Discovery to Impact Innovation Power Hour
The Discovery to Impact Innovation Power Hour spotlights cutting-edge technologies developed by premier researchers from The University of Texas at Austin. In rapid, high-impact five-minute presentations, each faculty innovator will share their breakthrough discoveries, commercial potential, and real-world market applications.
The session will also feature an official Award Ceremony honoring our latest Discovery to Impact Proof of Concept Program.
Following the Power Hour, attendees are encouraged to stay for the startup pitches and presentations at the TVL Investment Competition. Please register separately for the post-event competition pitches on Eventbrite: Fall 2026 TVL Investment Competition Registration.
Presented by Discovery to Impact at UT Austin, in partnership with the Brumley Institute for Graduate Entrepreneurship at McCombs.
Featured presenters & technologies
Brain-Inspired Computing for Efficient AI
Presenter: Jean Anne Incorvia, Ph.D.
Technology: Integrate and Fire Magnetic Neurons for Efficient AI Data Processing
Overview: AI computing demands enormous amounts of energy. Dr. Incorvia is developing a single, high-endurance nanodevice inspired by the way that neurons "fire," enabling far more energy-efficient AI computation.
Cleaner, More Efficient Petrochemical Production
Presenters: Benny Freeman, Ph.D. & Matthew Davenport, Ph.D.
Technology: Scaling Up Silver Ion Membrane Modules for Olefin Purification
Overview: Separating olefins from paraffins is essential for making plastics but highly energy intensive. Dr. Freeman and Dr. Davenport are developing durable silver-ion membranes that work alongside existing distillation systems to cut energy use, costs, and emissions.
Smarter Data for Motion Analysis
Presenter: Michael Baker, Ph.D.
Technology: Minimal Motion, Maximum Impact
Overview: High-quality motion data is costly and difficult to collect. Dr. Baker's technology expands a small sample of human or robotic movement into large, realistic, labeled datasets, offering a cost-efficient alternative to traditional motion capture for rehabilitation, sports analytics, and robotics.
Proof of Concept Award ceremony
Following the presentations, winners of the Fall 2026 Proof of Concept awards will be announced. Learn more about the Proof of Concept awards here: https://discoverytoimpact.utexas.edu/programs/proof-of-concept-awards/