An official website of the United States government.
There were no results found for that query.
Try a new search or return to previous page to try again.
Loading company results...
Phase I
-
109 THERAPEUTICS, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Novel injectable long-acting local anesthetic for postoperative pain management
Contact
825 N 300 W STE 300
Salt Lake City, UT 84103–1459
NSF Award
2026176 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,838
Start / end date
09/01/2020 – 08/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact /commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project develops novel pain therapeutics that can reduce or eliminate the use of opioids after surgery. Opioid-based medications are a mainstay of postoperative pain management, with approximately 80% of surgical patients receiving prescriptions, but may result in opioid-misuse disorders with 10% of patients progressing to long-term use. In addition to being potentially deadly, this use can be associated with adverse events, such as addiction, respiratory depression, cognitive impairment, nausea, constipation; consequences include increased cost of care, hospital length of stay, and readmission rates. The goal of the proposed work is to develop a prototype long-acting local anesthetic that is easy-to-use, can provide sustained local anesthesia for 72 hours, and presents limited safety risks. This SBIR Phase I project will perform formulation optimization of a novel long-acting local anesthetic for postoperative pain management. Currently, options for long-acting local anesthesia suffer drawbacks such as limited duration, high costs, inadequate efficacy, cumbersome equipment, and risk of infection; these limit their utility as safe and effective postoperative pain management. This project will optimize formulation parameters for the desired drug release profile. Additionally, the stability of the resulting formulations will be validated to ensure adequate shelf-life stability. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
2WITECH SOLUTIONS LLC
SBIR Phase I: Fast field detection of trace fluorocarbon compounds in water
Contact
110 CANAL ST 2ND FL
Lowell, MA 01852–4574
NSF Award
2025338 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
08/01/2020 – 07/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this SBIR Phase I project is in the development of a low-cost, high sensitivity sensor to measure contaminants in groundwater. These measurements are currently performed using technologies that are relatively expensive ($250-300 per water sample) and have a long turn-around time (10-15 business days). The proposed on-site optical detection technology targets a 10-fold reduction in test price ($20-30 per water sample), and fast detection time (<10 minutes). The proposed sensor will possess the following advanced attributes: high sensitivity, high specificity, fast detection, ease of operation, low power consumption, zero chemical release, low operational cost, remote measurements, and long-term stability without the need for recalibration. Moreover, direct use of the sample water will potentially eliminate uncertainties associated with measurement techniques. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is directed toward development of a powerful on-site detection and monitoring system for trace levels of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in groundwater. The proposed technology uses fluorescence quenching induced phase shift. A fluorescent material with PFAS molecule binding sites will be fabricated and its PFAS-induced fluorescence quenching will be experimentally evaluated. Using phase fluorometry, the phase shift of quenched emissions against excitation pulses will be recorded and correlated to the concentration of PFAS in water. The key technical risks lie in improving sensitivity by three orders of magnitude for a complex aqueous sample. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
3D HEALTH SOLUTIONS, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Improving in vitro prediction of oral drug permeability and metabolism using a novel 3D canine organoid model
Contact
822 ASH AVE
Ames, IA 50014–7827
NSF Award
1912948 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
07/01/2019 – 06/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project is to provide the pharmaceutical industry with improved pre-clinical screening assay for oral drug absorption. Current in vitro methods for characterizing gastrointestinal absorption are based on unreliable assays, with 90% of all drugs developed ultimately failing to enter the market. Practically, these limitations delay the development of critically needed therapeutic drugs and dramatically increase drug prices and health care costs. There is, therefore, a critical need to develop more predictive in vitro testing assays that will allow for early selection of the most promising drug candidates to reduce the number of live animal studies and their associated costs, while accelerating transition from pre-clinical research to early drug development. The technology is based on the discovery, fundamental characterization and bioarchiving of adult canine intestinal stem cell lines, called 3-dimensional (3D) canine intestinal organoids. These miniguts emulate the physiology of the functional intestine much more closely than currently available methods and have the potential to provide superior drug screening over currently used assays. This SBIR Phase I is a proposal to establish that in vitro predictability of oral drug absorption can be improved using canine intestinal organoids vs. standard 2D in vitro assays, such as Caco2 and MDCK cell lines. In Aim 1, the goal is to determine intestinal absorption and permeability of therapeutic drugs as a function of disease and intestinal segment as compared with conventional in vitro models. This will be achieved by quantifying passive and active permeability of drugs, as well as drug transporter expression and function in 3D canine organoids vs. conventional cell systems. In Aim 2, the goal is to determine intestinal metabolism of therapeutic drugs as a function of disease and intestinal segment in canine organoids compared to standard in vitro models. Ultimately, quantitative data generated through these experiments will be imported into a commercial software to simulate the disposition kinetics of a predefined set of candidate drugs. Performances of the model predictions will be evaluated by comparing simulated vs. observed drug kinetic plasma data from the literature for validation purposes. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
3D MICROFLUIDICS LLC
SBIR Phase I: Fast and scalable printing of high-resolution microfluidic devices using HLP technology.
Contact
36 GRAMPIAN RD APT 4
Liverpool, NY 13090–4045
NSF Award
2013942 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,606
Start / end date
05/15/2020 – 05/31/2021
Abstract
The broadder impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to advance the development of microfluidic devices for life sciences research. Currently, devices with high-resolution microchannels are typically manufactured using sophisticated cleanroom microfabrication facilities, requiring technical expertise, high costs, and long turnaround times; these factors inhibit their use. This project will enable rapid manufacturing of customized microfluidics devices with substantially lower costs and turnaround times. This technology will impact research in applications including fundamental cell biology, drug screening, cellular therapy, toxicity testing, and tissue engineering. This SBIR Phase I project will advance the translation of hybrid laser printing (HLP), combining the quick and large-scale printing capability of Continuous Liquid Interface Production (CLIP) with precision processing of additive multiphoton polymerization (MPP) and subtractive multiphoton ablation (MPA) into a single versatile machine. Technical challenges in material discovery and scalability will be addressed in this work: 1) Discover new materials not only compatible with HLP process but also showing the necessary durability, transparency, biocompatibility, and impermeability to fluids; and characterize key HLP parameters, such as ablation z-range used in MPA mode and dead-zone thickness used in CLIP mode; and 2) Scale the maximum printable size of HLP process using a novel multiscale CLIP strategy combined with a step-stitch projection printing method. The project will develop a prototype for life sciences applications. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
3I NANOTECH, INC.
SBIR Phase I: A Chip-Based Nanosensor for Troponin T Detection in Human Blood
Contact
2901 E GATE CITY BLVD STE 2400
Greensboro, NC 27401–4904
NSF Award
1913695 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,491
Start / end date
07/15/2019 – 06/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this SBIR Phase I project to develop a portable chip-based diagnostic device to detect the biomarker troponin T in human blood for cardiac disease diagnosis. This nano-biosensor has the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. Many patients who experience chest pain, an early symptom of a heart attack (myocardial infarction, MI), are first seen by EMS (emergency medical services) and are transported to a hospital in an ambulance. EMS are equipped with electrocardiogram (EKG) devices, but approximately 40% of all heart attacks cannot be diagnosed with an EKG alone. This leads to longer wait times for a definitive diagnosis, causes difficulty for patient transport decisions, delays treatment for those experiencing a true MI, and causes unnecessary hospital admissions for patients who are later found not to have had a heart attack. Blood-based biomarker assays, which are currently not performed in a prehospital setting, are needed to reach a conclusive diagnosis for all heart attack types. A portable device to monitor troponin T in a prehospital setting would result in faster treatment via improved diagnosis, better routing of patients to appropriate medical centers, and a decrease in unnecessary hospital stays. The cardiac biomarker market, including troponin, is expected to grow to $9.9 billion by 2022. The innovation of the proposed technology lies in the metal nanostructures on the diagnostic chip. These nanostructures allow proteins to be delivered to the sensing area and detected in a high sensitivity manner, while excluding larger debris, such as blood cells. The proposed work will leverage optical techniques for real-time label-free detection of protein biomarkers at the nanostructured chip. The current method for manufacturing the detection chips is slow and uneconomical. This Phase I work will address the high-risk, high-reward technical challenges by creating a low-cost, high-throughput fabrication method to mass manufacture nanostructured chips with reproducible optical properties. Additionally, this Phase I work seeks to validate blood sample delivery to the sensing area and troponin T detection in blood using an integrated microfluidic device. The selectivity and specificity requirements will be addressed by attachment of custom DNA molecules to the sensing area. These pieces of DNA are designed to bind in a highly specific manner to troponin T only. The outcomes of this Phase I project will establish the scientific and technical foundations necessary to move into a Phase II project by developing a low cost and easy to use point-of-care device suitable for rapid prehospital diagnosis of heart attacks. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
42BIO, LLC
SBIR Phase I: Immunity Transfer by Magnetic Separation (COVID-19)
Contact
10203 SW 49TH LN
Gainesville, FL 32608–7159
NSF Award
2029723 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,993
Start / end date
08/01/2020 – 03/31/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the COVID-19 global pandemic. Recently, transfusions of plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients has shown some efficacy in treatment. This is due to antibodies in the donor plasma that recognize the SARS-CoV-2 virus, boosting the recipient’s immune system to better fight COVID-19. By mixing donor plasma with magnetic particles coated with molecules that can capture these therapeutic antibodies, we will magnetically extract, purify and concentrate these antibodies for use in COVID-19 treatment. This technology can potentially be extended to other diseases as well. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to develop chemical conjugation strategies and novel magnet arrays capable of isolating large amounts of therapeutic antibody from each unit of plasma. This strategy introduces the potential to harvest large amounts of therapeutic SARS-CoV-2 antibodies from a single recovered COVID-19 patient, enabling treatment of multiple patients from the plasma of one convalescent patient. The antibody-depleted plasma can be returned to the donor, enabling multiple plasma donations without the requirement of permanently removing plasma from the donor. In addition, access to purified antibodies should enable scaling of the therapeutic dose, potentially conferring longer immunity or inducing a more robust immune response in the patient. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
A-Alpha Bio, Inc.
SBIR Phase I: Developing a Rapid Antibody Generation Platform for Emerging COVID-19 Variants
Contact
4000 Mason Road
Seattle, WA 98195–0001
NSF Award
2033772 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
09/01/2020 – 08/31/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to improve and accelerate the development of antibody therapies to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Antibody therapies are in development to target SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, but emerging virus mutations may result in resistance and require the development of new therapies. Antibody therapies typically enter the clinic after a year of development or longer, and the medical and economic consequences of this delay are severely felt throughout the world. To reduce the time to produce an antibody against an emerging SARS-CoV-2 mutant, this project develops a computational platform trained using massive experimental datasets to rapidly predict the therapeutic potency. This platform will enable drugs against SARS-CoV-2 mutants to more rapidly reach the clinic, saving thousands of lives. Moreover, the proposed platform can be utilized to predict therapeutic efficacy against future coronavirus strains unassociated with the COVID-19 pandemic, providing an invaluable tool to fight future pandemics. The proposed project will demonstrate the feasibility of using quantitative and library-on-library protein interaction datasets to train machine learning models for predicting antibody binding to novel SARS-CoV-2 variants. Existing approaches to build computational predictions for antibody drug development have been limited to few target variants, since datasets with binding measurements against hundreds or thousands of targets are not available. This project involves optimizing and validating a cell-based platform for generating a sufficient quantity and quality of antibody-antigen binding data for training computational models. The platform uses genetically engineered yeast cells and next generation sequencing to link protein interaction strength with cellular mating frequency. To demonstrate feasibility, large multi-chain antibody libraries will be genomically integrated in yeast and enriched for binding to SARS-CoV-2 and related coronaviruses. Next, a large network of antibody-antigen interactions will be measured and validated for quantitative accuracy by comparing to biophysical measurements. Finally, the resulting data will be used to train machine learning models and evaluate their predictive power using cross-validation. Training of computational models with sufficient predictive power will demonstrate the feasibility of using quantitative and library-on-library binding data coupled with machine learning to develop a platform for rapid antibody development to a novel SARS-CoV-2 mutant. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
ACATECHOL, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Virucidal surface coatings for prevention of COVID-19 transmission
Contact
2265 E FOOTHILL BLVD
Pasadena, CA 91107–3658
NSF Award
2034178 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$275,864
Start / end date
08/01/2020 – 07/31/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will result from reducing overall COVID-19 mortality, and reducing the incidence of morbid secondary infections in intubated patients such as ventilator-acquired pneumonia (VAP). The market for antifouling/antimicrobial indwelling endotracheal tubes (ETTs) was estimated at $1.85 billion in 2017 with 6.6% annual growth, and further increases are likely due to the outbreaks of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases. More than 50% of COVID-19 deaths are attributable to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) from secondary healthcare-acquired infections, such as VAP. Unfortunately, ETTs used for ventilation do not prevent bacterial settlement upon their surfaces (biofouling). To date there is only one FDA-approved antimicrobial ETT that does not target fouling as the root cause of VAP, leaving this critical issue unaddressed. The proposed technology advances the development of ETTs with novel coatings and can potentially be used in other indwelling biomedical medical devices, including urinary-, central venous-, and hemodialysis catheters (estimated market size: $77.7 billion by 2026). A ~10% reduction infection rate with this technology could prevent 1.7 million healthcare-acquired infections, annually saving 99,000 lives and $28-45 billion associated-cost in the US. This technology will also support research in antimicrobial interactions with surfaces. This SBIR Phase I project proposes to establish the feasibility of gemini-surfactant inspired coatings on ETTs to reduce COVID-19 mortality. Current approaches to prevent biofouling in ETTs involve incorporation of biocidal Ag+ ions or deposition of hydrophilic polymers resembling traditional surfactants to the surface. However, such biocide-release coatings liberate Ag+ ions that are cyto- and genotoxic and are subject to gradual depletion of the active agent. Meanwhile, the polymers are limited by both intrinsically hydrophobic regions in their backbones and the low surface activities of conventional “parent” surfactants. This project will advance the development of a new class of antifouling coatings combining structural elements of powerful gemini surfactants displaying surface activities orders of magnitude higher than their conventional counterparts, with the molecularly precise and durable surface modification technique of silanization. By mimicking the structures of gemini surfactants, incorporating multiple ionic “head” groups into the coating via silanization, hydrophilicity and antifouling/antimicrobial properties will be greatly increased relative to conventional antifouling coatings. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
ADVISORY AEROSPACE OSC LLC
SBIR Phase I: OptimizerAero - A robust production scheduling optimizer for aerospace manufacturers
Contact
4460 GAYWOOD DR
Minnetonka, MN 55345–3808
NSF Award
2036546 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$249,011
Start / end date
02/01/2021 – 11/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will be in making US manufacturing base more competitive. The aerospace supply chain contains thousands of less digitally sophisticated Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) manufacturers. The SMEs constitute a vast aerospace supply base across the country and have largely remained unaffected by the advances in operations research. Consequently, local manufacturers compete unfavorably with those in low-cost countries. While the computing power and speed of optimization techniques have increased to a point where one could now solve large-scale industry problems in real time, little attention has been given to the many modeling decisions that need to be made to accurately capture the complexities of real factory physics into a prescriptive mathematical model. This project will develop of a plug-and-play software for SMEs this estimated $850 M market that will improve efficiency along the entire supply chain. The resulting solution is expected to be a production optimizer that can be implemented in less than two weeks at any SME aerospace manufacturer using their existing data streams. Use of digital technologies and operations research advances embodied in this project will ultimately play an appreciable role in bringing outsourced manufacturing back to the United States. The proposed project will advance translation of powerful optimization tools in production planning and execution. The proposed contributions include 1) a hierarchical approach that allows for planning and scheduling at different timescales, 2) computational improvements to classic operations models to incorporate real-time issues such as incomplete orders, carryover of production and continuation of setup activities across periods, 3) the design of algorithms to adapt the shop’s data to the different timescales while preserving model accuracy, 4) the analysis of the impact of planning horizon, time period choice and objective coefficients, as well as the creation of systematic schemes to determine their best value to meet user needs, and 5) the development of heuristics for quick re-optimization to respond to small deviations from the plan. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
AEROMUTABLE CORPORATION
SBIR Phase I: Sensor and Control System Development and Integration for Semi-Truck Fuel Savings Device
Contact
1452 E 53RD ST
Chicago, IL 60615–4512
NSF Award
1940360 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
01/15/2020 – 12/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project is to reduce fuel consumption and improve safety in the trucking industry while increasing profitability. Over 70% of US freight tonnage is moved by the trucking industry, but at highway speeds, aerodynamic drag uses over 65% of the total vehicle energy. This project will develop a network of sensors and an artificial intelligence (AI-)control system. This will be integrate with an experimental device that modifies the aerodynamic behavior of semi-trucks using air injection, enabling continuously optimized aerodynamic performance. This project will create a sensor system able to describe the micro-climate of a semi truck in real time, and an AI-control system to determine the trailer’s best aerodynamic profile based on current operating conditions. This system would create an energy savings for all US fleets of up to 3B+ gallons of unburned diesel for an annual total addressable market of $20B. This SBIR Phase I project proposes development of an aerodynamic add-on prototype for trucks to save fuel by dynamically changing the trailer’s aerodynamic profile. To capture the operating conditions around the trailer in real time, this project will develop a sensor system to accurately measure the environment surrounding the vehicle. This project will explore relationships among environmental measurements, optimize the number and location of sensors, conduct the relevant systems engineering studies, and build a prototype. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
AEROSHIELD MATERIALS, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Defect-free manufacturing of ultra-clear monolithic silica aerogels for insulated glass units
Contact
21 BROOKLINE ST UNIT 202
Cambridge, MA 02139–4112
NSF Award
2037715 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
02/15/2021 – 07/31/2021
Abstract
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project advances the development of ultra-clear, super-insulating aerogels. Insulated glass manufacturers have a need for improvements to existing double-pane window manufacturing. Residential insulated glass units represent a $2 billion market in North America alone. Currently, windows in the U.S. lose $20 billion dollars in energy each winter. A double-pane window with a sheet of aerogel between glass panes can achieve a vastly improved insulation, as an aerogel thickness of just 3 mm enables a product 50% more insulating than gas-filled double-pane windows, comparable to triple-pane products. Adoption could enable cost-effective energy savings of 1.2 quadrillion BTUs by 2030. This work also extends to other markets, such as transparent doors for refrigeration and ovens, and solar thermal receivers for process heat, which also represent significant opportunities for energy savings and viable market applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to address key technical barriers for integration of super-insulating aerogels in window insulated glass units by focusing on two main risks. First, the project will further improve the optical clarity of the aerogel materials. The human eye is highly sensitive to haze and defects in transparent media, and although optical clarity meeting minimum requirements for the residential window market has been achieved, further improvement and testing are needed. Clarity will be improved by reducing haze through solution-gelation recipe optimization and by removing the fundamental causes of surface defects through development of mixing and molding strategies. Second, widespread adoption also requires straightforward incorporation of aerogel into insulated glass units. Bonding methods to attach aerogels directly to glass without reducing optical clarity will be developed, which will enable simple handling and incorporation into existing insulated glass unit manufacturing. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
