Anchoring Innovation: Dr. Tathagata Ray Takes First Place in the 2026 KCV IMPACT Competition
Dr. Tathagata Ray, P.E., assistant professor at Morehead State University, recently earned first place and a $25,000 award through Kentucky Commercialization Ventures' (KCV) 2026 IMPACT Competition. KCV, an initiative of the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation (KSTC), works with Kentucky's public universities and colleges to support research-driven innovation and commercialization. Supported by the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, the IMPACT Competition encourages ideas relevant to improving social, health or economic conditions while highlighting the value of innovators across Kentucky.
For Ray, that innovation began with a problem he repeatedly encountered in the field. As a professional engineer working across Kentucky, Ray was frequently called to inspect the anchoring of mobile and manufactured homes before their purchase or sale. Those experiences led him to consider how existing foundation systems could be improved.
His proposed solution uses two concrete slabs and steel braces designed to improve resistance to uplift while reducing the amount of concrete required. Based on preliminary calculations, this system could use approximately 60% less concrete than conventional foundations and provide greater uplift capacity than comparable strap-auger systems. The design also aims to reduce installation costs and improve long-term durability.
What This Could Mean for Homeowners A more durable, cost-effective foundation option with less labor and disruption during installation.
As Ray works to move the idea from preliminary calculations and drawings toward testing, earning first place in the IMPACT Competition offered another form of support: encouragement that others saw potential in his idea, too.
"When KCV awarded me the first prize, it gave me happiness and confidence that somebody ... had the same confidence in this idea."
What inspired you to explore the challenges associated with residential foundations?
As a professional engineer in Kentucky, I work across the state, and people call me to inspect mobile homes before they move forward with purchasing or selling those homes. Of the homes I have inspected, I estimate about 80% have had structural deficiencies.
I found that many were deficient in terms of overturning and sliding due to wind. They were adequately supported for downward forces but not for uplift or sliding forces. This was the premise of my proposal.
My idea needed to address vertical, lateral and uplift loads. Although there are conventional foundations already capable of doing this, they often require large amounts of concrete.
"I wanted to explore whether there was another approach that could reduce the amount of concrete required and ultimately save homeowners money."
Who do you ultimately hope will benefit from this innovation?
People living in mobile homes or other residential homes who want to strengthen their foundation. The goal is to use fewer footers and require less digging, reducing the labor and materials needed to get the job done.
What comes next for the innovation?
We currently have preliminary calculations, but the system still needs to be tested. We are currently reaching out to contractors and steel fabricators around Eastern Kentucky and beyond to help us build the test setup. Once that is built, we will test the system and gather the evidence needed to evaluate its performance and inform the next steps for the project.
Ray is collaborating on the project with Dr. Krishna Sai Vutukuru, a fellow professional engineer who has served as a peer reviewer of the design, contributed additional durability considerations and reviewed the design being prepared for testing.
What advice would you give other Kentucky researchers or innovators who have an idea but may not know how to move it forward?
Research what already exists and determine how your idea could improve upon it. Then, write it down. Writing is one of the most difficult parts because you are not speaking to or showing somebody your idea. Only your words and drawings are conveying it. Prepare a good-quality drawing and, if you have calculations, include those as well.
Your proposal should explain how your idea differs from existing solutions and consider the scientific, engineering and economic aspects of the idea.
What has your experience with KCV and the IMPACT Competition been like?
Very good. It helps people like us get something started and file a patent. It is extremely beneficial for people working at regional universities in Kentucky.
Ray was already familiar with KCV through its work with Morehead State University and other faculty members before approaching the organization with his idea. KCV encouraged him to pursue the IMPACT Competition, helping connect an idea inspired by his work in the field with an opportunity to continue developing it.
Now, Ray and his collaborators are working toward the next critical step: testing the system and generating the evidence needed to determine where the innovation can go next.
What could your idea become with the right support? Explore the KCV IMPACT Competition and discover resources designed to help move your innovation forward.