Project Grant 2611213

The National Science Foundation Division of Electrical, Communications and Cyber Systems awarded Wake Forest University $306,341 on October 15, 2026, for collaborative research under the Engineering program (CFDA 47.041) to develop a predictive device physics framework for high-performance organic electrochemical transistors.

The project, conducted in collaboration with Princeton University, will establish fundamental understanding of how organic electrochemical transistors operate and create a simulation-guided design framework to accelerate development of high-performance devices. Organic electrochemical transistors translate biological ionic signals into electrical currents, positioning them as critical hardware for medical implants, wearable health monitors, and personalized healthcare technologies that interface with soft biological systems. Current design approaches rely on costly trial-and-error methods; the predictive framework will enable rapid development of stable bioelectronics for health monitoring and low-power hardware for energy-efficient AI applications.

The work encompasses research in polymer chemistry and device physics, integration of bioelectronics modules into undergraduate curricula, and engagement of undergraduate and graduate students in cross-disciplinary research. Industrial partnerships will prepare students for leadership roles in domestic semiconductor and biotechnology sectors.

Performance occurs at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, with work concluding by September 30, 2029.