AG350, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Empowering Distance Learning for CS/CE Students with Real-time, Personalized Feedback through Anti-Pattern Detection and Correction (COVID-19)
Contact
112 LAKESIDE RD
Princeton, NJ 08540–6502
NSF Award
2034274 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$251,747
Start / end date
03/01/2021 – 08/31/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to address the increasing demand placed on educators in computer science (CS) and computer engineering (CE) through an automated feedback mechanism. Courses in CS and CE are growing rapidly. This project will develop a platform providing automated feedback by leveraging machine learning. This will allow courses to scale without compromising quality. In particular, this project would lead to the development of a system that provides real-time, personalized feedback to students. This system may also help attract and retain under-represented populations within CS and CE. This product will greatly enhance the scientific and technical understanding of computing for all students. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will create a novel intelligent tutoring system to provide real-time, personalized feedback to CS and CE students. In particular, this project will develop a deep learning architecture that detects errors in student code and clusters them into anti-patterns according to semantic and behavioral similarity. The proposed research will design and tune the deep learning architecture to reach sufficient accuracy and precision. To realize this goal, several technical hurdles must be overcome, including abstract syntax tree analysis and downstream localization. The ultimate task is to find patches through edit-paths from incorrect code to correct code and report these repairs in a human-readable way. This project will advance a comprehensive learning management system that emphasizes student learning and performance. In particular, the platform will allow for students to submit course material and rapidly receive personalized feedback. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
AI METRICS, LLC
STTR Phase I: AI-assisted Assessment, Tracking, and Reporting of COVID-19 Severity on Chest CT
Contact
432 RENAISSANCE DR
Hoover, AL 35226–4231
NSF Award
2032534 – STTR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
08/01/2020 – 03/31/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact /commercial potential of this Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project is to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce errors and improve accuracy, standardization, agreement, and reporting in evaluation of COVID-19 lung disease severity on chest computed tomography (CT) images. Chest CT procedures play a critical role in COVID-19 patients but current methods for evaluating chest CT images lack accurate, quantitative, or consistent information, leading to text-based reports that are difficult to interpret. The proposed AI-assisted COVID-19 chest CT workflow will efficiently capture the fraction of lung involvement and improve communication with clinicians by providing a standardized graphical report, key images of important findings, and structured text. The quantitative data will standardize reporting on an individual patient basis and provide data for population-level analyses, thereby offering the potential to significantly advance scientific knowledge of COVID-19 lung disease on a national level. This STTR Phase I project proposes to develop an AI-assisted COVID-19 chest CT workflow to rapidly and objectively quantify the percentage of lung involvement, classify lung involvement using the COVID-19 Reporting and Data System (CO-RADS), track common and uncommon COVID-19 lung findings, and automatically generate summary reports with a graph, key images, and structured text. The standard-of-care for assessing and reporting COVID-19 lung disease severity on chest CT images involves dictated text-based reports that are subjective, highly variable, inefficient to generate and interpret, prone to errors, incomplete, and qualitative with data provided in an unstandardized format. The proposed AI-assisted COVID-19 chest CT workflow will reduce interpretation errors and omissions and improve accuracy, standardization, inter-observer agreement, efficiency, and reporting in evaluation of COVID-19 disease severity and response to treatment. This project will validate the working prototype with a team of expert clinicians. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
AINCOBIO LLC
SBIR Phase I: A Microbial Enrichment Device to Reduce the Cost of Sequencing Metagenomes
Contact
2300 OLD SPANISH TRL APT 1003
Houston, TX 77054–2137
NSF Award
1913372 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
07/01/2019 – 06/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project will be the acceleration of discoveries in microbiome science by wider adoption of whole metagenomic and metatranscriptomic sequencing. These DNA and RNA sequencing techniques are the gold standard for data generation in microbiome-based drugs and diagnostics, but are prohibitively expensive for large-scale research efforts. The high cost is due to two factors: First, customers are required to sequence large quantities of DNA and RNA to adequately analyze the microbiome; and second, research projects are plagued by long turnaround times due to lower sample throughput. The proposed product will enrich microbial cells and will remove contaminants before the sequencing analysis begins. If successful, the commercial impact of this product for end-users will be substantial cost savings and the ability to expand their customer base, enabling scientific progress to accelerate in microbiome research. Accomplishing the technical aims set forth in this Phase I proposal will significantly reduce technical risk in the company's commercialization efforts by demonstrating proof-of-feasibility for a single-use device and bench-top instrument capable of enriching microbes prior to metagenomic sequencing. This SBIR Phase I project proposes to develop a microbial enrichment tool to significantly reduce the cost and difficulty of analyzing microbiomes using DNA and RNA sequencing. At present, sequencing laboratory directors only are able to analyze microbiomes at tremendous expense because samples are highly contaminated with DNA and RNA derived from host cells. The proposed solution is a disposable cartridge and a control instrument that will enable lab personnel to rapidly enrich microbes directly from samples without the use of bioengineered tags or labels that introduce bias, and enable the generation of sequencing libraries composed primarily of bacterial DNA and RNA. The technical challenges in this proposal are to convert the current laboratory method for enriching bacteria demonstrated previously into a bench-top instrument that uses a simple and disposable device compatible with current sequencing workflows that requires minimal operator steps. The system's performance in Phase I will be evaluated using spike-in samples with bacterial isolates and mock communities to simulate realistic microbiomes. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
AKORN TECHNOLOGY, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Edible, water soluble corn zein films for shelf life extension and improved safety of perishable foods
Contact
3997 LYMAN RD
Oakland, CA 94602–1858
NSF Award
2035626 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,994
Start / end date
02/01/2021 – 08/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact of this SBIR Phase 1 project will be in significant reduction of food waste. Food waste is a critically important global challenge. Approximately 30% of food produced for human consumption around the world is either lost or wasted each year – more than enough to feed the hungry. It is estimated that food loss and waste also contribute 8% of the total global greenhouse gas emissions. The methods used to reduce waste by extending shelf life are not only ineffective, but they also exacerbate other global problems, such as adversely impacting the environment through extensive use of plastic packaging. The proposed solution uses non-GMO corn to create new edible coatings that will reduce food waste by doubling the shelf life of whole and cut fresh fruits and vegetables, enabling greater access to fresh foods for all communities and improving the environmental impact of food waste. The proposed project will advance translation for a process using corn zein, considered a water insoluble protein and therefore prohibitively expensive to functionalize in food production. This has prevented its use in food coatings. This project advances translation of a relatively simple process to convert commercial grade zein to a readily water-soluble formulation. The project will develop an effective edible food coating that incorporates other plant-based ingredients, such as fatty acids and plasticizers, to create a hybrid protein/lipid film that (1) exhibits excellent gas barrier as well as moisture barrier properties and extends the shelf life of many under-served commodities; (2) can be generated at reasonable cost; and (3) can be delivered in a single application on existing food processing equipment. The R&D plan will target coatings for a variety of fresh produce that allows comparison with competitive coatings where possible, and provides new coating options where few options are available. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
AKROBOTIX LLC
SBIR Phase I: A Universal Flight Management Unit for Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Contact
235 HARRISON STREET STE 402
Syracuse, NY 13202–3119
NSF Award
1938518 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,996
Start / end date
12/15/2019 – 06/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project is to enable safe and reliable autonomous unmanned flight operations. Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are used in a growing number of applications requiring increased vehicle autonomy, such as indoor operations, civilian infrastructure inspection, precision agriculture and aquaculture, remote sensing, wildlife tracking and conservation, and package/medicine delivery. As the diversity and number of applications of autonomous UAS keep growing, platform-independent solutions to onboard autonomy become increasingly important. Potential market segments for the proposed technology are focused on the most challenging use cases such as last-mile delivery, urban infrastructure inspection, and passenger air vehicles (air ambulance, air taxi, air shuttle). Therefore, technological advances in platform-independent onboard autonomy, particularly for small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), can have a large positive societal impact by enabling safety and reliability of UAS. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project investigates a universal flight management unit (FMU) for nonlinearly stable and robust autonomy of UAS, in a platform-independent manner. At present, there is a dearth of nonlinearly stable and robust flight stacks that are platform/model-independent and real-time implementable on existing hardware, particularly for sUAS. Two critical challenges to be overcome for reliable platform-independent autonomy of UAS are: (A) dynamic stability in the presence of constraints on onboard processors, sensors and actuators; and (B) robustness to dynamic external uncertainties (e.g., wind, weather) and internal causes (e.g., changing payloads, onboard faults). The scientific objectives of this Phase 1 research are: (1) onboard trajectory planning, control and navigation for autonomous operations of UAS to provide dynamic stability and robustness to disturbances and sensor noise; (2) embedded software-hardware integration of guidance, navigation and control algorithms with commercially available hardware to build a FMU for onboard autonomy; and (3) experimental verification and validation of this FMU on different quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle platforms, including a flying-wing platform. The underlying framework behind this platform-independent FMU will be nonlinearly stable and robust model-free control and estimation techniques that ensure safe and reliable autonomous operations. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
AL VENTURES, LLC
SBIR Phase I: INNOVATIVE RADIATION AWARENESS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT AND FIRST RESPONDERS
Contact
4904 AVENUE H
Austin, TX 78751–2531
NSF Award
1913420 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
07/01/2019 – 02/28/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this project includes protection of municipal-level first responders and local communities from radiological hazards through affordable continuous wide-area radiation monitoring (RM). Radiological threats range from the ultimate high-consequence-rare-event posed by radiological dispersal devices and stolen or unaccounted for special nuclear material to more common and routine radiological events triggered by radiological sources from construction, power, medicine, and industry. Regardless of the threat, current radiological equipment and training is inadequate, and first responders are ill-equipped to deal with radiological incidents that occur in urban environments. Due to technology and training costs, comprehensive radiation surveillance systems can be adopted by only the largest and wealthiest cities, leaving most municipalities and local first responders unprotected. The project will develop an RM system that is easily deployed, alerts to spectral anomalies as well as radiation levels, requires no specialized training for front-line operators, and is vastly more cost effective than existing systems. This RM system can be deployed in a variety of complex environments regardless of size or density. The end result is accurate, real-time mapping of large geographical areas that can be used to detect, analyze, and interpret radiation levels in a variety of environments. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project provides innovative approaches in building a spatial-temporal-spectral database of gamma radiation to monitor change detection over large urban areas. The concept is to improve general radiation awareness as well as source detection capability by having continuous monitoring. Rather than attempting to identify specific isotopes in spectral observations ? which is difficult at long distances and requires highly sensitive detectors ? it is possible to detect temporal anomalies in spectral shape by keeping a database of past observations. This provides for profound increases in detection distance or likewise, in faint source detection. For successful commercialization of the RM system, innovative research is needed in two main areas: 1) universal multi-sensor integration through boot-strapped autocalibration and integrated continuous health monitoring, which this proposal will address via field deployment of multiple sensors to characterize with novel sensor-to-sensor fusion methodologies; and 2) municipal infrastructure optimization that will permit surveys to be conducted in a distributed fashion without dedicated survey vehicles, which this proposal will address by collecting data and building operational research optimization models for key aspects of the mobile sensor deployment concept, answering critical questions on the economic viability of the approach. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
ALVA HEALTH, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Defining the Multimodal Signature of Stroke
Contact
3 Washington Ct
Towaco, NJ 07082–0000
NSF Award
1914078 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
07/01/2019 – 07/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project falls within the scope of the grand challenges in health informatics. There are excellent protocols for the management and treatment of acute stroke, however, these protocols are only effective once patients have been admitted into the healthcare system. Health care providers, however, have limited interaction with their patients, and these interactions occur in the highly constrained environment of the clinical setting. Physicians have limited control over patient behavior and limited ability to recognize stroke symptoms outside the clinical setting. For patients with high stroke risk, there is currently no system available to monitor stroke symptoms and initiate a response in real-time. Thus, there is a need to monitor patients remotely, where the current systems for stroke response fail to provide coverage. The proposed solution will expand the provision of stroke symptom monitoring to the daily lives of patients. Tracking patients as they go through their daily lives will considerably enrich our knowledge of stroke and will allow extension to monitoring for other neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders and diseases. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the real-time detection of stroke. Ischemic stroke affects 700,000 Americans, costs approximately $33 billion annually, and is the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the US. IV tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) has been an FDA approved therapy since 1995, yet only 5-10% of eligible patients receive this therapy. Arrival time in the emergency room after initial stroke symptoms is directly associated with better outcomes after tPA and endovascular therapy, with a time window of 4.5 hours and 24 hours for these treatments, respectively. Despite massive public health campaigns, identifying symptoms of stroke and activating emergency response systems remains a major challenge. The goal of this project is to develop and test a wearable and computational solution to effectively alert ischemic stroke victims and initiate emergency response in a timely manner. The solution will consist of a wearable device with multiple modalities, which are fed to a smartphone and a cloud-based analysis system for real-time analysis and detection. Once deployed, the device is expected to dramatically improve stroke emergency response and increase the number of patients receiving IV tPA and other reperfusion therapies. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
ANCHOR PRODUCT DESIGN LLC
SBIR Phase I: Rapid Design and Prototyping System for Lab-On-Chip Devices
Contact
74 MAPLE ST STE H
Stoneham, MA 02180–3130
NSF Award
2014688 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
06/01/2020 – 03/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to reduce cost and increase accuracy of solutions for the healthcare industry, including point-of-care diagnostics, therapeutics, and drug development, by enabling new lab-on-chip technologies. These technologies rely on microfluidic devices, small plastic parts that automatically and efficiently conduct scientific experiments with tiny volumes of liquid samples. Point-of-care devices can have a particularly profound impact on underserved communities by allowing access to testing otherwise unavailable due to cost and resource issues. The proposed system will decrease the time and expense required to develop technologies addressing these challenges. This SBIR Phase I project addresses the speed of lab-on-chip development through three main technical innovations: 1) A library of microfluidic features for design of microfluidic parts; 2) A rapid tooling system rapidly producing microfluidic molds; and 3) The macro-to-micro interface where lab-on-chip devices connect to the outside world. The proposed project will create an automated system to quickly and reliably connectorize microfluidic devices, increasing reliability and ease of use. The performance goal is a complete lab-on-chip prototyping system providing fully functional devices in less than a week. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
ANKYRBIO LLC
SBIR Phase I: A Universal Drug Delivery System for Wet Epithelia
Contact
2403 SIDNEY ST STE 255
Pittsburgh, PA 15203–2194
NSF Award
1938499 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
01/01/2020 – 06/30/2021
Abstract
The broader/commercial impact of this SBIR phase I project aims to enable the use of biologics, a newer class of drugs transforming medicine due to its marked effectiveness and specificity, to treat diseases at wet surfaces of the body. Many diseases occur at wet surfaces in the body including the oral cavity, joints, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. Local application of biologics is currently not used in these areas because the drugs are rapidly washed away before they have any benefit. Biologics are sometimes administered by infusion to treat these diseases, but this has risks of serious, even life-threatening side effects. If biologics could instead be delivered locally, side-effects would be much less of a concern and diseases at wet surfaces could be treated more aggressively and effectively than currently possible. Successful completion of the project will establish proof-of-concept for the technology and create a new platform to treat these diseases to the benefit of patients in ways that were previously impossible. The company will work with pharmaceutical partner companies to utilize their combined resources to commercialize these products and improve health outcomes. The central idea is to anchor biologics to wet surfaces so that they act for longer periods (hours or days). Traditional approaches to prolonged drug delivery use some form of problematic carrier; most cannot be used with biologics. The project will validate the technology as a treatment for common dry eye disease, using a mouse model. Antibodies are by far the largest class of biologics, and a procedure has been developed to attach anchors to antibodies while maintaining their activity. The research aims are to validate that: 1) Attaching an anchor prolongs the time an antibody resides on the cornea. The residency time on the corneal surface will be measured using fluorescently labeled antibodies with and without an anchor. 2) An anchored anti-inflammatory antibody is an effective drug to treat dry eye. The effects on the severity of dry eye disease by treating mice with antibodies with and without an anchor will be determined. These aims will test the hypothesis that attaching an anchor to a biologic increases its residency time and its therapeutic efficiency providing proof-of-concept. No other publicly known method of solving the drug washout problem in this manner to treat dry eye disease exists. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
ANTITHESIS LLC
SBIR Phase I: Cost-effective manufacturing to enable adoption of a novel nutrient-dense chickpea dough platform in mass-market processed foods
Contact
152 E STATE ST APT A
Ithaca, NY 14850–5572
NSF Award
1940271 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
10/15/2019 – 05/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to develop an alternative for high-calorie, nutrient-poor, palatable foods. This proposal will create a nutritionally dense ingredient portfolio, based on a novel chickpea dough, with broad application in processed foods. The set of ingredients will consist of crunchy, high-protein, higher-fiber, and low-calorie ingredients with broad applicability in the processed food space; this could potentially impact population health, including prevalence of type II diabetes, obesity, and their co-morbidities. Such a change in ingredient sets will also result in a large commercial impact of this research. Economic benefits include the development of new products, brands, production and processing equipment to optimize the use of these novel, chickpea based, nutrient dense ingredients. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on the evaluation of a novel chickpea dough to create a nutritionally dense ingredient portfolio with broad application in processed foods. Generally, foods produced with nutritionally dense ingredients have strong flavors and poor acceptance, but alternatives require processing that is slow, inefficient, and costly. To solve this challenge, we are evaluating a novel microwave technology. The goals of the proposed innovation include: identification of formulations and processing parameters for several ingredient applications, demonstration of consumer sensory acceptance, and validation of scale-up viability through cost analysis. Technical goals include: Prediction modeling of heating patterns and identification of shapes, sizes, and ranges of processing parameters; drying trials to identify a versatile dough formulation for multiple applications; shelf stability tests; consumer acceptance tests to prove market viability; and nutritional analysis to fully characterize the final products. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
APERTUREDATA INC.
