Image: Dr. Ron Orlando, Professor in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and member of the Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, has been named a Regent's Entrepreneur by the University of Georgia System. 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. Dr. Orlando's research focuses on analyzing glycoproteins and glycation, and he has co-founded three companies—BioInquire, GlycoScientific and PhotoChem/GenNext—that bring cutting-edge research tools and technologies to market. His ventures have secured $17.6 million in commercialization grant funding, generated over $4.5 million in sales and contracts, created nearly 60 jobs and resulted in more than 100 new products. “Receiving this distinction is truly an honor. There are many people I want to thank, including my students (past and present), various colleagues, fellow faculty, administrators and mostly my wife and children,” said Orlando. “I am grateful that UGA encourages entrepreneurship, which has allowed me to translate several UGA discoveries into practical solutions for the betterment of society.”
