Who We Are
LIFE SCIENCE
Technology Development
Message from the Director
At UT Life Science Technology Development, our mission is to accelerate the translation of groundbreaking discoveries into real-world solutions. We empower UT Austin’s brilliant minds to transform their research into life-changing technologies. We believe in fostering a vibrant life science innovation ecosystem. By providing strategic support, resources, and mentorship, we help de-risk early-stage technologies and attract investment. We’re committed to building strong partnerships and equipping our community with the entrepreneurial skills to thrive. I lead with authenticity and passion. I believe in setting clear expectations, asking the tough questions, and empowering my team to take ownership. It’s not about being right, but about doing what’s right. We are dedicated to making a tangible impact on patient lives and are eager to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. We are also passionate about sharing our knowledge and experience with the next generation of innovators. Together, let’s build on the legacy of those who came before us and create a brighter future for all.
Michael J. Yost, Ph.D., FAIMBE, FNAI | Director, Life Science Technology Development
Technologies in development
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Engineered cyst(e)inase for rare disease
An engineered enzyme that degrades serum cystine, reducing the incidence of cystine crystal formation in the kidneys.
- Inventor: George Georgiou and Everett Stone
- Indication: Cystinuria
- U.S. Patient Population: 30,001
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AerosoLNP: targeted lung delivery lipid nanoparticle platform
An aerosolizable lipid nanoparticle technology that withstands shear forces of aerosolization. Incorporating a peptide that enables lung mucus penetration, this technology can encapsulate a variety of cargo for targeted, inhaled lung delivery.
- Inventor: Rana Ghosh
- Indication: Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Disease
- U.S. Patient Population: 80,000
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Trinity Tube: Multifunctional neonatal feeding tube
A feeding tube that offers venting, temperature, pressure and ECG sensing.
- Inventor: Alan Groves and Chris Rylander
- Indication: NICU
- U.S. Patient Population: 1,000,000
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BreathEase: Breath monitoring for COPD
A home-use mask that records key breathing parameters and allows early intervention by providers
- Inventor: Tanya Hutter
- Indication: COPD
- U.S. Patient Population: 14,500,000
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Engineered homocysteinase for rare disease
An engineered enzyme that degrades serum homocysteine, improving the disease symptoms of homocystinuria patients.
- Inventor: George Georgiou and Everett Stone
- Indication: Homocystinuria
- U.S. Patient Population: 3,000 -17,000
MEET THE TEAM
Michael J. Yost, Ph.D., FAIMBE, FNAI
Director
Michael J. Yost is the Director of Life Science Technology Development and biochemical engineering with success in preclinical, device, and therapeutic development. He has over 130 publications, including 100 journal articles and 8 book chapters. He has secured 17 patents and patent applications and trained 57 junior researchers. He has secured over $51MM in research funding. He has been at the forefront of using collagen as a biomedical material. Previously, Dr. Yost was the CEO of the Zucker Institute for Innovation Commercialization, Professor of Surgery and Bioengineering, Vice Chair of Surgery for Research, Director of General Surgery Research, Acute Care and Burn, and President of FRD Accel, a medical device accelerator. He thrives when leading, coaching, and building high-performing, specialized, cross-functional teams.
Jessica Momb, Ph.D.
Project Manager
Therapeutic Technology Development
Jessica Momb manages a diverse portfolio of therapeutic technologies, working with contract research organizations and scientific inventor teams to obtain critical data to de-risk technologies on the path to a commercial product. Jessica holds a B.S in Chemistry and Ph.D. in Biochemistry. She has experience in enzymology, protein purification and characterization, and use of animal models to investigate metabolism and embryonic development. Jessica led a team in the R&D group at Molecular Templates producing immunotoxin proteins for screening. Jessica is an author on several peer-reviewed manuscripts, holder of a granted patent and recipient of a NRSA individual postdoctoral fellowship.
Joe Skraba
Director
Medical Device Technology Commercialization
Joe Skraba has 30 years of experience in commercialization and sales of a broad range of medical devices, in-vitro diagnostic devices and biotech products. He has engineered products, managed development teams on complex medical device projects and led large multinational R&D teams. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering and is inventor on multiple patents. Products that he has developed have achieved sales of more than $5 billion and has raised significant venture funding for several organizations in the past few years. Joe also has an MBA and a Master’s in Technology Commercialization.
UT INNOVATION LABS
A newly developed, 10,000-square-foot wet lab facility designed to support faculty, researchers, and early-stage life sciences startups. This institutional-grade space includes top-of-the-line equipment and technology, fume hoods, shared utilities, and flexible bench layouts to accelerate experimentation, prototyping, and translational science.
CORE FACILITIES & SERVICE CENTERS
Core facilities and other research facilities at UT are shared research spaces that house specialized scientific instruments and provide expert consultation and services to innovators. These facilities charge users a predetermined rate and most are available to external customers.
Discovery to Impact partners with researchers, inventors, investors, and entrepreneurs at every step of their journey in relentless pursuit of changing the world.