SBIR Phase I: Solving Visual Data Problems for Large Scale Machine Learning Applications
Contact
805 Rose Blossom Drive
Cupertino, CA 95014–0000
NSF Award
2015166 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
05/01/2020 – 04/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will be to offer a unifying backend that will enable seamless and scalable visual data access for Machine Learning (ML) deployments. This is achieved by removing the need for a fragmented system design from numerous independent products in an otherwise unified pipeline. Improvements in ML have made it possible for businesses to extract insights from information-rich visual data such as images and video. Handling big-visual-data for ML and query purposes requires storage and access methods designed for visual ML. With the current off-the-shelf alternatives, ML engineers and data scientists are forced to merge unprepared data solutions to address visual data management. Businesses pay the technical debt in the form of a) extra data platform resources, b) talent mismatch when ML engineers and data scientists are forced to engineer infrastructure, and c) delayed product launches. This project creates a unified system with one solution across the various stages of ML starting from data collection, curation, to training, inference, and business queries. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will lead to a novel data management platform designed for large-scale visual data, with an interface specialized for Machine Learning (ML) and Expert Insights queries. The project aims to build infrastructure to support thousands of concurrent clients, trillions of metadata entities, and petabytes of visual data, as will be common in the domains with increasing use of visual data. The platform is scalable without affecting performance, particularly for the emerging area of visual data management for ML deployments. The work will include visual data storage when receiving data from a large number of IoT-like devices and a ML-aware application programming interface for low-latency, high-throughput access of big-visual-data. The scalable metadata database is designed to exploit new memory technology and novel caching and tiering methods using content-based knowledge of image/video data via novel formats. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
AQUAGGA, INC.
STTR Phase I: An Additively Manufactured Reactor for Emerging Contaminant Destruction
Contact
14020 GLACIER HWY
Juneau, AK 99801–8430
NSF Award
2037740 – STTR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
02/15/2021 – 01/31/2022
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project is the acceleration of a new technology for the destruction of toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS), widely used in firefighting foams and consumer goods. However, they are environmental pollutants, highly toxic to human consumption, and hard to destroy. PFAS do not decompose naturally and are poorly broken down by incineration. Widespread contamination of soil, groundwater, and drinking water at sites near airports, military bases, and manufacturing sites is driving an effort to remove and destroy PFAS toxins. This project will advance a technology for destruction of PFAS-rich wastes in an energy-efficient, scalable, easily deployed manner. This STTR Phase I project seeks to leverage advanced manufacturing techniques and novel, corrosion-resistant alloys to advance the hydrothermal alkaline treatment (HALT) process for the destruction of PFAS. Hydrothermal processing has historically been plagued by challenges with corrosion and component lifetimes, requiring the use of expensive alloys, replaceable system components, and/or elegant chemical corrosion prevention strategies. However, hydrothermal processes are some of the most effective and efficient technologies for destroying hazardous wastes, such as PFAS. Successfully mitigating the material corrosion challenge would lead to more widespread adoption of hydrothermal processes for waste disposal. This project will leverage advanced manufacturing techniques to test the performance of several corrosion-resistant materials under the harsh, HALT conditions. Use of these corrosion-resistant materials may extend component lifetimes while reducing fabrication costs, reducing component fabrication and system maintenance costs. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
AQUEDUCT FLUIDICS, LLC
SBIR Phase I: A Modular and Reconfigurable Liquid-handling Toolkit for Laboratory Research
Contact
2209 NAUDAIN ST
Philadelphia, PA 19146–1109
NSF Award
2011316 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$249,996
Start / end date
05/15/2020 – 05/31/2021
Abstract
The broader/commercial impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a benchtop liquid-handling toolkit to increase research productivity in physical- and life-science laboratories. Movable research equipment expenditures in university science and engineering projects were $2.1 billion in 2016 alone and are anticipated to grow.The proposed toolkit will increase the output and effectiveness of researchers across many disciplines in science where significant time and personnel resources are devoted to highly repetitive protocols. With the proposed technology, a researcher without experience in robotics and programming may select devices from the toolkit, create a custom configuration, and then execute specialized protocols through an icon-based user interface. Digitized protocols can be re-run or shared to verify results and disseminate process parameters, thereby facilitating collaboration and enhancing repeatability among labs. The intellectual merit of this project is the development of a modular and reconfigurable liquid-handling toolkit. The toolkit consists of discrete devices including valves and pumps, a central hub synchronizing device actions and storing recorded data, and an intuitive user interface. The research objectives include: 1) the development and validation of the devices integral to the toolkit; (2) the testing and integration of the devices, hub, and user interface; and (3) conducting usability tests across multiple scientific disciplines. To meet these objectives, mechanical design of the devices must be completed, the devices must be assembled, a system-wide communication protocol must be developed and validated, and a user interface and web application must be developed. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
AREANNA, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Highly power efficient and scalable hardware accelerator for AI applications
Contact
1224 ROSE ST
Berkeley, CA 94702–1139
NSF Award
1938256 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,996
Start / end date
10/15/2019 – 02/28/2021
Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is providing faster, cheaper and lower power alternatives to central processing units (CPUs) and graphic processing units (GPUs), making machine learning more accessible to students, engineers and scientists. In general, this will lead to faster product development and shorter time-to-market in the artificial intelligence market. Highly power-efficient machine learning accelerators make training and complex inferences possible on so-called "Edge" devices and can revolutionize the way machine learning tasks are performed for end users. By enabling fast and power-efficient Edge computing, this innovation benefits society by reducing data traffic while preserving privacy and data security since data never leave the device. The Total Addressable Market for hardware accelerators for machine learning applications was estimated to be around $1B in 2017 but will likely grow at a 50% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) until 2025 to $66 B. High power-efficiency and scalability of this innovation gives it an immense competitive advantage to penetrate different segments within this market. The proposed project aims to develop a fast, scalable and area- and power-efficient matrix multiplier for machine learning applications. Matrix multiplication is at the heart of all machine learning algorithms and is the most computationally expensive task in these applications. Most hardware accelerator solutions store inputs, weights and partial sums in memory and retrieve them sequentially in order to perform matrix multiplication. The data movements between memory and computational units dominate the overall power consumption and latency of the system. By performing computations in memory, a significant power and area savings can be achieved. This SBIR project seeks to develop a technology to perform mixed-signal matrix multiplication in memory to significantly improve the speed and power- and area-efficiency of machine learning accelerators. Phase I will involve the design and verification of a matrix multiplier that can perform machine learning tasks more efficiently. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
ARMADA MARINE ROBOTICS, INC.
STTR Phase I: Asymmetric Propulsion for Enhancing Marine Maneuverability
Contact
77 MCCALLUM DR
Falmouth, MA 02540–2249
NSF Award
2026230 – STTR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,821
Start / end date
08/01/2020 – 03/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will enhance technological understanding of Asymmetric Propulsion, which will in turn enhance scientific understanding of the oceans. Asymmetric Propulsion uses a single-bladed propeller to both move and steer an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV). In addition to eliminating the need for control fins, reducing cost and complexity, and increasing efficiency, it can also allow AUVs to hold station over objects of interest. This capability has numerous scientific, military, and commercial applications because it allows the same robot to perform large-area surveys and then hold station over specific objects and perform close-up inspections. Such missions currently require multiple specialized robots and supervision from a support ship. Providing these dual capabilities in a single AUV will enable surveys without a ship, reduce costs and energy, and increase the rate and resolution of ocean studies. The focus of this Phase I project is improving control of Asymmetric Propulsion for holding station relative to an object of interest. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop and test control algorithms that preserve roll stability when Asymmetric Propulsion is used to turn and maneuver torpedo-shaped AUVs. Using a single motor with an asymmetric propeller to both move and steer an AUV is mechanically simpler but computationally more complex. Holding station relative to an object by actuating a single degree of freedom is a nontrivial under-constrained control and navigation problem. This problem has numerous applications in marine, terrestrial, and aerial robotics. A simplifying approach is to implement a library of scripted behaviors that can be selectively executed based on position input from visual sensors. These behaviors will independently be constructed to reduce the sudden torques that induce roll in torpedo-shaped AUVs. This approach will lead to a successful demonstration of stable maneuverability using a surface test platform that is free to move in roll. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
ARTIMUS ROBOTICS INC
SBIR Phase I: A study of the electromechanical failure modes in HASEL actuators
Contact
3380 34TH ST APT C
Boulder, CO 80301–1950
NSF Award
2014648 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$249,998
Start / end date
05/15/2020 – 04/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to advance the development of mechanical devices used in robotics systems. Despite advancements in AI and computer vision, robots and machines are still limited by the actuators used: Motors are heavy, expensive, and not adaptable for variable tasks, while pneumatics are plagued by trade-offs between speed and portability, low efficiency, and controllability. This Phase I project focuses on the development of Hydraulically Amplified Self-Healing ELectrostatic (HASEL) actuators - a new class of self-sensing, high-speed, soft electrohydraulic actuators with benefits in high performance, low cost, and versatility. Phase I will address the failure mechanisms of HASEL actuators in order to improve reliability and robustness for applications including industrial automation, consumer robotics, and defense. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to investigate and enhance the electromechanical performance of HASEL actuators to evaluate their long-term commercial viability. The three key objectives of this project are: 1) Studying the dielectric characteristics of the HASEL actuators using material science approaches to enhance the breakdown strength of actuators, (2) Investigating the influence of inhomogeneous electric field concentration on HASEL actuators using electromechanical testing to further mitigate the influence of such effects, and, 3) Translating the results from objectives 1 and 2 to develop and characterize HASEL actuators using industrially-relevant metrics such as force output, lifetime, and specific energy. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
ASPERO MEDICAL, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Advanced Balloon Endoscopy Overtube
Contact
4690 OSAGE DR
Boulder, CO 80303–3903
NSF Award
2013877 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,031
Start / end date
05/15/2020 – 04/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to address an unmet need in incomplete colonoscopy procedures, as they can result in missed colorectal cancer and ultimately increase healthcare expenditures related to follow-up procedures, with an estimated $1 B in the colonoscopy market. The proposed device will transition over 15% of colonoscopies today that are incomplete to fully screened procedures at a fraction of the cost of a colonoscopy. This proposed approach offers an entirely new manner for completing incomplete procedures to minimize costs, while improving patient outcomes and overall clinical experience. The proposed SBIR Phase I project will demonstrate feasibility of an integrated balloon overtube that can be used intraoperatively as a mid-procedure, time-efficient addition on the endoscope. Current balloon overtubes are used only in challenging conditions, due to their troublesome slippage and inefficient application, but their use during colonoscopy can significantly improve cecal intubation rates and overall outcomes. The proposed advanced balloon overtube directly addresses the need to maximize complete colonoscopies. This project will advance the development of an intraoperative tool for endoscopists. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
ASPIRING UNIVERSE CORPORATION
SBIR Phase I: Developing a generative framework to assess farmland resilience based on artificial intelligence, satellite data, and stochastic weather modeling
Contact
60 HAZELWOOD DR STE 224
Champaign, IL 61820–7460
NSF Award
2026071 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,983
Start / end date
12/15/2020 – 11/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to quantitatively assess farmland status and resilience. This project studies varying agricultural productivity subject to weather and static soil and landscape properties. This study will develop models using artificial intelligence to make predictions. It will be based on data from the U.S. and other agriculturally-intense regions of the world, allowing the generalization of the framework into new geographical domains. The models will also be tested on a variety of staple crops, such as corn, soybean, wheat, and rice.This system will include an interface for untrained users, as well as important data for quantitative financial analysis. This SBIR Phase I project aims to develop an integrative machine-learning framework consisting of state-of-the-art generative weather models, feature translation models, and crop yield models to obtain a rich ensemble of simulated growing season environmental conditions, and associated yield estimates. Supported by high-resolution satellite imagery in the past 20 years, the model is not only capable of capturing granular yield variability at the field scale, but also the heterogeneity of productivity within a crop field. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
ASTROLABE ANALYTICS, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Predictive Analytics for Battery Formation
Contact
4625 UNION BAY PLACE NE
Seattle, WA 98105–4026
NSF Award
2015127 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$250,000
Start / end date
06/01/2020 – 05/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will be the acceleration and improvement of battery manufacturing and production. Forecasting battery safety and lifetime is largely an unsolved problem in the battery industry. For manufacturers, this uncertainty increases cell cost through control measures during production as well as the precautions taken to avoid warranty events. This project proposes "data science-as-a-service" for battery formation to address both issues. By streamlining the battery formation, test, and grading process, manufacturers benefit from reduced work-in-progress (WIP) inventory waiting for final inspection, reducing facility space requirement to store WIP cell, and reducing scrap rates and increasing manufacturing yields. The impact of these improvements will potentially enable wider spread adoption of electric vehicle applications, a major driver for battery demand. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on developing information technology infrastructure and algorithms for the prediction of battery performance during cell production. By combining state-of-the-art machine learning techniques with data management and manufacturing execution systems, battery cell manufacturers will greatly reduce the cost to operate and manage cell formation and test - an environment which has been largely underserved for innovation. The proposed project objectives will be achieved through two developing battery classification and prediction machine learning algorithms to improve early detection of battery failures. Novel implementation of the proof-of-concept algorithms in battery production environments will improve the key performance indicators of these battery manufacturers. Regression and clustering models will be used as often as possible, and the bulk of the technical work will be dedicated to the feature engineering required to elucidate changes in the change and discharge voltage profile during the first few cycles. New features will be developed by a) modelling physical processes (e.g. growth of the solid-electrolyte interphase layer) expected for a given cluster group or b) employing dynamical systems techniques like time-delay embeddings. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
ATHEM L.L.C.
