Investors and scientists converge at 2021 DisrupTECH tech-transfer event

Award-winning innovations improve cancer treatment and aerospace testing

By Tricia Ware | September 8, 2021

Disruptech Opt
Kirti Bhardwaj (left) is the winner of the 2021 DisrupTECH award for Best Technology for SafeRad: Making Safer Radiation Therapy Accessible for Cancer. Ian Cummings (right) is the winner of the 2021 DisrupTECH award for Best Presentation for ASSESS: A Rapid Full Structure Ultrasonic NDE Tool for the Aerospace Industry.

Cutting-edge technologies including more comfortable radiation therapy, ultrasonic aerospace testing, and advancements in hydrogen fuel cells were among 13 presentations to investors made by Laboratory scientists as part of the 2021 DisrupTECH event.

“The technology, medicine, and public-safety projects presented at DisrupTECH are compelling innovations and a great outcome of the Laboratory’s mission-focused work,” said Lab Director Thom Mason. “I look forward to widespread use of these innovations in New Mexico and beyond.”

A joint project between the Laboratory, the Feynman Center for Innovation, and the New Mexico Start-Up Factory, the 2021 DisrupTECH was a hybrid event both online and in person held on Aug. 18. More than 140 entrepreneurs, investors, industry partners, and regional leaders attended. The New Mexico Economic Development Department was also a sponsor.

The 2021 DisrupTECH award for Best Technology went to Kirti Bhardwaj for SafeRad: Making Safer Radiation Therapy Accessible for Cancer, a breakthrough technology that minimizes the side effects of radiation treatments for cancer patients with a new technique eradicating cancer cells only, leaving healthy cells intact. Patients would not experience nausea, hair loss, or immunocompromization. 

The 2021 DisrupTECH award for Best Presentation went to Ian Cummings for ASSESS: A Rapid Full Structure Ultrasonic NDE Tool for the Aerospace Industry, which is non-destructive and less-expensive than other methods.

Other technologies presented included artificial intelligence pinpointing gas-pipeline weaknesses, advancements in hydrogen fuel cells, detection devices for planetary rovers, disease modeling, algae farming, and biodegradable plastics.