Last week, the team behind the NSF-funded ASCEND2.0 program visited the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa to engage directly with two of its grantees, Dr. Jesse Owens and Dr. Soojin Jun, whose groundbreaking research is paving the way for innovations in biologic medicine and food preservation.

The visit provided an opportunity for the ASCEND2.0 leadership team to connect in person with both researchers, share a meal, and gain firsthand insight into the impact and advancement of their work. Dr. Owens is developing novel therapeutics to treat inflammatory bowel disease using biologic delivery mechanisms, while Dr. Jun is exploring next-generation food preservation technologies—both of which were highlighted earlier this year when their projects were selected for ASCEND2.0 support. Read more about their research here.

In addition to site visits, the NMSUF team met with members of the University of Hawaiʻi’s technology transfer office, strengthening collaboration around commercialization efforts. The discussions underscored how ASCEND2.0 funding continues to accelerate applied research into real-world solutions by supporting translational work that brings university-based innovations closer to market.

“We were thrilled to see the momentum firsthand and deepen our partnerships with both the investigators and the broader University of Hawaiʻi community,” said the NMSUF team. “Mahalo to our partners for their hospitality and their shared commitment to driving innovation from the lab to the marketplace.”

The ASCEND2.0 program—administered by the New Mexico Startup Factory (NMSUF)—identifies and supports high-potential, university-based research teams, helping them overcome the early-stage commercialization gap through funding, mentorship, and ecosystem building.

For more information on ASCEND2.0 and its current portfolio of innovators, visit ascendtwo.org.