SBIR Phase I: Medical Device to Isolate and Purify Therapeutic Antibodies from Recovered Donors (COVID-19)
Contact
2109 JADEWOOD DR
Morrisville, NC 27560–6511
NSF Award
2036188 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,943
Start / end date
02/15/2021 – 07/31/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is in managing pathogenic outbreaks. This project will purify therapeutic antibodies from recovered patients’ blood for therapeutic use in other critically ill patients in a novel and safe process. This technology can be used even as viral mutation takes place. The device based on this technology will be portable and can be deployed easily and swiftly to remote areas to save lives. This is a platform technology and will not only be useful as a potential COVID-19 treatment but also for future pathogenic outbreaks or to give antidotes for various poisons. The proposed project will address issues associated with convalescent sera used for COVID-19 treatment. This approach is not widely used as the first line of defense due to potential risks for both donors and recipients. In addition, one donor can provide only a limited amount of convalescent sera to treat only one recipient. Currently no methods exist to isolate immunoglobulins directly from whole blood and generate multiple doses from a single donor. One of the key challenges is the development of a suitable magnetic chromatography media that is coated with Protein A, has paramagnetic properties, and high binding capacity for immunoglobulins. This project will generate media using core paramagnetic particles. Media will be used to perform studies with rabbit and human blood to assess its suitability. A prototype separation chamber will be developed for separation of magnetic beads from other materials. This project will also explore systems engineering for single-use disposable components and automated operation. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
ATOM BIOWORKS INC
SBIR Phase I: COVID-19 Rapid Sensing Using Structural DNA Biosensor
Contact
1201 RIGGINS MILL RD
Cary, NC 27519–8117
NSF Award
2027816 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$248,368
Start / end date
06/01/2020 – 05/31/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will be the development of a new rapid COVID-19 virus diagnostic system that recognizes specific virus surface characteristics and generates accurate results within minutes. The current viral diagnostics standard involves complex instruments and technical expertise to run, taking hours to produce and interpret a result. The proposed technology is a sensor that selectively interacts with the COVID-19 virus to produce visible results without expensive instruments or time-consuming procedures. The fundamental technology can also be adapted to rapidly and cheaply develop new diagnostic tests. The lower cost of the test and faster sample-to-result time will greatly improve disease measurement and control, supporting public health needs. This project proposes to develop a highly functional, sensitive and specific diagnostic for the diagnosis of coronavirus based on a Pattern-Recognition Enhanced Sensing and Therapeutics (PEST) concept. The proposed diagnostic solution uses algorithmically designed structural DNA to form a trap that will detect the “signature pattern” of the pathogen and selectively bind to it to generate a signal, without the need of DNA/RNA preprocessing or amplification associated with the current state of practice. The proposed work is to build a pre-clinical prototype of PEST-enabled lateral flow-based COVID-19 rapid diagnostics; the technical performance goal is a sample-to-result time of 5 minutes. The proposed work will also perform pre-clinical validation to validate its specificity and detection limit, as well as implement mechanisms to improve the assay specificity to avoid cross-reaction to other virus types in the Coronavirus family. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
AURA INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Digital Imaging Radar for Autonomy Infrastructure
Contact
12 CHANNEL ST STE 502
Boston, MA 02210–2326
NSF Award
2036315 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
01/01/2021 – 09/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is a foundation for unified secure sensing and communication for next generation wireless infrastructure. To ensure the safety and security of scalable commercial drone usage and autonomous driving, a sensor infrastructure is needed to detect, track, and identify fast moving vehicles in urban environments. Existing commercial radars developed for defense applications do not scale for the massive deployment of emerging civilian operation environments. Aura’s digital imaging radar addresses problems that plague the existing radars and offers a solution for this critical infrastructure need. Commercial opportunities include infrastructure security and automation providing situational awareness around airports and industrial sites and next generation wireless infrastructure for unmanned traffic management and connected autonomous vehicles. The technology has the potential to enable new services by integration into vehicles for vehicle safety and autonomous driving. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project develops a real-time system design and simulation platform for novel digital imaging radar. Aura has developed an all digital imaging radar technology for smart infrastructure for autonomous vehicles and unmanned traffic management. Unlike conventional radars relying on Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) waveform or phase modulation (PM), Aura develops time- frequency MIMO radar technology leveraging standard 5G component technology. Aura’s technology provides agile and secure waveform with low peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR), addressing the operational challenges due to interference, jamming, and energy efficiency. Key challenges for commercialization of this digital radar are system complexity due to wideband data converters and real-time baseband processing. The goals of Phase I project are to complete low-complexity, real-time system design and to validate the performance of the proposed technology in realistic channel environments. Scientific tasks that will be completed in Phase I project include a low complexity system design architecture for real-time implementation of the end-to-end simulation platform with a realistic channel model for performance characterization. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
AUTOMAT SOLUTIONS, INC.
SBIR Phase I: AI Robotics-driven Material Discovery Platform
Contact
46305 Landing Pkwy
Fremont, CA 94538–6407
NSF Award
1938253 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,355
Start / end date
03/15/2020 – 02/28/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to accelerate the development of new high-performance battery materials with an Artificial Intelligence (AI) robotics-driven material development platform. The platform uses machine learning and robotic high-throughput automation to accelerate effective experiment planning and minimize errors. It will potentially have a substantial positive impact on the commercialization of superior battery materials (projected to be a $14 B market by 2025), to support growth of electric vehicles and other sustainable transportation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to build a material development platform featuring a closed-loop machine learning and robotic high-throughput automation, and to develop a high-performance polymer electrolyte product for lithium batteries. The platform can potentially change how material innovation is performed and enable accelerated discovery of electrolytes and other battery materials. The platform’s workflow iterates the following: (1) initial electrolyte knowledge base collection; (2) machine-learning model training using the knowledge base; (3) new electrolyte prescription by the model; (4) parallelized experimental validation via high-throughput equipment; and (5) knowledge base updates. Phase I will help to (1) build key electrochemical and mechanical modules on the robotic system for electrolyte development, (2) improve machine learning models in terms of feasibility, flexibility, and the capability of optimizing multiple objective functions, and (3) develop the polymer electrolyte formulation in order to improve its three primary properties, including ionic conductivity, voltage stability, and mechanical modulus. It is anticipated that the platform will achieve high productivity and effectiveness, significantly improve electrolyte properties, and identify an electrolyte that meets commercialization system requirements. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
AV-CONNECT, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Automated Learning of Vehicle Energy Performance Models
Contact
1054 FONTANA DR
Alameda, CA 94502–6820
NSF Award
2019458 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,352
Start / end date
08/01/2020 – 05/31/2021
Abstract
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will research an internet-of-things (IoT) platform to automatically learn vehicle energy performance models (VEPMs). VEPMs are used to predict driving range and battery state of health in electric vehicles (EVs) on a per-vehicle, per-driver, per-route basis, and 8-10 times more accurately than today. It is estimated that over $150 billion will be invested in the electric vehicle ecosystem over the next decade. A significant obstacle hindering rapid EV adoption is range anxiety representing user concerns over the achievable distance and where/ when to charge the EV. Range anxiety can be alleviated by providing EV drivers with contextual intelligence on their realistic driving range and recommended charging strategy, based on travel plans, driving behavior and vehicle model. Increasing EV adoption by consumers reduces transportation system fossil fuel consumption and emissions. As part of this effort, a cloud application programming interface (API) will deliver predictions based on the learned VEPMs; this will also enable energy-aware applications such as eco-routing, eco-cruising, eco-powertrain control, and planning of charging stops, among others, both at the individual vehicle and at the fleet level. Energy-aware applications can increase the overall energy efficiency of electrified fleets. The intellectual merit of this project is to advance an IoT architecture to automatically learn VEPMs from real-time vehicle sensor telemetry and other data, such as maps and route topography. The plan is divided into three integrated goals: (1) the building of an IoT framework leveraging physics principles to capture the vehicle motion and powertrain efficiencies, as well as data-driven approaches to capture human factors, and uncertainty in maps and measurements, (2) efforts to address scalability and generalization of the learning in geographical areas with limited data and reduced expert supervision, and (3) the experimental validation of the platform on real-world driving data collected in a set of representative conditions. Statistical learning theory will be merged with predictive control theory using a mix of physics-based and data-driven models in the learning process. Scalability and accuracy will be attained by updating models in real-time using data and sharing models among vehicles of the same manufacturer. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
AVICENATECH, CORP.
SBIR Phase I: Ultra-high throughput parallel optical links for chip-to-chip interconnects.
Contact
1231 BORDEAUX DR
Sunnyvale, CA 94089–1203
NSF Award
2036649 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,612
Start / end date
02/01/2021 – 07/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to demonstrate a platform for increasing computing power and decreasing power consumption in applications such as: datacenter search, machine learning, cell phones, and personal electronics. By addressing the key bottleneck of data interconnects at short length scales, this project will enable new computing architectures that can learn, retrieve information, and solve problems beyond the reach of conventional computing. The impact will range from chip companies to electronic packaging, to the system companies and ultimately to the users of computing services, from businesses to individuals. Addressing this interconnect bottleneck will realize more powerful personal computing that consumes less power, creates more efficient data centers, and accelerates widespread adoption of new machine learning architectures. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses a key issue of moving data within and between computing platforms. As the length of a datalink increases, the power consumption and density drop. Generally electrical wires are used for length scales less than a meter, and optics are used for high speed signals over a few meters. This project will enable a new light source based on Gallium Nitride devices, typically used in lighting and display applications. Through this approach, optical signaling can be used at shorter distances, giving much higher density and lower electrical power consumptions. The goal of this project is to demonstrate an optical link with 10x to 100x lower power than electrical wiring and 100x the density of traditional optical links. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Access Sensor Technologies
STTR Phase I: Advanced Microfluidic Devices for Point-of-Care COVID-19 Serological Testing
Contact
2401 Research Blvd.
Fort Collins, CO 80526–1826
NSF Award
2032222 – STTR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
09/15/2020 – 08/31/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project may reach millions of people and provide a key tool in safeguarding the public health through the COVID-19 pandemic. Sensitive, selective and quantitative detection usually requires complex laboratory-based methods and instrumentation to achieve consistent results; however, this project advances technologies to simplify the process. Antibody testing provides information regarding previous infections; a simple tool to detect presence at low concentrations enables better testing to manage social distancing needs. The proposed technology aims to make blood testing for SARS-Cov-2 simple and quantitative for two types of antibodies. The device will be developed to take patient samples directly with no complicated sample prep. Unique reagents will be created for selective detection of the SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project aims to develop the next generation of low-cost point of care immunoassay technology with direct application to infectious disease detection. The technology proposed here combines a new approach to controlling capillary flow driven systems applied to the steps of a traditional ELISA in a disposable device. The device developed in this project will detect SARSCoV-2 specific antibodies in patient samples, and will be able to provide information about the phase of the immune response of a patient. Additionally, adaption of ELISA-like enzymatic amplification into a point-of-care device will provide greater sensitivity and selectivity than traditional lateral flow assays, increasing assay sensitivity and improving detection of early infections. The immunoassays will be evaluated with deidentified patient samples and compared to state of the art laboratory-based detection methods. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Active Therapy Systems LLC
SBIR Phase I: Mitigating the effects of isolation and absence of therapies through the delivery of cloud based digital treatments and remote patient monitoring
Contact
1598 White Oak Rd
Stamping Ground, KY 40379–9781
NSF Award
2036451 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
03/01/2021 – 08/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to improve the quality of life for the more than 1 million Americans currently suffering from Parkinson’s Disease (PD) while reducing the growing economic burden on the healthcare system. Outpatient physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, and mental health are key components in the treatment and management of PD. Early intervention and appropriate symptomatic management utilizing these therapies is essential for best long-term outcomes; Inadequate and infrequent treatment, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, places a heavier burden on Person with Parkinson’s (PwP) and their families and a greater financial burden on the healthcare system. Delivering remote therapies and monitoring performance via the proposed in-home therapy platform may demonstrate a reduction in symptoms or slowing of disease progression, thereby helping to reduce costly, adverse medical complications and improving the PwP quality of life. Data collected from regular in-home, daily therapies may lead to improved standards of care and aid the research community in the search for a cure. Once proven effective in the beachhead market of PD, the technology could be trialed in the mainstream markets of Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and the aging population. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a prototype for an automated therapy delivery and remote patient monitoring platform for those suffering from Parkinson’s Disease (PD). This automated platform will provide access to daily therapies for the Person with Parkinson’s (PwP) by facilitating remote therapeutic exercise and social engagement via an in-home device that monitors real-time functionality to adapt cloud based digital content to optimize physical performance, cognition, and physiological response to exercise and cognitive tasks. Such a therapeutic system should have similar levels of efficacy as in-person therapy and treatment sessions, enabling participation in the much needed therapies while simultaneously reducing the burdens placed on the PwP, their families, and the healthcare system. The subjective report data, physiological response data, and objective performance data collected throughout each session will be summarized in a report for the PwP, their families, and their caregivers or healthcare providers to improve the continued delivery of treatment, clinical decision making, and health and safety of the patient. This proposed technology will help to reduce the effects of isolation, provide access to physical therapy and exercise treatments and improve the remote monitoring of patients throughout the COVID-19 pandemic crisis and beyond. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
ActiveMEMS LLC
SBIR Phase I: Advanced Micro Vibration Energy Harvesters for Energy-Autonomous Internet of Things
Contact
1600 Huron Pkwy
Ann Arbor, MI 48109–5001
NSF Award
1913991 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,941
Start / end date
07/01/2019 – 06/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this project is to address the power problem, which significantly limits the deployment and functionality of next generation wireless sensors and internet-of-things (IoT) nodes and inhibits their impact on energy and efficiency savings in the most needed areas of smart manufacturing, smart transportation, and building automation. Most high-impact IoT applications typically require miniaturization and placement of wireless sensor nodes in hard-to-service locations in vast numbers, where the battery replacement or electrical wiring is not practical or too costly. This research and development effort will explore the fundamental and technological limits of vibration energy harvesters, and development of novel micro vibration energy harvesters with high power density, multi-axis operation capability, and wider frequency bandwidth. These low-cost micro vibration energy harvesters aim to enable energy-autonomous wireless sensor nodes that will open up new markets and high-impact applications for self-powered IoT nodes, achieve energy savings and increased efficiency in multiple industries due to enabled continuous data gathering, reduce the ecological footprint of millions of wasted toxic batteries, and significantly decrease the maintenance cost of industrial IoT networks. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop a millimeter-scale vibration energy harvester that can provide high power density, multi-axis operation capability and sufficiently wide operation bandwidth, as a maintenance-free and low-cost renewable power source for next-generation industrial IoT nodes. Existing vibration energy harvesters have limited practical applications in real life, as they suffer from large size, high-cost, low power density, high operation frequency, and extremely narrow frequency bandwidths. Moreover, commercial harvesters can only operate at a single vibrational axis and cannot harvest efficiently from complex three-dimensional vibration profiles found in real-life applications. This SBIR Phase I project will focus on novel device architectures to achieve a high-power density in a highly compact device volume and to harvest energy efficiently from low-amplitude vibrations along any spatial directions. In addition, new device architectures will be investigated to obtain further improved performance and additional functionalities. Analytical simulations and finite element analysis will be performed to optimize device performance. Prototypes will be fabricated via a proprietary advanced micro manufacturing method to obtain high-quality piezoelectric thin films on silicon wafers. Fabricated harvester prototypes will be tested at conditions simulating target industrial applications. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Advaita Corporation
SBIR Phase I: A knowledge base and drug repurposing platform for COVID-19
Contact
3250 Plymouth Rd. #303
Ann Arbor, MI 48105–2552
NSF Award
2029572 – STTR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,993
Start / end date
08/01/2020 – 07/31/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to create a software platform to facilitate the identification of existing drugs that can be re-purposed for other diseases, such as COVID-19. First, identifying FDA-approved drugs that could help COVID-19 patients is expected to save lives. Furthermore, this can prevent the economic consequences of extended or repeated mass quarantine episodes. Finally, the availability of a drug discovery platform for flu-like viruses that includes data from SARS-CoV-2 and other related viruses will add to the national cyberinfrastructure and will allow a better response at the next occurrence of a novel virus. The proposed project will develop a prototype platform to include: i) state-of-the-art data analysis methods, ii) a comprehensive knowledge base, and iii) an approach complementary to most other avenues currently pursued in the fight against COVID-19. The approach will focus on leveraging transcriptomics and other omics data focusing on the host’s immune response. This system will enable efficient research into issues such as the acute reaction of the immune systems, enabling approaches to mitigate and/or avoid a cytokine storm. This provides important information complementary to development of antiviral medications or vaccines, important for a future pandemic regardless of the virus strain. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Advanced Paving Technolgies Inc.
