Mercer Times

More than 400 individuals, including Princeton faculty, staff, industry representatives, venture capitalists, and guests attended the Celebrate Princeton Innovation event. This annual gathering honors researchers who are patenting discoveries, creating start-up companies, and exploring various ventures.

Princeton President Christopher L. Eisgruber addressed the attendees, saying, “It is wonderful to be able to see all of you coming together, different partners from around the region along with our researchers from across the University.” He emphasized the importance of these collaborations for the future of society and the university.

Craig Arnold served as master of ceremonies. As vice dean for innovation and newly appointed University innovation officer, Arnold discussed how the new Office of Innovation consolidates activities from the Office of the Dean for Research. This includes Technology Licensing and Strategic Partnerships and Engagement.

“We brought those together and expanded it to provide new support for engaging regional and global partners,” Arnold stated. He highlighted that this new structure would enable more responsive service to community needs and enhance innovation at Princeton.

Eisgruber also noted that leading scholars want contact with partners who can ensure their innovations make a real-world impact.

Meredith Prysak was introduced by Arnold as director of product development at Orthobond Corp., a featured company at the event. Orthobond has developed a nanoscale surface treatment to prevent contamination in medical devices. Arnold credited Professor Jeff Schwartz's lab as the birthplace of this technology.

Prysak described Orthobond’s collaboration with Princeton as enormously successful.

Arnold presented Justin Silpe with the Tiger Entrepreneur Award for entrepreneurial achievement. Silpe co-founded PumpKin while working as a postdoctoral researcher in Princeton’s Department of Molecular Biology. PumpKin uses campus-developed technology to extend human breast milk shelf life.

Silpe acknowledged support from Princeton-administered National Science Foundation I-Corps Northeast Hub during his entrepreneurial journey.

The event featured faculty members discussing commercial possibilities of their work:

- Ralph Kleiner spoke about RNA research targeting disease.

- Jyotirmoy Mandal demonstrated passive heating and cooling technology.

- Laura Murray explained GradTLC program supporting graduate students' personal growth.

- Brandon Stewart shared insights on using large language models in political communications and marketing.

Celebrate Princeton Innovation started in 2009 as Celebrate Princeton Invention in Chancellor Green Hall but moved to Frick atrium due to increased attendance over time. This year's event saw record participation numbers.