Brief: Research turns into business endeavor

Former Tulane professor Aline Betancourt’s recent study of stem cells has led to a partnership with the New Orleans BioInnovation Center in order to commercialize her research, according to City Business.

Betancourt developed a technology that gives stem cells a cue to reproduce in a more predictable way. With her new finding she was able to start her own company, Wibi +Works, and is looking to take on the challenge of managing her research and her new company. Her company has already received a $400,000 grant in January and is using the money to fund more research for cell-therapy for rheumatoid arthritis.