STTR Phase I: Asphalt Rehabilitation Utilizing a 3D Shaped Asphalt Overlay
Contact
117 Seafoam Ave.
Monterey, CA 93940–0000
NSF Award
1938570 – STTR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,466
Start / end date
12/01/2019 – 08/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project are to use lidar and advanced computer modeling with a 3D asphalt paving machine for asphalt rehabilitation by enabling milling only over areas where the material has broken down, then applying a 3D asphalt overlay tailored to compensate for surface deformations. This will reduce the overall footprint of the project by reducing the milling, hauling and remixing of asphalt by at least 50%, as well as reducing traffic congestion. This will produce a better, longer lasting road at a fraction of the time and cost while delivering it in a way that is much friendlier to the environment and society. Benefits of this approach are to create higher quality roads that are safer, enable improved gas mileage, and reduce vehicle maintenance costs; and faster completion of paving projects at reduced cost. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will study an innovative method of asphalt rehabilitation utilizing a 3D asphalt overlay. Current asphalt paving machines are limited to delivering a flat layer of asphalt inadequate to address surface deformations and requiring the entire road surface to be milled flat. The goal of this research project is to transform an uneven road surface into a smooth, flat driving surface with an International Roughness Index (IRI) <=60, but without having to grind down the entire surface to a flat plane. Research will include scanning multiple test sections of roadway and using the point-cloud data to model and design the 3D shape of a compensating asphalt overlay for each test section. The asphalt overlay is then delivered by a paving machine modified to deliver asphalt in 3D. Additional scans will be performed both before and after final compaction of the test sections to assess the accuracy of predictive algorithms and provide feedback into subsequent tests. The anticipated result will show that a 3D asphalt overlay can be modeled and accurately delivered to produce a smooth flat driving surface without having to mill down the entire surface flat. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Aerogel Technologies, LLC
STTR Phase I: Continuous Manufacturing of Mechanically-Robust, Superinsulating Aerogel Monoliths and Thin Films via a New Ambient-Pressure Freeze Drying Technology
Contact
1001 W Brentwood Ln
Milwaukee, WI 53217–4118
NSF Award
2014881 – STTR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,557
Start / end date
06/15/2020 – 05/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project is to enable affordable manufacturing process for aerogel, an ultralight structural material that can reduce the fuel consumption and emissions of cars, planes, and rockets. Aerogels are a class of ultralight materials exhibiting unparalleled thermal insulation, soundproofing, and energy-absorbing properties. New structurally-durable aerogels can serve as ultralight alternatives to plastics with potential applications in vehicle lightweighting, energy-efficient buildings, and ultralight armor. The proposed work facilitates transitioning these materials to applications and reducing operating costs, reliance on typical fuels, and emissions in the transportation and construction sectors. It will also benefit artificial tissue scaffolds, apparel, bulletproof vests, and energy storage. This STTR Phase I project will advance the translation of aerogels. Manufacturing monolithic aerogels is currently challenging and expensive because of high-pressure batch processing. The proposed work will develop a first-of-its-kind, potentially continuous, accelerated atmospheric-pressure freeze drying technology to enable cost-efficient manufacturing of monolithic polymer-based aerogels of unlimited dimensions. This will require a multidisciplinary approach integrating freeze drying, fluid physics, and nanoporous media in which jet impingement arrays will be used to achieve drying rates approaching a vacuum-based process without requiring a vacuum or pressure chamber. The research will focus on mass transfer phenomena related to removal of solvent from sol-gel-derived nanoporous gel media without damaging the gel's delicate skeletal framework. The research plan includes fluid flow modeling and experiments to demonstrate process feasibility for large-scale translation. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Aerosol Devices Inc.
SBIR Phase I: Development of a Low-cost, Scalable Sampler for Airborne COVID-19 Virus Detection
Contact
430 N. College Ave, Ste 430
Fort Collins, CO 80524–2675
NSF Award
2027696 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$281,000
Start / end date
06/01/2020 – 05/31/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is the development of an accurate, robust tool for sampling airborne viruses, bacteria, fungi and other bioaerosols. Major deficiencies with existing sampling technologies limit their broad utility in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, and the proposed technology could substantially inform pandemic mitigation efforts. Customers for the proposed instrumentation include public health professionals, epidemiologists, medical researchers studying infectious and allergenic airborne diseases, homeland security and the military, industrial hygienists, aerobiologists studying the microbiome of the built and natural environment, and indoor air quality investigators. This technology will have applications beyond the current COVID-19 pandemic. This SBIR Phase I project proposes to develop an urgently needed diagnostic tool for investigating whether SARS-CoV-2 , the virus that causes COVID-19, is present and transmitted as an aerosol, including as submicron particles. Existing air samplers are grossly inefficient in capturing particles smaller than 1 micrometer, and the sampling itself can damage the cellular walls and destroy genomic material. The technology proposed has a unique condensation growth tube (CGT) that collects and concentrates virtually all airborne particles from 5nm-10µm and instantly preserves the DNA/RNA, making it vastly more effective at sampling aerosolized viruses for genomic recovery. However, conventional CGT samplers are too large, expensive, and difficult to operate for widespread COVID-19 monitoring. This SBIR project will accelerate development of a simple, low-cost, scalable virus sampler for broad deployment by minimally-trained technicians. The project will fabricate several prototypes and demonstrate their efficacy both in the laboratory and in sampling airborne SARS-CoV-2 particles in key indoor locations such as medical facilities, nursing homes and/or public transportation. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Akanocure Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
SBIR Phase I: AK-423: A broad-spectrum antiviral and immunomodulatory agent (COVID-19)
Contact
3495 Kent avenue, Suite E-100
West Lafayette, IN 47906–1074
NSF Award
2032097 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
01/01/2021 – 12/31/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact /commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project stems from the development of an efficient broad-spectrum antiviral agent addressing the current COVID-19 pandemic. The approach can also address future outbreaks of other viruses. The project is targeting the group of COVID-19 patients who will develop severe illness featuring multiple organ dysfunction. Those patients need ICU units and ventilators in amounts that can overwhelm the health care system. This project will develop an antiviral agent to mitigate the social distancing measures and improve quality of life. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on the development AK-423, a potential efficient antiviral and immunomodulatory agent against COVID-19. The technical objectives focus on testing AK-423 (in-vitro and in-vivo) against COVID-19. Recent reports suggest that the multi-organ damage that occurs during COVID-19 infection is characterized by an exaggerated inflammatory response indicative of cytokine storm, auto-immunity, and a sepsis syndrome caused by complex abnormal immune reactions. An ideal treatment would not only suppress viral replication but would also regulate the abnormal immune response. AK-423 targets a host metabolic process that the virus hijacks. It is also a key process in the differentiation of lymphocytes. Inhibition of such process is proven to dampen the immune response, minimize immune response-induced tissue damage, inhibit production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and efficiently shut down viral replication. This strategy will deliver an efficient broad-spectrum antiviral agent. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Arieca Inc.
SBIR Phase I: Liquid Metal-Elastomer Composite for Electromagnetic Shielding
Contact
201 N. Braddock Ave, STE 334
Pittsburgh, PA 15208–2598
NSF Award
2035711 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,986
Start / end date
02/01/2021 – 01/31/2022
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to provide new methods and materials to improve electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency (RF) shielding. EMI/RF shielding are critical for protecting electronic devices from electromagnetic disruption, interference, or data theft. The uninterrupted operation of these electronic devices is essential in a wide range of existing and emerging products and applications, from mobile technologies and personal computing to internet of things, smart textiles, and wearable electronics. However, poor mechanical contact and issues with reliable sealing are critical pain points for EMI/RF shielding applications related to these applications. Improved performance depends on materials that are highly deformable and can maintain a low "lack of conformity" between mating surfaces, an acute challenge that has driven commercial demand for softer and more deformable EMI/RF shielding materials. This project will advance the development of a new material. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a materials technology that combines high performance electromagnetic interference (EMI) with extreme elasticity, mechanical compliance, and toughness. This technology is based on a liquid metal embedded elastomer (LMEE) architecture in which droplets of liquid metal are suspended within a soft elastomer matrix. These composites have a unique combination of properties not possible with other elastomers: (i) high electrical conductivity, (ii) high strain limit, (iii) low elastic modulus, and (iv) high fracture toughness. Because of its high electrical conductivity, LMEEs are effective in disrupting electromagnetic waves and RF signals. Furthermore, because of its high elasticity and tear resistance, LMEE can be used for EMI shielding within tubing, hoses, seals, gaskets, and rubber-based packaging as well as in bags, clothing, and other textiles. This project will result in an LMEE composite with adequate conductivity to shield electronic devices from interference over a wide range of frequencies. Moreover, it will be mechanically robust and resistance to the leakage of liquid metal when torn or punctured. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Articulate Biosciences, LLC
SBIR Phase I: Bioinert Viscoelastic Gels as Diseased Soft Tissue Lubricants
Contact
189 Tappan St
Brookline, MA 02445–5819
NSF Award
1819435 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,945
Start / end date
06/15/2018 – 05/31/2021
Abstract
This SBIR Phase I project aims to demonstrate the technical feasibility of a first-of-its-kind injectable gel for treating osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis, a disease of the body's joints, affects greater than 27 million Americans, and the proposed activity will de-risk the proprietary gel technology to warrant continued development of a medical device for treating osteoarthritis. The product is a bioinspired polymer gel solution, to be administered by injection into the joint, which will lubricate, cushion, and protect the joint's cartilage from wear, and thereby slow the progression of osteoarthritis. Upon successful completion of this project, the company aims to complete the preclinical and clinical studies required to gain regulatory approval for the product emanating from the proposed activity. From this project, a deeper fundamental understanding of body-biomaterial interactions will be gained, benefiting engineers, clinicians, and ultimately patients. The anticipated commercial success of this product will result in job creation both before and after completion of product development. As joint pain is one of the leading causes of missed work, disability, and general depreciation of quality of life, successful completion of the proposed high-technical-risk project will lay the foundation for development of an impactful medical device which will treat the highly prevalent disease osteoarthritis. The innovation of this project's technology lies in the patented synthetic techniques and composition of a tissue-protective gel solution that remains in the joint capsule at therapeutic concentrations for significantly longer than current injectable gels remain. All injectable viscoelastics approved in the United States for treating osteoarthritis are comprised of hyaluronic acid, a biopolymer which degrades rapidly upon injection; in contrast, the product in this project uses a synthetic, bioinspired polymer which resists degradation and maintains effective viscoelastic properties for four months, whereas current products' viscoelasticity is degraded after one week. The project's first objective will, through a radiolabeled biodistribution study, ascertain the gel's distribution throughout the body following injection into rodent knees, to demonstrate 100% clearance out of the animal and no accumulation within any tissues or organs. The project's second objective will develop the material processing techniques and syringe filling protocol for formulating the gel into its final product form and ensuring product performance and safety specifications are met. Completion of these objectives will allow product to be made under FDA-compliant Design Control for a pivotal large animal study to be conducted following this project, along with completion of formal biocompatibility testing for submission to FDA to seek approval for a First-in-Human clinical trial. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Attogene Corp
SBIR Phase I: Development of a portable, sensitive, user-friendly electrochemical biosensor for detecting Pesticide residues
Contact
3913 Todd Lane Suite 310
Austin, TX 78744–1057
NSF Award
1940054 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
02/01/2020 – 08/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project is to develop a portable, faster, cheaper, more sensitive, more consistent user-friendly electrochemical biosensor for detection of organophosphate and carbamate pesticide (OPaC) residues. While OPaC chemicals have greatly improved crop yields, they have also (1) caused accumulation of pesticide residues in the food chain, (2) promoted the generation of pesticide-resistant insects, and (3) contaminated the air, water and soil. OPaC residues, therefore, are a significant public health concern. The proposed sensor will: increase the sensitivity and specificity for monitoring OPaCs (2) reduce costs associated with pesticide monitoring, and (3) improve portability of monitoring devices. Finally, the proposed biosensor technology could be adaptable for analyzing biofluids, making it transformative in monitoring environmental exposures. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to develop a more sensitive, field-deployable electrochemical biosensor for the detection of organophosphate and carbamate pesticide (OPaC) residues. The system’s principle is that OPaCs bind/inhibit the activity of a highly sensitive designer acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme, diminishing a readily detectable electrochemical current. At the system’s core is a novel AChE enzyme more sensitive to OPaC residues than those currently in use. The approach will further optimize the performance of this novel enzyme by rationally designing variants that decrease aggregation and increase/improve thermal stability, core packing, surface polarity, and backbone rigidity. Finally, the approach will enhance OPaC detection sensitivity even further by increasing the surface area of the electrochemical sensory apparatus. Briefly, the procedure is to submerge the sensor into a buffer to acquire and assign baseline data, add test samples to allow any OPaCs to bind to the optimized AChE enzyme on the sensor, add the AChE substrate acetylthiocholine to the sample, and measure electrochemical inhibition. Taken together, this novel biosensor will result in a major shift in the way OPaC analysis is performed and pave the way for reliable, sensitive, and low-cost field analysis. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Axon Dx LLC
SBIR Phase I: Development of AI Software to Capture and Identify Circulating Rare Cells in Lung Patients
Contact
379 REAS FORD RD STE 1
Earlysville, VA 22936–2407
NSF Award
2015008 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,426
Start / end date
06/01/2020 – 05/31/2021
Abstract
This broader impacts/commercial potential of this SBIR Phase I NSF project is to develop Artificial Intelligence (AI) software to identify circulating lung cancer related cells efficiently and accurately. It is estimated that there will be over 200,000 new cases of lung cancer in the US in 2020, driving the cost above $166 billion. The current standard of care requires close monitoring of these patients, with chest Computed Tomography (CT) scans taken every 6 weeks. Patients also undergo pelvis CT scans concurrently if their cancer is determined to be at later stages. The proposed technology will provide the clinician additional data for early detection of lung cancer with a simple blood draw in a clinical laboratory setting for immediate feedback to the patient and clinician, thus avoiding more invasive procedures and radiation exposures. The proposed project will advance liquid biopsy techniques in R&D clinical settings. This project’s novel imaging system’s ability to identify the fluorescent tumor-derived cells will provide a more sensitive and reliable methodology to detect early-stage disease and differentiate indolent from aggressive lung cancer, with further potential to be integrated into lung cancer screening programs. Utilizing advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms and world-class optical immunofluorescent detection methods, this project’s fluorescent microscope will be an AI-driven image processing system. This project provides an unprecedented solution for detecting low levels of rare cells in a clinical setting through the combination of high resolution multichannel optical imaging, proprietary fluorescent taggants and assays, and state-of-the-art AI segmentation and classification techniques. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
BAONANO, LLC
SBIR Phase I: COVID-19: Self-Disinfecting Nanofiber Filters and Reusable Facemasks
Contact
3004 County Road 7520
Lubbock, TX 79423–6373
NSF Award
2030197 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
01/01/2021 – 06/30/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is a demonstration of a high-quality, self-disinfecting facemask, which is safe, comfortable, and reusable, and will have an immediate impact during the current COVID-19 pandemic. The filter media used in modern facemasks are either inefficient in filtrating submicron size viruses or are difficult to breathe through and highly uncomfortable. Viruses can be active on a facemask for up to one week. With the possibility of contamination and without a self-disinfection function, facemasks must be disposed of after single use. The proposed highly efficient and self-disinfecting filtration technology will solve these problems. The reusability will also directly address the facemask supply shortage as well as waste disposal issue. In the long term, this technology may be further applied as window screens for blocking and disinfecting airborne pathogen particles. The self-disinfection function could be adapted for other personnel protective equipment as well as for environment self-disinfection and for food packaging, etc. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop an innovative filtration medium for a disruptive facemask technology by effectively capturing submicron particles including viruses via a nanoparticle-functionalized nanofiber mat that has high filtration efficiency and is thin with low air flow resistance. The technology will also deactivate pathogens in-situ via the ambient, light-enabled, photocatalytic disinfection function of nanoparticles and the subsequent synergetic effects that include physical and chemical disruption of virus membranes and their RNA/DNA. The functionalized catalysts absorb ambient light, producing reactive oxygen species to disinfect pathogens, while the plasmonic effects enhance the light absorption. The charged nanoparticles are firmly embedded on the electrospun nanofibers, and the resulted surface irregularity, the improved charge density, and the hydrophilic absorption further boost the filtration and trapping efficiency through mechanical and electrostatic capture of aerosol particles. Taken together, all these effects may lead to a highly efficient, breathable, reusable facemask with in-situ self-disinfection functionality to combat highly infectious viruses and a broad spectrum of pathogens. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
BDYWR, LLC
SBIR Phase I: Physically Secure Wearable Key using Electro-Quasistatic Human Body Communication
Contact
2619 YEOMAN CT
West Lafayette, IN 47906–0616
NSF Award
2036477 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
01/01/2021 – 12/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to enable low energy, low power, physically secure Body Area Network (BAN) opening applications and use cases. BANs are wireless networks of wearable computing devices. Typical BAN devices are embedded inside the body as implants, surface-mounted on the body in a fixed position, or incorporated into accompanying devices which humans carry. Today's standard BAN technologies rely on electromagnetic waves for BAN communication, which is not physically secure and consume orders of magnitude more power compared to sensing and computation in a BAN node, making the communication link the energy bottleneck for ultra-low-power BAN devices. This project will lead to a fundamentally new class of devices that use the human body as a "wire" to achieve orders of magnitude lower power than today’s communication around the human body while simultaneously being physically secure using Electro Quasi-Static Human Body Communication technology. This technology will make battery-less BAN operation possible and enable applications like remote physiological health monitoring, athlete performance monitoring, secure access control, neural monitoring, and possibly brain-machine interfaces in the future. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to design a demo wearable band by utilizing the human body as a secure communication medium. The band utilizes Electro-Quasi-Static-Human Body Communication (EQS-HBC) to demonstrate seamless communication between devices around the body with signal leakage primarily contained within the body. The body-wire prototype is expected to solve the problem of increased battery life by achieving a >100x reduction in energy, allowing longer-lasting, smarter, smaller (new form-factors) devices. The energy reduction and improved physical security (in addition to encryption) may open possibilities for many new sensor nodes with new form factors (e.g., connected patch). The studies about the effect of human body postures, surrounding environment, inter-human variation on the overall characteristics, and security of the human body as a communication channel will provide an understanding of the necessary design specifications from a circuit design perspective and make applications like battery-less, physiological sensor nodes practical. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
BEACON TECH INC.
