Dear Leadership Board,

I am pleased to share the latest updates from TIBI, highlighting our ongoing efforts and achievements in advancing our mission of improving human and planetary health. We are committed to creating an environment that supports "Academic Entrepreneurs" by fostering effective and impactful innovation processes. Our goal is to build a collaborative community that brings together entrepreneurs, investors, practitioners, and scientists in the LA ecosystem.

We are excited to announce that Dr. Davood Pourkargar has joined us as a visiting Assistant Professor. Dr. Pourkargar earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University in 2015 and is currently an Assistant Professor at Kansas State University. His expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the development of smart systems for biomanufacturing and organ-on-a-chip technologies will be a valuable addition to our faculty.

Our institute is also embarking on several new initiatives that promise to advance our research and impact significantly. We have started a collaborative agreement with the Mayo Clinic, leveraging our expertise in transplantation to address current challenges in the field, particularly organ shortage and transplant rejection. Furthermore, a new CIRM grant will support our efforts in treating back pain through cell therapy using stem cell delivery.

Our recent publications reflect the breadth and depth of our research endeavors. We are working on advanced flexible bioelectronics for medical applications, such as smart contact lenses and electronic skin. Notably, we have developed a new method using machine learning to enhance nanofibrous acoustic energy harvesters, which can significantly improve wearable technology.

In the field of wound healing and regenerative medicine, our scientists have created innovative materials, including a hydrogel made from egg white that promotes cell growth and another hydrogel infused with cancer therapy drugs. These groundbreaking developments are detailed in Advanced Functional Materials.

Moreover, our work on organs-on-a-chip technologies continues to gain traction. We have developed a new chip to evaluate the blood-brain barrier using advanced microfluidic devices, underscoring our commitment to precision medicine.

These achievements demonstrate our unwavering commitment to pioneering research and developing practical, life-changing technologies. Thank you for your continued support and collaboration.

Best regards,

Ali Khademhosseini

CEO, TIBI