This year\u2019s celebration was bittersweet, though, as it marked Chancellor Randy Woodson\u2019s final time as host, after a decade of leadership that championed commercialization and technology transfer \u2014 and ultimately transformed the university’s landscape of research and innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chancellor Woodson hosted the Celebration of Innovation, now in its 33rd year, on Oct. 8, at his residence on Centennial Campus, The Point. He announced Ahmed El-Shafei as 2024\u2019s winner of the Innovator of the Year award and Jack Wang as the winner of the John S. Risley Entrepreneur of the Year award.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Woodson also recognized the six winning projects of the Chancellor\u2019s Innovation Fund, two prominent researchers inducted as prestigious Fellows of the National Academy of Inventors, and the 15 research-based startups our faculty and student researchers launched within the last year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep reading to learn more about those recognized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Innovator of the Year<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/research.ncsu.edu\/commercialization\/files\/2024\/10\/Innovator-5-1024x683.png\")
Ahmed El-Shafei pictured with Chancellor Woodson and Wilson College of Textiles Dean David Hinks<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAhmed El-Shafei, professor and program director of polymer and color chemistry in the Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry, and Science, was recognized with the Innovator of the Year award for his groundbreaking work in developing a high-impact, sustainable dyeing and finishing technology for the textile industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A highly accomplished researcher in polymer and color science, El-Shafei\u2019s most remarkable invention has the potential to revolutionize the dyeing process for cellulosic fibers such as cotton, linen and rayon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is estimated that the textile industry is responsible for up to 20% of global water pollution primarily due to processes like dyeing and finishing, which are resource and time intensive, and the subsequent discharge from these processes that flows into rivers and streams poses a grave environmental threat. El-Shafei\u2019s innovative technology enables the dyeing of cellulosic fibers without the harsh salt or alkali used in conventional methods, resulting in zero harmful discharge. His method represents a 75% reduction in dyeing time which leads to a four times higher throughput, and this improved process results in dramatic savings in material expenses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
El-Shafei\u2019s technology has been licensed to two prominent U.S. manufacturers who are actively collaborating with partners from across the globe to commercialize the technology for rapid adoption. A third company is also incorporating the innovation to enhance an existing commercial product with exciting results. “Dr. El-Shafei has demonstrated exceptional vision and dedication through his pioneering development in the textile industry,\u201d noted one partner. \u201cHis invention represents a true milestone in sustainable textile production, tackling the long-standing effluent problem associated with dyeing cellulosic fabrics. With his innovative approach, Dr. El-Shafei stands to elevate the textile industry to new heights of ecological sustainability and economic viability.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
El-Shafei was nominated for the award by Xiangwu Zhang, Samuel S. Walker Distinguished Professor and associate dean for research for the Wilson College of Textiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Entrepreneur of the Year<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/research.ncsu.edu\/commercialization\/files\/2024\/10\/Entrepreneur-5-1024x683.png\")
Jack Wang pictured with Chancellor Woodson and TreeCo co-founder Rodolphe Barrangou<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nJack Wang, associate professor and director of the Forest Biotechnology Group in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, was recognized with the John S. Risley Entrepreneur of the Year award for his work co-founding and growing TreeCo Inc., an NC State startup company revolutionizing the forestry industry through the power of genome editing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A molecular geneticist by training, Wang co-founded TreeCo in 2019 with renowned CRISPR researcher Rodolphe Barrangou. Their vision: Combining decades of tree genetic insights with advanced genome editing techniques to breed healthier and more sustainable forests. TreeCo\u2019s innovative approach uniquely utilizes CRISPR technology to enable precise breeding to enhance traits such as tree growth and adaptation at an unprecedented scale and speed. In addition to growing more-resilient trees faster, TreeCo also aims to improve genetic properties that could breed trees with the ideal wood composition for applications ranging from pulp and paper to biofuels and novel bioproducts. Using a machine learning model his team created, Wang and colleagues have identified key genetic targets for commercially relevant traits and phenotypes \u2014 resulting in a comprehensive, valuable intellectual property catalog of insights and know-how that positions the company at the leading edge of innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The startup\u2019s technological advantage and early entry into the market have established TreeCo as a key R&D player in the forestry market. TreeCo has already secured over $50 million in investments and external funding and has shown that it can target multiple genes simultaneously in several tree species. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wang was nominated for the award by Erin Sills, head of the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Others Recognized<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Also recognized at this year\u2019s Celebration of Innovation were recent research team recipients of the Chancellor\u2019s Innovation Fund, newly inducted Fellows of the National Academy of Inventors<\/a> (NAI), and founders of the NC State research-based startup companies launched within the past fiscal year.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNAI Fellows<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Craig Yencho, William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor in the Department of Horticultural Science and a renowned sweetpotato and potato researcher, was inducted as a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors in 2024 for his role in the development of the Covington sweet potato variety which makes up 90% of the sweetpotato crop grown in the state and 20% of the sweetpotatos acreage in the United States, and has generated over $3.5 billion in revenue for North Carolina growers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kenneth Adler, Alumni Distinguished Graduate Professor in the Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences and a leader in airway disease research, was also inducted as a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors in 2024 for his discovery of the role of the MARCKS protein in excessive mucus production in respiratory diseases. Adler developed a peptide to inhibit the function of MARCKS and formed the startup BioMarck Pharmaceuticals, a venture-funded, clinical stage biotechnology company focused on treating patients with inflammatory and immunological diseases, to commercialize the technology for treatment of multiple diseases without effective treatment options.<\/p>\n\n\n
Ahmed El-Shafei, professor and program director of polymer and color chemistry in the Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry, and Science, was recognized with the Innovator of the Year award for his groundbreaking work in developing a high-impact, sustainable dyeing and finishing technology for the textile industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A highly accomplished researcher in polymer and color science, El-Shafei\u2019s most remarkable invention has the potential to revolutionize the dyeing process for cellulosic fibers such as cotton, linen and rayon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is estimated that the textile industry is responsible for up to 20% of global water pollution primarily due to processes like dyeing and finishing, which are resource and time intensive, and the subsequent discharge from these processes that flows into rivers and streams poses a grave environmental threat. El-Shafei\u2019s innovative technology enables the dyeing of cellulosic fibers without the harsh salt or alkali used in conventional methods, resulting in zero harmful discharge. His method represents a 75% reduction in dyeing time which leads to a four times higher throughput, and this improved process results in dramatic savings in material expenses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
El-Shafei\u2019s technology has been licensed to two prominent U.S. manufacturers who are actively collaborating with partners from across the globe to commercialize the technology for rapid adoption. A third company is also incorporating the innovation to enhance an existing commercial product with exciting results. “Dr. El-Shafei has demonstrated exceptional vision and dedication through his pioneering development in the textile industry,\u201d noted one partner. \u201cHis invention represents a true milestone in sustainable textile production, tackling the long-standing effluent problem associated with dyeing cellulosic fabrics. With his innovative approach, Dr. El-Shafei stands to elevate the textile industry to new heights of ecological sustainability and economic viability.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
El-Shafei was nominated for the award by Xiangwu Zhang, Samuel S. Walker Distinguished Professor and associate dean for research for the Wilson College of Textiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Entrepreneur of the Year<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nJack Wang pictured with Chancellor Woodson and TreeCo co-founder Rodolphe Barrangou<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nJack Wang, associate professor and director of the Forest Biotechnology Group in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, was recognized with the John S. Risley Entrepreneur of the Year award for his work co-founding and growing TreeCo Inc., an NC State startup company revolutionizing the forestry industry through the power of genome editing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A molecular geneticist by training, Wang co-founded TreeCo in 2019 with renowned CRISPR researcher Rodolphe Barrangou. Their vision: Combining decades of tree genetic insights with advanced genome editing techniques to breed healthier and more sustainable forests. TreeCo\u2019s innovative approach uniquely utilizes CRISPR technology to enable precise breeding to enhance traits such as tree growth and adaptation at an unprecedented scale and speed. In addition to growing more-resilient trees faster, TreeCo also aims to improve genetic properties that could breed trees with the ideal wood composition for applications ranging from pulp and paper to biofuels and novel bioproducts. Using a machine learning model his team created, Wang and colleagues have identified key genetic targets for commercially relevant traits and phenotypes \u2014 resulting in a comprehensive, valuable intellectual property catalog of insights and know-how that positions the company at the leading edge of innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The startup\u2019s technological advantage and early entry into the market have established TreeCo as a key R&D player in the forestry market. TreeCo has already secured over $50 million in investments and external funding and has shown that it can target multiple genes simultaneously in several tree species. