UC Venture Lab empowers PhD grad's tech to accelerate patent process

With Upaassana’s background in electrical engineering and years of AI experience, she developed Perceive Now as a virtual research powerhouse in sectors where precision and speed are essential. The AI-driven solution autonomously aims to deliver comprehensive, data-rich insights, covering millions of data points and equipping decision-makers with actionable strategies.

“Perceive Now’s technology transforms IP and market intelligence, reducing traditional research timelines by 90% and costs by 80%, helping businesses make more intelligent decisions faster than ever,” Upaassana said. “Imagine a super-powered research assistant for patents and market analysis where you tell us what you need. Our AI then dives into over 100 million sources, and in just 48 hours, you get a custom report loaded with insights that really matter.”

This streamlined process marks a stark departure from traditional research methods, often involving weeks of work and hefty price tags.

Perceive Now’s journey wasn’t straightforward. Upaassana and her team drew from advancements in generative AI, allowing them to perfect and scale their capabilities. The startup leveraged strategic partnerships and targeted accelerator programs like UC’s 1819 Venture Lab to fuel its innovation.

Upaassana acknowledges the impactful mentorship she received through the Venture Lab, a program that accelerates startups from concept to commercialization.

“The Venture Lab helped us clarify our go-to-market strategy and build a foundation for customer acquisition,” Upaassana said.

Early support from entities like Main Street Ventures, a nonprofit partner of UC’s 1819 Innovation Hub, the Venture Lab, Gener8tor and others provided $415,000 in cumulative funding, enabling Perceive Now to refine its technology and expand its capabilities.

“These early funds were crucial,” Upaassana said. “Especially as we developed our LLM technology and solidified our market approach.”

Upaassana didn’t set out to disrupt an industry — she set out to solve her own problem navigating the patent process.

Perceive Now’s differentiator in the competitive landscape of research tools is its proprietary LLM technology, which Upaassana said, “Autonomously orchestrates the creation of a 200-page market or technology report — covering millions of data points, statistical analyses and actionable strategies, all delivered in a format fully customizable to the client’s needs.”

Upaassana envisions expanding Perceive Now’s reach to enhance its AI capabilities to continuously meet evolving industry needs.

“Our goal is simple,” she said, “to stay ahead and offer the fastest, most relevant insights possible.”

Her advice to companies relying on outdated tools is direct: “If you’re still waiting weeks for answers, you’re already behind. Perceive Now offers clarity in 48 hours, backed by insights you can trust to drive billion-dollar decisions.”

Through resilience, innovation and support from UC’s 1819 Innovation Hub, Upaassana aims to redefine what’s possible. Her story is a testament to the impact of an ecosystem like the 1819 Innovation Hub that provides a road map, mentors and resources for those with vision, persistence and a relentless pursuit of a better way forward.

Featured image at top: People walk into the Venture Lab space in UC's 1819 Innovation Hub. Photo/Greg Glevicky