SBIR Phase I: Harnessing Natural Language Processing for Scalable Text-based Behavioral Health Care
Contact
8 MARKET PLACE, STE 300
Baltimore, MD 21202–4113
NSF Award
1913999 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,835
Start / end date
07/01/2019 – 06/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to address a systematic behavioral health and substance use provider shortage, cost-effectively improve patient retention in treatment, and proactively treat chronic behavioral health patients. Left untreated, these conditions cost over $1 trillion annually and result in countless early deaths. Peer support is an effective tool to engage patients unwilling or unable to access clinical care, particularly in marginalized populations. However, scaling peer support is challenging, with current online support forums rife with trolling and abuse. Our Natural Language Processing (NLP) tools can extrapolate the emotional sentiment of text messages, automatically flagging clinically relevant or critical content. This allows clinicians to easily moderate groups by focusing their time on the patients most in need, while peers generate the touchpoints necessary for day-to-day engagement. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will greatly enhance the ability of clinicians to track the mental health of patients within a support group. Currently, a challenge in managing peer groups is identifying the health of a group as a whole - some groups can be far more constructive than others. Given the volume of messages generated in an online support group, together with expected caseloads for care manager and peer support specialists, who may be managing dozens of groups, this is an impossible task without the aid of technology. To achieve this goal we focus on three main areas: 1) improving the performance of our existing NLP algorithms by developing novel techniques to identify and track multiple conversations that might be co-occurring in the group, 2) developing a method of tracking the overall health and stability of a group by analyzing interactions among peers and 3) design new interfaces that effectively display all of the insights generated by the algorithms. These NLP tools will power a platform to give patients more access to support. Providers will have access to a novel high-fidelity data source to better triage outreach and personalize care. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
BEHAIVIOR LLC
SBIR Phase I: Project PAIR: Optimized Managed Care Through Personalized AI for Individuals in Recovery
Contact
4620 HENRY ST
Pittsburgh, PA 15213–3715
NSF Award
2025931 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,007
Start / end date
09/01/2020 – 08/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact /commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to develop a remote monitoring system that can alert caregivers to relapses in opioid use. Over 23 million Americans are addicted to drugs and alcohol, and these addictions billions per year. Most tools to help people stay in recovery have low or mixed success rates. Reducing relapse saves lives and families and it reduces rearrests, reincarcerations, and rehospitalizations. In this proposal machine learning and pattern recognition, both forms of artificial intelligence (AI) will be aid identification of and response to potential relapse. Benefits include conserving emergency response resources, but more importantly, improving long-term intervention success. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will establish the feasibility of identifying and predicting a future state of craving / obsession or relapse using physiological and smartphone data, a use-case where physiologically underpinned alerts alter current care coordination workflows, and a use-case where relapse after discharge from inpatient facilities for rehabilitation can be significantly averted. Technical objectives include: 1) devise a novel data-driven framework for accurately and objectively estimating probability for relapsing into opioid use using individualized classification models; 2) Deploy and assess efficacy of model risk stratification system and monitoring dashboard at addiction treatment centers through feedback from managed care providers; 3) Assess and compare efficacy of craving vs. prediction models for just-in-time interventions vs. standard practices. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
BENANOVA Inc
SBIR Phase I: COVID-19-impermeable high-performance porous coatings for respiratory personal protective equipment
Contact
840 Main Campus Dr. #3550
Raleigh, NC 27606–5221
NSF Award
2034453 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
08/01/2020 – 07/31/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project encompasses development new coatings for face masks and filtration pieces for N95-grade respirators. The outer layer will repel the viral particles while the inner layer will adsorb moisture, making the mask comfortable for wear and assisting with social distancing compliance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The coatings are efficient in their function, provide reliable protection, and are durable. This technology is also highly promising for applications in other types of personal protective equipment such as gowns, drapes, medical aprons, as well as coatings on disposable medical devices. Apart from the medical sector, this platform has potential advantages for other goods, pharmaceutical formulations, and personal care products. This SBIR Phase I project proposes to develop innovative formulations for deposition of high-performance superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic coatings on textile surfaces for personal protective equipment. The technical innovation is fabrication of novel dendritic polymer particles with extraordinary high surface area and unusually strong adhesivity. The soft dendritic colloids are formed when a polymer solution is injected into turbulently sheared anti-solvent medium. Random stretching of the polymer solution droplets by the turbulent anti-solvent flow causes the polymer to precipitate in the form of soft dendritic structures. The critical technical hurdle is scaling manufacturing of large volumes of soft dendritic particles with fractal morphology. Technical objectives are: 1) develop an efficient liquid-based process for soft dendritic colloids fabrication on a bench scale; and 2) characterize textiles coated with the new formulations using a series of morphological, filtration efficiency, and breathability tests. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
BEZOAR LABORATORIES, LLC
SBIR Phase I: Novel Probiotic-Based Feed Additive Formulation for Enteric Methane Mitigation
Contact
1113 URSULINE AVE
Bryan, TX 77803–4952
NSF Award
1914140 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
07/01/2019 – 04/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project will be to develop an affordable, easy-to-use, novel feed additive formulation for dairy cows that will result in reduced enteric methane production while providing financial benefits for producers. Methane is the second largest contributor to greenhouse gases and the raising of ruminant animals is a significant source. Methane is not only burdensome to the environment, it is also wasteful to the dairy industry because its formation in animal digestive systems creates a 10% loss in potential energy for meat, milk, leather, or animal labor. As such, there is growing desire from consumers, advocates, and the dairy industry to produce a more environmentally friendly product. Preliminary results of incorporating this novel feed additive formulation point towards an additional $20 of income per head from the increase in feed efficiency, along with a 50% decrease in enteric methane formation. This SBIR Phase I project proposes to develop a novel probiotic that, when paired with nitrate, will reduce enteric methane emissions in dairy cows. The research plan will include four successive 28-day periods, with 21 days for diet adaptation and seven days for data and sample collection, to assess the effects of a nitrate and P. fortis formulation. The experiment will consist of a replicated 4 x 4 Latin square design. Eight ruminally-cannulated, mid-lactation multiparous Holstein cows will be assigned to one of two Latin squares and fed each of four diets over the four periods. After completion of this study, a more precise cost-benefit analysis will be performed with the resulting data, which will include milk yields, nitrogen balance, metabolic data, and methane outputs. In addition, the plan is to examine the rumen microbiome via sequencing to better understand the mode of action. In conjunction with the product manufacturing cost, this data will be used to determine the feasibility of this product. Cost savings are expected from producing a more environmentally friendly dairy, a reduction in foodborne pathogens, a decrease in morbidity/mortality, and an increase in feed efficiency. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
BEZWADA BIOMEDICAL LLC
SBIR Phase I: Development of a bioabsorbable tissue adhesive
Contact
15 ILENE COURT
Hillsborough, NJ 08844–9807
NSF Award
1937713 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,973
Start / end date
01/01/2020 – 06/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this SBIR Phase I project will advance the development of a bioabsorbable tissue sealant for use in the closure of internal surgical site wounds. Wound care is associated with significant healthcare and economic costs. Surgical wounds account for the majority of acute wounds, as there are over 100 million surgical incisions a year globally, where approximately 80% require a closure product. Improper or ineffective closure of surgical wounds can result in a number of complications, including infection, scarring, improper healing, and blood loss. Currently available products for use in closing internal surgical wounds are often limited in their effectiveness due to low versatility, safety concerns, and slow curing times. An ideal tissue adhesive would provide sufficient strength and be bioabsorbable, thus providing for effective wound closure for internal and external applications. Bezwada Biomedical seeks to meet this unmet need through the development of a polyurethane-based adhesive for internal surgical wounds that is biodegradable, easy to use, and biocompatible. Successful commercialization of this technology will provide clinicians and surgeons with an effective and versatile wound closure product for surgical applications, thus decreasing the likelihood of complications that significantly impact patient outcomes and increase the costs of care. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a polyurethane-based tissue adhesive incorporating hydrolyzable linkage bridging using safe and biocompatible compounds through an innovative chemistry approach. The hydrolyzable feature differentiates the technology from existing absorbable polyurethanes and is the result of highly reactive aromatic isocyanates with a hydrolyzable link connecting the aromatic rings, allowing for safe and tunable degradation. The overall goal of the proposed program is to identify a single lead polyurethane formulation with two Technical Objectives: 1) synthesis of monomers and development of formulations; 2) assessment for physical, mechanical, functional, biocompatibility, and ease-of-use properties to identify the optimal formulation. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
BIOAESTHETICS CORPORATION
STTR Phase I: Novel Acellular Grafts Containing Rifampin and Minocycline for Single-Stage Reconstruction of Stage II-III Pressure Ulcers
Contact
6 DAVIS DRIVE, SUITE 828
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709–0003
NSF Award
2012920 – STTR Phase I
Award amount to date
$251,208
Start / end date
10/15/2020 – 09/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact /commercial potential of this Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project is to develop a wound care product to heal bed sores or pressure ulcers (PUs). Over 2.5 million Americans, usually older adults, suffer from PUs annually. PUs can be deep wounds, take many months to heal, cause significant pain; if infected, they can lead to sepsis and death. The annual U.S. cost for treatment of all PUs is estimated to be greater than $11 billion. Current treatment options involve surgical reconstruction with skin or skin substitute grafts, which can fail to heal the pressure ulcer because of infection or because the graft was not strong enough. To address these issues, the proposed project will develop a novel skin substitute that is pro-regenerative, stronger, and releases infection-fighting drugs at the surgical site to allow healing. This could benefit physicians and hospitals treating patients with stage II-III PUs (58% of all PUs); the 3-year market potential is over $150 million. The underlying technology of the proposed solution can be used to make novel grafts for treatment of numerous wound types, improving healing and patient quality of life. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project focuses on demonstrating the feasibility of this drug-loaded, polymer-impregnated acellular biologic graft (ABG) platform technology. Currently, PUs are surgically reconstructed using skin or skin substitute grafts, like ABGs, which often fail due to infection or lack of mechanical strength. By embedding a polymer hydrogel within an ABG, it can be mechanically strengthened. Furthermore, mixing the polymer with drugs (drug+polyABG) enables a drug delivery system that provides sustained, local release of therapeutic agents such as anti-infectives over a 14-day period. This novel approach simultaneously provides an allogeneic scaffold for patient-mediated tissue regeneration and counters onset of common complications during wound healing. This biocompatible polymer impregnation of ABGs for therapeutic applications has not been performed previously. This Phase I project will demonstrate feasibility drug+polyABG by (1) characterizing drug release and bioactivity in vitro and (2) assessing efficacy in an in vivo mouse model of single-stage reconstruction of stage II-III PUs challenged with topical MRSA. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
BIOCOGNIV INC.
SBIR Phase I: Development of a Novel Diagnostic Test for Pulmonary Embolism Based on Artificial Intelligence and Spectral Analysis of Blood
Contact
Laurel Hill Dr Ste 1
South Burlington, MA 05403–7378
NSF Award
2014934 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$209,881
Start / end date
09/01/2020 – 08/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will result from the development of a fast, non-invasive, and highly accurate test to diagnose pulmonary embolism in the emergency department. In the United States, pulmonary embolism (PE) affects up to 1 million patients per year and is responsible for nearly 100,000 yearly deaths. Its diagnosis is challenging due to the presentation of nonspecific symptoms and the lack of high-accuracy screening methods. While the current standard of care is to rule out PE with an established blood test (D-Dimer), approximately 90% of those results are false positives, causing the test to be used with restraint in the clinic, and leading to both the underdiagnosis of the disease and the overuse of strongly radiative imaging methods like CT pulmonary angiograms. A new, highly specific test for PE could increase patient safety, standardize clinical care processes, reduce costs and save lives. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop and validate a new diagnostic tool for PE based on the combination of fast blood spectroscopy and modern machine learning (ML) algorithms. A key aim of the research is demonstrating that ML combined with blood spectroscopy can substantially outperform the D-Dimer biomarker test, which has notoriously low specificity (~40%). An important Phase I milestone will be to show that the specificity of the resulting PE test either (a) already surpasses that of the D-Dimer test when trained on the relatively small dataset used in this Phase I proposal, or (b) substantially increases with the size of the training dataset, so that the test can outperform D-Dimer simply by procuring a larger pool of blood samples. The technical challenges addressed in this phase include evaluating different spectroscopic methods and modalities, minimizing the coefficient of variation for spectra acquisition, as well as designing and optimizing ML models for one-dimensional spectral data. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
BIOMESENSE, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Development of a Novel Biosensor to Accelerate Investigations of COVID-19 and the Gut Microbiome.