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wang was nominated for the award by Erin Sills, head of the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Others Recognized<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Also recognized at this year\u2019s Celebration of Innovation were recent research team recipients of the Chancellor\u2019s Innovation Fund, newly inducted Fellows of the National Academy of Inventors<\/a> (NAI), and founders of the NC State research-based startup companies launched within the past fiscal year.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNAI Fellows<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Craig Yencho, William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor in the Department of Horticultural Science and a renowned sweetpotato and potato researcher, was inducted as a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors in 2024 for his role in the development of the Covington sweet potato variety which makes up 90% of the sweetpotato crop grown in the state and 20% of the sweetpotatos acreage in the United States, and has generated over $3.5 billion in revenue for North Carolina growers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kenneth Adler, Alumni Distinguished Graduate Professor in the Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences and a leader in airway disease research, was also inducted as a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors in 2024 for his discovery of the role of the MARCKS protein in excessive mucus production in respiratory diseases. Adler developed a peptide to inhibit the function of MARCKS and formed the startup BioMarck Pharmaceuticals, a venture-funded, clinical stage biotechnology company focused on treating patients with inflammatory and immunological diseases, to commercialize the technology for treatment of multiple diseases without effective treatment options.<\/p>\n\n\n
Jack Wang, associate professor and director of the Forest Biotechnology Group in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, was recognized with the John S. Risley Entrepreneur of the Year award for his work co-founding and growing TreeCo Inc., an NC State startup company revolutionizing the forestry industry through the power of genome editing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A molecular geneticist by training, Wang co-founded TreeCo in 2019 with renowned CRISPR researcher Rodolphe Barrangou. Their vision: Combining decades of tree genetic insights with advanced genome editing techniques to breed healthier and more sustainable forests. TreeCo\u2019s innovative approach uniquely utilizes CRISPR technology to enable precise breeding to enhance traits such as tree growth and adaptation at an unprecedented scale and speed. In addition to growing more-resilient trees faster, TreeCo also aims to improve genetic properties that could breed trees with the ideal wood composition for applications ranging from pulp and paper to biofuels and novel bioproducts. Using a machine learning model his team created, Wang and colleagues have identified key genetic targets for commercially relevant traits and phenotypes \u2014 resulting in a comprehensive, valuable intellectual property catalog of insights and know-how that positions the company at the leading edge of innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The startup\u2019s technological advantage and early entry into the market have established TreeCo as a key R&D player in the forestry market. TreeCo has already secured over $50 million in investments and external funding and has shown that it can target multiple genes simultaneously in several tree species. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wang was nominated for the award by Erin Sills, head of the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Others Recognized<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Also recognized at this year\u2019s Celebration of Innovation were recent research team recipients of the Chancellor\u2019s Innovation Fund, newly inducted Fellows of the National Academy of Inventors<\/a> (NAI), and founders of the NC State research-based startup companies launched within the past fiscal year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Craig Yencho, William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor in the Department of Horticultural Science and a renowned sweetpotato and potato researcher, was inducted as a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors in 2024 for his role in the development of the Covington sweet potato variety which makes up 90% of the sweetpotato crop grown in the state and 20% of the sweetpotatos acreage in the United States, and has generated over $3.5 billion in revenue for North Carolina growers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kenneth Adler, Alumni Distinguished Graduate Professor in the Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences and a leader in airway disease research, was also inducted as a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors in 2024 for his discovery of the role of the MARCKS protein in excessive mucus production in respiratory diseases. Adler developed a peptide to inhibit the function of MARCKS and formed the startup BioMarck Pharmaceuticals, a venture-funded, clinical stage biotechnology company focused on treating patients with inflammatory and immunological diseases, to commercialize the technology for treatment of multiple diseases without effective treatment options.<\/p>\n\n\nNAI Fellows<\/h3>\n\n\n\n