Research and Innovation Showcase

It starts small. An idea. A question. A curiosity and drive to learn more. Then it expands. The convergence of different perspectives each impacting the next to develop solutions that reach further than any one individual - past the confines of our campus, region and state. The Research and Innovation Showcase brings awareness to Ohio State’s role as a global leader in impactful research and innovation. ​Hosted by the Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge (ERIK), the showcase celebrates the inquiry, curiosity and passion that ripples through our community. Always moving, always connecting, always expanding to address what humankind needs now.

The 2024 Research and Innovation Showcase was held April 10, beginning with three inspiring talks highlighting some of the collected impact of Ohio State's researchers, innovators and curators of knowledge. The event culminated with a celebration of Ohio State's entrepreneurial spirit with the award presentations for the 2024 Innovators of the Year. 

At the annual Research and Innovation Showcase held Wednesday, April 10, Emre Koksal, professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the College of Engineering, was awarded as The Ohio State University 2024 Innovator of the Year. The Innovator of the Year award recognizes established Ohio State researchers who are actively working to promote the commercialization of university intellectual property, through invention disclosures filed, patents applied for and/or received, technologies licensed or spin-off companies formed. Two other awards were presented during the event.

The Early Career Innovator of the Year award was given to Kotaro Nakanishi, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences. This award recognizes Ohio State researchers who are early in their career, actively working to promote commercialization of university intellectual property. "I would like to thank the leadership team for selecting me, this is a great honor," said Nakanishi, adding, "I want to thank my lab members, they have tested many of my crazy ideas."

Enming (Sam) Xing, a doctoral candidate in the College of Pharmacy, was named Next Generation Innovator of the Year. This award recognizes postdocs, undergraduates or graduates for innovation and entrepreneurship that has contributed to the development or commercialization of a new technology or a trainee-initiated start-up company whose success is a result of entrepreneurial talent, creativity and energy. "Even though my name is engraved on here, this is a team effort," said Xing.