Contact
1452 E 53RD ST FL 2
Chicago, IL 60615–4512
NSF Award
2035981 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,658
Start / end date
01/15/2021 – 06/30/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will be advanced understanding of the interaction between SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, and the human gut microbiome, potentially resulting in new treatment approaches for COVID-19 patients. This project will develop a novel biosensor to enable low-cost, highly standardized studies of links between the human gut microbiome and COVID-19 to help evaluate the performance of different therapeutic approaches, drugs, vaccines, and other clinical interventions. Finally, once this project is successfully completed, there is a longer-term opportunity to add detection capability to the technology, enabling real-time, at-home tracking of SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in stool samples of high-risk patients and their caretakers. This would enable the technology to become a continuous viral detection tool. The proposed project will advance a sensor to allow isolation and preservation of microbial RNA from stool samples. Existing technique preserve microbial DNA but are not sensitive enough to preserve the far less stable RNA. The project will evaluate candidate extraction and fixative reagents based on technical performance, length of RNA stability, reagent cost, and storage requirements. Simultaneously, the project will develop an advanced systems architecture enabling a scalable solution for widespread use. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
BIOMILITUS LLC
SBIR Phase I: Optimizing black soldier fly genetics and husbandry for industrialization of organic waste bioconversion
Contact
9024 ALDERSON AVE
Sacramento, CA 95826–4407
NSF Award
2036078 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$254,689
Start / end date
02/01/2021 – 10/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is in promoting insect protein as an alternative source of protein for animal feed with a considerably lower environmental footprint compared to soy and fishmeal. With over 40% of food produced in the U.S today wasted and a potential $162 billion in annual loss related to waste, the proposed technology leverages the bioconversion potential of the non-pestiferous, voracious black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) to rapidly convert these wasted materials into a valuable protein-rich, high-fat insect biomass suitable for animal feed. The proposed project will explore dynamics related to generation of larval products in animal feed. The project will untangle the dynamics controlling depletion of resources and heat exchange underpinning the insect-substrate-microbial complex within bioreactors. By leveraging the rapid turnover in insect generation time and applying Genomic Selection, the project will improve many economically relevant traits in BSFL, enhance bioconversion rates, and make the larvae more robust to thrive with a variety of waste feedstock materials. Similarly, by developing a proprietary bioreactor design to solve the challenges associated with heat exchange and oxygenation of colonies posed by traditional rearing systems and optimizing environmental conditions (heat, oxygen, and moisture) during larvae growth, the project will inhibit lethal conditions and permit a significantly higher stocking density. Overall, the main sustainability objective is to upcycle agricultural by-products that may contain toxic or undesired compounds. This project will assess the fate of pollutants in larval products, if any, in order to assure high-quality animal feed. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
BIOMIMICRY DESIGN ALLIANCE, LLC
SBIR Phase I: Genius of Place Database
Contact
1229 KRAMERIA ST
Denver, CO 80220–2714
NSF Award
2015132 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,297
Start / end date
06/01/2020 – 05/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to bring biomimetic ideas to traditional architecture. This project consists of a development of a robust and innovative database to catalyze incorporating scientific concepts into designs for the built environment. This project will inspire the design of naturally resilient structures. This SBIR Phase I project proposes to develop an innovative sustainability tool that abstracts the knowledge of biology from scientific literature and makes it available to architects and designers such that the built environment sector can support biomimetic ideas implementable in terms of material availability and structural codes. The project will be organized by building challenge category, biome, and function. It will filter champion organisms that have already solved the specified function, and provide translated principles and images to explain the solution. The project will interpret, capture, store, and systematically distribute their translation of natural systems models for diverse application in the built environment. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
BIOSENIX LLC
SBIR Phase I: SenixBand - Remote Independent-Living Monitor and Frailty Status Tracker for Older Adults
Contact
6549 W IVY MOUNTAIN WAY
Tucson, AZ 85757–1502
NSF Award
1914287 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,595
Start / end date
07/01/2019 – 05/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will revolutionize the way older adults who live independently at home are monitored. According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), nearly 90% of older adults (age 65 and above) prefer to stay independently at their homes, coining the term "ageing in place". The proposed monitoring system monitors older adults in real time for changes in physical activity, falls, and loss of balance. These parameters can indicate changes in frailness in older adults which if addressed early can extend their period of independent living. The system will monitor blood pressure, heart rate, heart rate variability, and common cardiac conditions that often accompany loss of balance or falls, which can trigger early and more informed intervention that will allow issues to be addressed before a more serious injury occurs due to a fall. Current industry solutions rely on reactively initiating assistance after a fall is detected, which are usually too late to reverse the age-related deterioration and are ineffective at extending independent living. Ability of living independently longer for older adults will translate into significant savings in cost of care and will also improve their wellbeing. The proposed project will develop an end-to-end monitoring systems for older adults living independently at home consisting of: 1) Development of a small wearable device for measurement of Heart Rate, Pulse Oximetry, Blood Pressure, and ECG; 2) Development of activity monitoring system and classification of activities that can be used in tracking frailty of a monitored older adult. Changes in frailty can be observed remotely, allowing for early intervention and potentially the ability to reverse physical or mental degradation. In addition, the system can assist in the decision when the older adults need a full-time caregiver to remain at home, which is difficult and usually preceded by some serious accident or medical emergency, such as a fall resulting in hospitalization or a serious illness. Such delayed decision can have serious life-threatening consequences. The advancements will be made in activity monitoring, non-invasive continuous blood pressure monitoring to track changes in blood pressure, and integration of anomaly detection into ECG waveform analysis to provide additional information when loss of balance or fall occurs. Such real time monitoring will tax the battery of the wearable device and will be addressed by exploring anomaly-based energy management to prolong battery life. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
BIOZ, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Development of a Semantic Search Engine Using Natural Language Processing to Generate Validated Technique-Based Recommendations for Life Science Research Methodology
Contact
316 STATE ST STE 200
Los Altos, CA 94022–2815
NSF Award
2014969 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
04/15/2020 – 03/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to advance the development of an artificial intelligence (AI)-supported search engine that facilitates reproducibility and efficiency in life science research. Development of the proposed technology will allow researchers to quickly access unbiased recommendations on techniques and products to advance scientific discovery. By streamlining the literature search process and optimizing research at the experimental design stage, researchers are able to avoid lengthy trial-and-error in the laboratory and accelerate productive experiments. By providing researchers with literature-supported and relevant experimental recommendations within minutes, the proposed search engine can spare researchers time and resources spent on experimental methods poorly suited to their research goals, while also enabling researchers to explore promising methods potentially outside their standard operations. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project seeks to address the persistent problems of experimental inefficiency and irreproducibility that slow life sciences research. Phase I efforts will advance the development and evaluation of a proof-of-concept search engine for recommendation of techniques associated with antibodies, a filter mechanism capable of refining search results, and automatically generated graphical analytics presenting key data on technique usage. Leveraging machine learning and Natural Language Processing (NLP) to scan the entire body of peer-reviewed literature and extract data relevant to technique-based search terms, search outputs will accordingly rank antibodies and protocol conditions. To filter results, constraints, such as access to equipment or target genes, will be imposed through development of NLP algorithms capable of identifying relevant contextual information indicating conformance to imposed criteria. Accuracy and relevance of the developed platform's search results will be compared to a popular research-based search engine and is expected to demonstrate highly refined search outputs and recommendations, supporting improved experimental design. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
BLOSSOM SURGICAL LLC
SBIR Phase I: New laparoscopic power morcellator with containment system for minimally invasive surgeries.
Contact
3333 SE CRYSTAL SPRINGS BLVD
Portland, OR 97202–8425
NSF Award
2014749 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,892
Start / end date
05/15/2020 – 05/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this SBIR Phase I project is to advance the development of a novel system for abdominal minimally invasive surgery (MIS). The proposed procedure will be a safer, cleaner, and more efficient method of removing tissue specimens, such as a uterine fibroid, uterus, kidney or spleen, through a small incision. Existing MIS methods and instruments are not yet optimized for the removal of the separated tissue from the cavity without enlarging an incision or limiting the surgeon's visualization and maneuverability. The proposed method will use novel, safer and more efficient instruments developed for the removal of large tissue specimens via MIS. The proposed project will explore translation of an integrated power morcellator and containment system for cutting and removing large tissue specimens from inside a cavity without subsequent contamination. The proposed project is to conduct tests with standard MIS equipment, including a 5mm 30 degree angled laparoscope, laparoscopic camera, light source and monitor, and a CO2 rapid insufflator. The specimens to be cut will be beef tongue and potato, which is representative of a fibroid uterus. The proposed project will inform a surgical protocol to 1) improve safety and efficiency, and 2) prevent cavity contamination by the removed tissue. The simulator and trocar sleeves will be evaluated for traces of tissue contamination using the highly-precise ATP test. The project will explore the parameter space associated with the procedure, including the maximum time the power morcellator is in the on position, blade temperatures, and cavity pressure; as well as post-procedure examinations of the blades and shaft for cracks and fatigue fractures; and of the containers for abrasions, punctures and leaks. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
BLUE CRANIUM, LLC
SBIR Phase I: Cognitive Communications Payload Module for CubeSat Applications
Contact
20525 CENTER RIDGE RD STE 614
Rocky River, OH 44116–3424
NSF Award
2025828 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,937
Start / end date
08/01/2020 – 04/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to advance communications and on-board processing capabilities for small satellites or CubeSats, which is important with growing civil and commercial demand for satellite communications services. The proposed payload module provides a number of cognitive communications functions focused on intelligent networking capabilities for CubeSat platforms and swarms. These functions enable robust, reliable global connectivity by allowing for customer CubeSats to efficiently and autonomously communicate within swarms and with other networks for applications including Earth observation, sensing, situational awareness, new space, and communications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop and demonstrate a flexible, comprehensive cognitive communications payload module to enhance communications functions in networking for CubeSat platforms and swarms. This project will demonstrate the technical feasibility of the proposed innovation, apply advanced and emerging on-board processing and communications technologies, and develop and integrate hardware and software to develop a prototype payload module for CubeSat applications. The prototype will perform several cognitive functions allowing for intelligent networking for CubeSat platforms and swarms: intelligent routing, network self-healing, ad-hoc networking with other available networks, and data store and forward capabilities for sparse networks and network build-up phase. Autonomous operation will improve data transmission, data packaging and routing, latency mitigation, and user-initiated services for commercial, government, and academic CubeSat operators. This effort will focus on three key areas: 1) developing the cognitive engine architecture and software, 2) acquiring and integrating a software-defined radio and single-board computer, and 3) developing an appropriate API. The objective of this project is to prototype the cognitive communications payload module in preparation for testing, demonstration, flight qualification, and commercialization. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
BLUEDOT PHOTONICS INC.
SBIR Phase I: Quantum cutting downconversion layers for improved solar PV performance
Contact
9212 NE 141ST ST
Kirkland, WA 98034–5159
NSF Award
2036362 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,927
Start / end date
02/15/2021 – 07/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to accelerate the deployment of solar power in the United States. The technology can potentially make solar panels up to 16% more efficient and result in up to 10% lower costs. This enables solar power to potentially become more economically viable across larger parts of the United States. This technology can serve the existing 110 GW solar panel market. Global commercialization of the technology can increase solar energy production by 14,000 TWh and reduce carbon emissions from the power sector by 6 billion tonnes. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project develops a light conversion material that combines a light absorber material, a wide bandgap inorganic perovskite, with a highly efficient, quantum cutting near-IR emitter, a ytterbium dopant. The material is applied to existing solar panel components using a rapid vapor deposition process to create drop-in replacements, avoiding changes to the panel production process. Traditional silicon solar panels poorly convert ultraviolet light into electricity, generating substantial waste heat and degrading panels. The light conversion materials developed here utilizes that traditionally wasted light, thereby boosting overall panel efficiencies. This project will confirm the feasibility of the technology for solar applications by building coupon solar modules, measuring power performance improvements, and confirming intrinsic device stability through environmental stress tests. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
BLUESHIFT OPTICS, LLC
SBIR Phase I: Organic Glass Scintillator Integration into 64-channel Pixelated Array
Contact
3193 TERRY CT
Castro Valley, CA 94546–1934
NSF Award
2035921 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,788
Start / end date
02/01/2021 – 10/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to provide government and regulatory bodies with better information gathering tools related to identification of special nuclear material. Due to the limitations of current radiation detection materials, physicists tasked with developing the next generation detector products often have no commercial supplier. This project will develop special detectors that are low-cost, rugged, and amenable to large deployment. By leveraging advancements in amorphous scintillator research and materials science, this project will enable additive manufacturing of the next generation of radiation detection tools to improve global nuclear security. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project develops high-efficiency neutron discriminating scintillator arrays capable of coupling to 64-channel detectors for the purposes of neutron event reconstruction. The additive manufacturing of organic glasses has significant challenges, such as bubble nucleation of dissolved gasses, stress cracking due to differences in coefficients of thermal expansion, and destabilization of the metastable glassy state. Any of these failure modes would lead to the loss of optical integrity required for high fidelity neutron event reconstruction. To fabricate segmented arrays of this type, the base formulation of organic glass scintillator material will be altered to adjust the glass transition temperature, and enable these materials to be cast into rigid molds. Through this approach highly complex pixelated arrays can be rapidly produced while maintain high performance. Development will focus on low surface energy additives and covalent modifications of the fluorophores to prevent defects during casting and annealing, as well as mold materials, surface preparation, and thermal transport properties. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
BLUSPHINX INC
SBIR Phase I: Synthesizing Business Software Customizations
Contact
3215 DOE RUN
Austin, TX 78748–1814
NSF Award
2026005 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$276,000
Start / end date
09/01/2020 – 11/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will result from enabling small companies to enjoy affordable, customized ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems. An ERP system is a platform integrating a centralized database with functionalities to support the core business processes. A customized solution can generate substantial efficiency gains, economic savings, and competitive advantage, but this has typically required specialized expertise unavailable to small firms. This project will generate a solution to help small businesses remain competitive. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will build on recent advances in program synthesis to automate software customizations in an ERP. The specific rules and requirements of a company are expressed as a set of easy-to-write declarative rules. The ERP synthesizer will automatically ensure that a combination of tasks is guaranteed to obey all specified rules. This project will build a tool to automate most ERP customizations while minimizing many classes of software errors by construction. This project will also explore the trade-offs of using this system. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
BONDTRUE, LLC
SBIR Phase I: BondTrue Incision and Closure Device Prototype Development
Contact
3 RUXTON GREEN CT
Towson, MD 21204–3548
NSF Award
2036495 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
12/15/2020 – 11/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will be a novel medical device that standardizes the process of surgical incision and closure, which could decrease the prevalence of surgical site infections (SSIs) through reducing wound drainage. Wound complications, namely persistent wound drainage, typically precede SSIs. Patients suffer from an estimated 100,000+ SSIs, associated with nearly 1 million additional inpatient-stays and estimated annual cost of $3.3 billion. Initially, the project has the opportunity to impact obese patients, as obesity and subcutaneous fat have shown to be a strong risk factor and risk predictor of SSI in both adults and children, this solution can be launched initially to support this population, representing roughly 40% of adults and 18% in youths. This project will investigate a new solution to close surgical sites, with impacts including improved surgical efficiency and improved care. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the need for reducing SSIs with improved, standardized, everted surgical closure with a guiderail-like solution providing uniform skin tension and accurate realignment when closing a wound. The proposed solution will produce 3.25x more wound compression than freehand closure in both linear and rounded incisions on a neoprene surface, with 20% reduction in trans-incision closure variability over hand-stapled wounds in linear incisions. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
BOX ROBOTICS, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Enabling Safe, High-Speed Autonomous Mobile Robots in Warehouse Environments
Contact
2025 WASHINGTON AVE
Philadelphia, PA 19146–2632
NSF Award
2026137 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,730
Start / end date
08/01/2020 – 07/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will be the development of an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) software stack designed to safely optimize material movement throughput in warehouses. Currently, AMRs in warehouses operate at less than half the speed of their human-driven counterparts due to the robot’s limited perception capabilities. A consequence of this decision is a dramatic reduction in the vehicle’s potential throughput, translating to a smaller facility fleet size with associated cost and material savings. Improved AMR operation will address warehouse labor shortages and improve safety. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there are roughly 85-90 forklift fatalities each year, and over 7,000 injuries requiring days away from work. By automating forklift trucks with the proposed software stack, these safety incidents will be significantly reduced. This project will develop software associated with safer AMRs based on systems used in autonomous cars. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is developing a software stack for autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) in warehouses to improve AMR agility and spatial awareness to human-like levels. The proposed innovation takes inspiration from advances in self-driving cars through the use of high-definition (HD) mapping and three-dimensional (3D) perception. These HD maps will leverage the latest advances in 3D LiDAR systems and deep learning approaches for object detection, enabling operation at higher speeds. This project will enable safe increases in AMR speeds from 2.0 to 3.0 m/s. To ensure vehicle safety is not compromised, systems will be tested to and meet the American National Standards Institute/Industrial Truck Standards Development Foundation (ANSI/ITSDF) B56.5 safety standard for object detection requirements. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
BRILLIANTMD, LLC
STTR Phase I: CLEAR: Reducing Claims Denials in Healthcare Through Blockchain and Machine Learning
Contact
2607 EUCLID AVE
Austin, TX 78704–5418
NSF Award
1914203 – STTR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
07/01/2019 – 06/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project is to create transparency around the business logic used by stakeholders in the healthcare system to make transactional decisions as well as create alignment around the current status of healthcare transactions that are part of the work in process. To most people who interact with the healthcare system, it functions more or less as a "black box" with decisions that sometimes defy logic and common sense. Our goal is to use Blockchain and Machine Learning technology to convert this "black box" into a "glass box." The commercial impact of this project could be an up to 25% reduction in claims processing costs for healthcare providers by the elimination of redundant work, re-work and errors. This STTR Phase 1 project proposes two innovations: 1) claims transaction and reason codes managed through a Blockchain so that Providers and Payers can confidently know the accurate status of a claim, and 2) sophisticated statistical and deep learning algorithms for predicting the likelihood of a claim denial with natural language processing of associated notes and appeals. Our product is a mathematically driven software service that utilizes and innovates with multiple technologies: Blockchain distributed ledgers, smart contracts and tokens, and prediction, recommendation, forecasting, non-linear optimization and natural language processing engines within a privacy-preserving data management system. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
BioAmp Diagnostics, Inc.
