Florida A&M hosted its inaugural Innovation Showcase, or iShow, Friday at the FAMU Foundation Building.
The Tallahassee community and investors throughout the state were able to witness a diverse showcase of FAMU’s faculty, staff and student inventors.
More than 20 inventors were featured at the showcase. Each inventor was given the opportunity to pitch his or her inventions to potential investors.
Guests witnessed innovations in agriculture, human resources and the natural, health, environmental and social sciences.
Eunice Cofie, a FAMU alumnus and inventor of Neukie Skincare, said her skin products promote the beauty of African-American skin in men and women.
“I’ve designed a product that treats the problems of colored skin such as hyperpigmentation,” Cofie said. “I want people to feel good about their skin, no matter what shade of brown you represent.”
In addition to skincare innovators, there were also patented agricultural inventors looking to make their marks on nature.
Oghenekome Onokpis, a FAMU professor and inventor, discovered a unique fungus that will destroy invasive weeds and preserve native plants.
“We are working to finalize the final project, and we hope this showcase will connect us with the right investor who believes in our research,” Onokpis said.
As the event progressed, the inventors were acknowledged by FAMU’s division of research and the office of technology transfer, licensing and commercialization.
The top inventors were awarded a gold plaque and a monetary gift for their achievements in research.
“This is our first showcase, and we will definitely be back next year,” said Rose Glee, director of the office of technology transfer, licensing and commercialization. “In the midst of National Entrepreneurship Month, we have created a necessary platform for the innovative leaders of today.”