Provost’s Proof of Concept Fund Backs Tulane Projects Using AI to Improve Healthcare Research, Protect Coastlines, and Enhance Drone Security
Three research teams from Tulane University's School of Science and Engineering have received Provost’s Proof of Concept (PPOC) funding from the Tulane Innovation Institute to advance their research into real-world applications that address global challenges and could potentially save lives. These projects include protecting Louisiana's coastline from storms, using AI to convert privacy-compliant healthcare records into life-saving research, and improving the detection of aerial drone threats. PPOC has awarded $150,000 to the Fall 2025 recipients.
"In just a few years, the Provost’s Proof of Concept Fund has helped Tulane researchers move more than a million dollars’ worth of innovation closer to real-world use, and it is exciting to see three of this year’s awards land in the School of Science and Engineering. These projects capture what SSE does best: apply deep expertise in science and engineering to create solutions for better lives,” noted Hridesh Rajan, PhD, Dean of the School of Science and Engineering.
A partnership between the Tulane Innovation Institute and Provost Robin Forman, PPOC has reached a significant milestone. Since launching its first awards in Spring 2023, the program has distributed over $1 million across six funding rounds to help Tulane researchers commercialize their innovations.
