Our Bureau
Athens, GA
The University System of Georgia Board of Regents approved UGA’s Hitesh Handa as Regents’ Entrepreneurs at its February 11 meeting.
“I am immensely grateful to my mentors, mentees, supportive colleagues and staff members, collaborators, UGA’s leadership, Innovation Gateway and my family for their unwavering support and dedication in making this achievement possible,” said Handa. “Receiving this title is a tremendous honor that highlights the significance of our combined efforts and motivates me to keep pursuing excellence. I am committed to enhancing health care by bridging the gap between clinicians and researchers.”
This honor acknowledges faculty members who have successfully transformed research into commercial applications. Initially granted for three years with the possibility of extension, the designation includes a one-time $10,000 cash award. With Handa’s appointment and one more, the total number of UGA Regents’ Entrepreneurs goes up to five.
Handa, the associate professor and Distinguished Faculty Fellow in the College of Engineering and director of the Biointerface Translation and Engineering Center, has made significant medical innovations through his work in biomedical engineering. His research focuses on developing nitric oxide-releasing biomaterials that prevent infections and blood clots sometimes caused by implanted medical devices.
Handa has co-founded two startups including his current venture, Nytricx Inc., and has eight issued patents with 25 more pending. In the past two years, he successfully secured more than $5.5 million in federal commercialization grants from agencies including the Department of Defense, Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority and National Institutes of Health.
“This recognition highlights the profound impact that UGA researchers have in translating scientific discovery into real-world solutions,” said Chris King, interim vice president for research. “Dr. Handa exemplify the spirit of innovation, not only advancing his respective fields but also driving economic growth in the state and improving lives of everyday Georgians through his entrepreneurial ventures.”
He has been named a Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors and UGA Entrepreneur of the Year in 2021.
Beyond his research, Handa actively contributes to UGA’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, mentoring students and startups while engaging in industry events like the Georgia Bio Life Sciences Summit.
