emory Global Diabetes Research Center (EGDRC) is pleased to announce the launch of the Diabetes Translational Accelerator (DTA). This initiative is dedicated to advancing research and technologies aimed at addressing the most challenging issues in diabetes and associated complications. With a strong focus on fostering start-ups and commercialization, the DTA aims to catalyze innovation in the field of diabetes research through mentorship and access to Emory’s robust entrepreneurial ecosystem, empowering students to bring their ideas to fruition.
Addressing the Global Challenge of Diabetes
With diabetes affecting 1 in 10 adults globally, including a significant portion in low- and middle-income countries, the need for innovative approaches is more pressing than ever. The DTA supports entrepreneurs in developing new and modified products and technologies that focus on the prevention, diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of diabetes and related comorbidities. Emory University will facilitate licensing agreements to ensure that breakthrough technologies reach those who need them most.
Supporting Entrepreneurial Endeavors
“We are thrilled to have such a pioneering program here at Emory,” says Ravi I. Thadhani, MD, executive vice president for health affairs at Emory University. “This initiative represents a crucial step forward in our collective efforts to combat diabetes and its complications through innovation and entrepreneurship.”
Supported by the Lakshan Foundation Inc., the DTA’s central component is the Lakshmi and Subramonian Shankar Fellowship. This fellowship provides Emory PhD students in the DTA program with stipends and insurance coverage, enabling them to embark on entrepreneurial endeavors rooted in their dissertations. The fellowship also offers access to the Shankar Innovation Fund, which facilitates the translation of research into market-ready products and technologies.
“There are programs that invest in late-stage intellectual property of post-docs, but the DTA and Shankar Fellowships are unique because we are targeting PhD students and investing in them from the very beginning, with the goal of solving problems in diabetes specifically,” says Dr. Jithin Sam Varghese, co-director of the DTA and faculty member at the Rollins School of Public Health.
International Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange
The Lakshan Foundation Inc. also supports the Shankar Center for Diabetes at the premier Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) in India. Through a strategic partnership between EGDRC and IIT Madras, Emory’s Shankar Fellows and their faculty advisors will have the opportunity to engage in learning experiences with IIT Madras, fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange.
“Often, individuals require guidance and mentorship,” said Subramonian Shankar, founder of the Lakshan Foundation Inc. “A crucial aspect of the program is facilitating connections with others who possess complementary skills to those of Emory students. This initiative extends beyond borders, with a focus on inclusivity and affordability, ensuring its potential to positively impact humanity.”
For more information about the DTA and how to get involved, please contact egdrc.dta@emory.edu.
About Emory Global Diabetes Research Center
At the Emory Global Diabetes Research Center (EGDRC), we leverage our extensive global network to develop and advance the abilities of Emory, US, and non-US researchers to engage in world-class research in diabetes and other related non-communicable diseases such as stroke, hypertension, heart disease, and co-morbid conditions such as tuberculosis, mental health, and HIV. Our research seeks to understand causes and consequences, investigate prevention methods, and inform policy by exploring risk factors such as socio-demographics, nutrition, obesity, physiology, and physical activity.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being | Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disease |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.3: Increase the access of small-scale industrial and other enterprises to financial services, including affordable credit, and their integration into value chains and markets | Indicator 9.3.1: Proportion of small-scale industries in total industry value added |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | Target 17.16: Enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources | Indicator 17.16.1: Number of countries reporting progress in multi-stakeholder development effectiveness monitoring frameworks that support the achievement of the sustainable development goals |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The article discusses the launch of the Diabetes Translational Accelerator (DTA) aimed at addressing the challenging issues in diabetes and associated complications. This aligns with SDG 3, which focuses on promoting good health and well-being for all.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
The DTA aims to catalyze innovation in the field of diabetes research through mentorship and access to Emory’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. This aligns with SDG 9, which focuses on promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
The DTA is supported by the Lakshan Foundation Inc., which facilitates partnerships between Emory University and the premier Indian Institute of Technology Madras. This aligns with SDG 17, which focuses on strengthening global partnerships for sustainable development.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being
The DTA aims to address the most challenging issues in diabetes and associated complications, contributing to the prevention and treatment of diabetes to reduce premature mortality.
Target 9.3: Increase the access of small-scale industrial and other enterprises to financial services, including affordable credit, and their integration into value chains and markets
The DTA focuses on fostering start-ups and commercialization in the field of diabetes research, supporting small-scale enterprises in the healthcare industry.
Target 17.16: Enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources
The DTA is supported by the Lakshan Foundation Inc., which facilitates partnerships between Emory University and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, promoting global partnerships for sustainable development.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disease
The article highlights the need for innovative approaches to address diabetes, which is a non-communicable disease. By reducing premature mortality from diabetes and related complications, progress can be measured using this indicator.
Indicator 9.3.1: Proportion of small-scale industries in total industry value added
The DTA aims to foster start-ups and commercialization in the field of diabetes research. Progress towards this target can be measured by assessing the proportion of small-scale industries in the total industry value added in the healthcare sector.
Indicator 17.16.1: Number of countries reporting progress in multi-stakeholder development effectiveness monitoring frameworks that support the achievement of the sustainable development goals
The DTA is supported by multi-stakeholder partnerships between Emory University and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras. Progress towards this target can be measured by tracking the number of countries reporting progress in multi-stakeholder development effectiveness monitoring frameworks.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being | Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disease |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.3: Increase the access of small-scale industrial and other enterprises to financial services, including affordable credit, and their integration into value chains and markets | Indicator 9.3.1: Proportion of small-scale industries in total industry value added |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | Target 17.16: Enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources | Indicator 17.16.1: Number of countries reporting progress in multi-stakeholder development effectiveness monitoring frameworks that support the achievement of the sustainable development goals |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: news.emory.edu
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