SBIR Phase I: Development of point-of-care diagnostics to direct the appropriate use of antibiotics for the treatment of high-risk urinary tract infections
Contact
845 Sutter Street
San Francisco, CA 94109–6109
NSF Award
2014629 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,996
Start / end date
05/01/2020 – 04/30/2021
Abstract
This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will provide critical development of a rapid diagnostic test capable of delivering the antibiotic resistance profile of a sample collected from patients suspected of suffering from urinary tract infections (UTIs). In the US there are approximately 8 million UTIs, and an increasing number of are caused by drug-resistant bacteria that significantly complicate the treatment of these infections. In general, patients suffering from a drug resistant UTI take longer to receive appropriate treatment, resulting in a greater risk of disease progression and onset of secondary comorbidities. Diagnostic tests that can rapidly identify drug-resistant UTIs will have a strong and positive impact on the treatment of these infections. The proposed work aims to optimize and expand the diagnostic capacity of a first-generation diagnostic assay to create a fully comprehensive test that can detect a drug-resistant UTI in minutes. The proposed SBIR Phase I project will advance the development of a dual-enzyme trigger-enabled cascade technology (DETECT), developed to detect low-abundant beta-lactamases produced by uropathogens to hydrolyze beta-lactamase antibiotics, rendering them ineffective. The presence of beta-lactamase-producing uropathogens can greatly complicate clinical decision-making because these pathogens are regularly resistant to the first-line antibiotics considered for treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs). DETECT, applied as a diagnostic system, holds the potential to significantly improve the care of UTIs because it enables rapid identification of beta-lactamase-producing uropathogens directly from urine samples. The clinical feasibility of the technology has been demonstrated previously using clinical urine samples, first targeting a subset of beta-lactamases known as CTX-Ms. The proposed work aims to tune and optimize the first-generation system to offer a comprehensive diagnostic test that can accurately identify all of the clinically important beta-lactamases. This technology provides a simple, low-tech, and cost-effective way to inform patient treatment without the need of processing, urine sedimentation or centrifugation, or sophisticated instrumentation. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
BioLum Sciences, LLC
SBIR Phase I: BioSense AMD - A Point-of-Care Device for Monitoring Airway Inflammation
Contact
2450 Holcombe Blvd Ste J
Houston, TX 77021–2041
NSF Award
2015081 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,808
Start / end date
05/01/2020 – 02/28/2021
Abstract
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop a point-of-care biomedical device for the rapid and quantitative measurement of airway inflammation. Currently, methods to measure airway inflammation and disease control are difficult. Recent innovation in breath analysis has provided opportunity to better understand airway disease. However, the reach of these innovations has been limited due to cost and availability. Chronic lower respiratory diseases including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and pulmonary hypertension are the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of death worldwide across all countries and income levels. There is an urgent need for methods to better monitor and manage these chronic lower respiratory diseases to improve survival and patients’ quality of life. Using an advanced chemical system, the proposed technology will measure a biomarker of inflammation in exhaled breath condensate (EBC). Success of this project will deeply impact fundamental pulmonary research and create broad societal value by improving health and reducing burdens on the healthcare system. This will be particularly valuable to underserved urban communities where poor air quality leads to increased severity of respiratory diseases. This product also has significant commercial potential, with the ability to reduce costs and streamline treatment in an industry valued over $100 B annually. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop and implement an advanced proprietary automated chemiluminescent reagent mixing and detector system for instantaneous measurement of airway inflammation by real-time breath analysis. Hydrogen peroxide reports on airway inflammation, which is a critical factor in respiratory diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but is difficult to accurately measure at the point-of-care. The current methods of choice include highly invasive bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), time-consuming and costly laboratory hydrogen peroxide assays, or fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), which provides an incomplete picture of airway inflammation. This project will fill this analysis gap and provide a valuable solution to monitoring airway inflammation in patients at the point-of-care. The proposed aims for developing a system to measure exhaled hydrogen peroxide in Phase I will include: a cartridge-based reagent delivery and mixing designed to optimize limit of detection and reproducibility; a robust and compact reader equipped with optimized photon detection technology and built-in vortex mixer; and careful analysis of sensitivity and selectivity for hydrogen peroxide versus potentially interfering analytes. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Bioinfoexperts, LLC
SBIR Phase I: RAPID Integrated and automated genomics platform for hospitals responding to COVID-19
Contact
PO BOX 693
Thibodaux, LA 70301–4904
NSF Award
2027424 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
05/01/2020 – 03/31/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will be a user-friendly and scalable infection control surveillance software platform using advanced biotech and data analytics for monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the need for rapid testing, analysis, and tracking. The innovation provides access to next-generation sequence technologies to healthcare facilities, as well as a centralized system to integrate and share hospital-level data with microbial information to be shared on any geographic scale. The platform automates the analysis of bacterial and viral data, delivering simplified and clinically relevant results via interactive web interfaces. The proposed technology offers important data to clinicians and other experts. The intellectual merit of this SBIR Phase I project is to generate the largest collection of SARS-CoV-2 whole genomes with matched respiratory microbiomes for clinicians to rapidly test medical hypotheses for diagnostic and prescriptive use. Our project has three major objectives: 1) incorporate an automated analytical pipeline to process whole genomes of infecting strains of SARS-CoV-2; 2) integrate viral genomes with patient microbiomes and clinical records, and; 3) deliver clear, easy-to-interpret results via an interactive web interface. The infection control cloud-based software platform solution enables “precision epidemiology” integrating pathogen genomics with clinical and patient demographics to improve patient outcomes and enhance the capability of the health system for infection control and surveillance. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Biomineral Systems LLC
SBIR Phase I: Broad Spectrum biorational bio- and synthetic insecticides and mosquito repellents
Contact
3315 Bremen Hwy
Mishawaka, IN 46544–9346
NSF Award
1938569 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,982
Start / end date
02/01/2020 – 10/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this SBIR project proposing a novel broad spectrum insecticide safe for humans, expected to be safer than synthetic insecticides. It will be used in conventional and organic farming, as well as personal protection/mosquito repellent products, costing significantly less than the products currently on the market. Crop losses due to insect pests cost billions of dollars and the limited classes of insecticides are vulnerable to the constant threat of resistance. In addition, the lack of specificity creates broad risks due to pesticide residues polluting food and water and causing environmental damage. In particular, organic farming needs effective bioinsecticides for economically sustainable yields. The proposed product will have applications to other mosquito-borne diseases without adverse effects on human health. This SBIR Phase I project proposes to combine an effective insect protein target with a new class of molecules. In particular, a single molecule and its analogs derived from easily produced and cheaply priced natural products create new options for cost-effective and scalable de-novo synthesis for mass production. A few separate molecules from this general class have been shown to possess the right mechanism of insecticidal activity specific to insects (not humans). The specific protein target has a well conserved active site across arthropods (insects). Preliminary technical feasibility has been established and the Phase I work plan will validate proof-of-concept for the proposed solution. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Birkeland Current LLC
SBIR Phase I: Auto Pairing Direct to Cellular Telehealth Gateway for Improved COVID-19 Home Health Monitoring Adherence
Contact
100 Research Parkway
Waco, TX 76704–3024
NSF Award
2034020 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,430
Start / end date
12/15/2020 – 06/30/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project includes the ability to eliminate two of the primary barriers in dealing with seniors and technology: user interfaces and internet availability. The approach makes use of recent (2019) national network coverage for Narrow-Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT) enabling low power, low cost access for direct to cellular low bandwidth applications. The auto pairing direct to cellular gateway provides COVID-19 diagnosed patients with the capability to effectively monitor symptoms from home resulting in improved disease impact tracking and monitoring adherence while reducing hospital demand, disease spread, and system costs over current smart phone-based system. Current systems require lengthy user training and account setup as well as cumbersome measurement data transfers using an app during each reading. This currently challenging interface would be replaced with a single device requiring no set up or direct interaction with the user. The approach greatly simplifies and streamlines the disease related measurements while reducing the time and cost of getting devices provisioned and into the end users’ hands. Although focused on COVID-19 monitoring, the technology also provides broad application for effective telemedicine adoption by seniors for chronic care monitoring. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to provide a solution which is more cost effective and enables greater adoption and compliance for long-term, in-home, self-monitoring of seniors and at-risk populations diagnosed with COVID-19. The research goals of this project include demonstrating an auto pairing direct to cellular device that meets the requirements for COVID-19 monitoring under the global COVID-19 Emergency Response Solution. The research approach includes: demonstrating a design with optimized narrow band performance; demonstrating FCC/IC end unit certification; and demonstrating testing required for network certifications. The anticipated technical results of this Phase I project enable smartphone-based monitoring systems and a gateway into senior populations for chronic care monitoring. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Bitome, Inc.
SBIR Phase I: Automated microfluidic reaction monitoring via miniaturized NMR spectroscopy
Contact
90 Forest Hills St, Unit 3
Boston, MA 02130–2935
NSF Award
2002683 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
05/15/2020 – 04/30/2021
Abstract
The broader/commercial impact of this Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is to develop a commercially-viable miniaturized nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer for automated small molecule monitoring and analysis. The project aims to address major obstacles preventing widespread adoption of NMR spectroscopy. The proposed innovation is a miniaturized, cost-effective, and user-friendly NMR system, thus addressing major obstacles preventing widespread adoption of this powerful analytical method. It will be suitable for placement in industrial manufacturing environments to provide chemometric insights on complex solutions, resulting in reduced manufacturing costs for a wide range of high-value biochemical products. The proposed innovation constitutes a platform technology with a broad range of applications. The proposed SBIR Phase I project will be to advance the development of NMR spectroscopy. The proposed point-of-need, microfluidic, push-button NMR spectrometer presents technical challenges in the areas of hardware miniaturization for mass production, automated turnkey design, multidimensional pulse sequence design, and assisted post-processing annotation. The proposed project will explore the trade space defined by low instrument sensitivity, as a compromise due to permanent magnets with limited magnetic field strengths. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Bloomlife, Inc.
SBIR Phase I: A noninvasive, low-cost, point-of-care wearable electronic patch for continuous pregnancy monitoring
Contact
1931 MCALLISTER ST Unit D
San Francisco, CA 94115–4330
NSF Award
1843361 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,890
Start / end date
02/01/2019 – 04/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to improve high-risk pregnancy care and preterm labor detection by developing a noninvasive, low-cost, point-of-care wearable electronic patch for pregnancy monitoring in both clinical and home environments. Each year, 4 million women give birth in the US. More than one in ten of pregnancies is considered high-risk, where the mother, fetus, or newborn has elevated risk of experiencing an adverse health condition. The proposed platform will allow doctors to remotely monitor and manage high-risk pregnancies and intervene, as needed, upon detection of labor or other potential complications. By enhancing early detection of fetal well-being and increasing access to care, the device will allow for improved healthcare delivery, thus increasing mother and infant safety, preventing maternal and neonatal morbidities, and lowering healthcare costs. By applying machine learning to what could become the largest and most comprehensive dataset on maternal and fetal health, the proposed platform could become a valuable resource to researchers to identify underlying causes and biomarkers of preterm birth. Primary end users are women with high-risk pregnancies, and elevated risk of preterm birth. Target customers are hospitals, health care providers and insurance companies. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to develop an unprecedented means to support advances in maternal and fetal health: a state-of-the-art miniaturized mobile monitor that discretely sticks onto the mother's abdomen and uses sensors to noninvasively monitor fetal heart rate (FHR) and other physiological parameters in home and clinical environments. The device communicates to a smartphone, which acts as gateway to send data to a cloud-based platform, where the data is collected, stored and analyzed, with doctors able to set notification thresholds. For this project, patch technology, proven to effectively measure uterine activity and fetal movement will be leveraged to develop a disruptive product capable of detecting FHR as early as 25 weeks gestation. Miniaturization, power consumption and cost levels necessary for deployment in remote settings will be achieved. A usability study of the prototype monitor will then be conducted in expectant women in hospital settings, followed by an equivalency study to validate accuracy of the prototype compared to cardiotocogram, the current clinical gold standard. This solution will increase specificity of FHR testing, and improve interpretation of monitoring data, as well as aggregate data to train AI models to predict adverse events such as preterm birth. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Bondwell Technologies Inc.
SBIR Phase I: A high-efficiency filter for endotoxin removal
Contact
501 Graham Rd.
College Station, TX 77845–9662
NSF Award
2035882 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$235,506
Start / end date
12/01/2020 – 05/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to develop a system to improve pharmaceutical manufacturing and sepsis treatment. A toxic substance known as endotoxin is a common contaminant in many types of therapeutics, and it is the primary cause of batch rejection in pharmaceutical manufacturing. The economic impact of pharmaceutical batch failure due to contamination is high due to loss of product and facility closure for cleaning. The endotoxin removal market within drug manufacturing was valued at $315 million in 2018 and is expected to grow due to the increase in biopharmaceutical products. Additionally, endotoxins are dangerous when they enter patients’ bloodstream and can cause various medical complications, including sepsis. The technology has the potential to remove endotoxins from patients’ bloodstream more effectively than current solutions This project will develop a universal high-efficiency endotoxin removal filter that has the potential to not only improve drug manufacturing but also provide a life-saving treatment for sepsis. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a high-affinity, high-specificity filter for endotoxin removal by using a protein that specifically binds endotoxin and has been shown to remove 99.9% of endotoxin from protein preparations. Traditionally, the use of proteins for product separations cause problems with durability and protein density, stability, and activity. These problems are overcome with unique materials that allow 100% incorporation of active proteins via a stable fusion with substantially increased protein stability. The binding capacity of the materials for endotoxin similar to current solutions (5,000,000 EU/mL) would be considered successful, although the binding capacity is expected to greatly exceed the current standard. Current solutions are compatible with only specific types of therapeutics. A prototype filter will be evaluated for endotoxin separation and protein recovery for three protein therapeutics. An 80% recovery of each therapeutic is expected, with simultaneous removal of 5,000,000 EU/mL of endotoxin. These tests will prove the technical feasibility of the prototype filter by showing the materials have a significantly higher binding capacity for endotoxin than current methods and that they are compatible with multiple types of therapeutics. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Boston Microtechnology LLC
SBIR Phase I: CMOS-Integration of Isolated AC/DC conversion with Integrated Powerline Communication
Contact
1500 District Avenue
Burlington, MA 01803–5069
NSF Award
1913881 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,631
Start / end date
06/15/2019 – 05/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this project is that it will revolutionize AC-DC convertors that are present in nearly all existing and future residential and commercial electronic devices. Reduced convertor complexity and increased power efficiency will result in extreme cost savings for both the manufacturers of these devices as well as the end consumers, enabling adoption to all corners of society. This dramatically different integrated convertor will also bring powerline communications into these electronic devices, a game changer that will enable electronics developers to add intelligence to their products across numerous markets such as home and office IoT devices, AC powered medium-wattage (~5W) electronics, power-over-ethernet, and smart LED lighting. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will create an alternative integrated AC-DC converter architecture. Existing converters have numerous bulky, expensive, and unreliable discrete magnetic components that will be replaced with this integrated circuit (IC) based solution. The result of this project will be a reduced footprint, reduced BOM count, efficient converter for medium wattage (~5W) electronic loads. This project will additionally support low wattage loads (<1W) with an even smaller footprint and even lower BOM count, showcasing the scalability of this technology which is not an option with existing fly-back AC-DC convertor solutions. Validation of the Phase I IC-based converter performance will provide a foundation for Phase II, and incorporation into powerline communications. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Boydston Chemical Innovations, Incorportated
STTR Phase I: Metal Free-Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerization
Contact
510 SW 295th Place
Federal Way, WA 98023–3531
NSF Award
2002330 – STTR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
05/15/2020 – 05/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will be a technology enabling 3D printing of high-performance materials. A rapid and versatile ability to fabricate 3D parts that are lightweight, heat-resistant, biocompatible, and chemically inactive would yield improved manufacturing capabilities across a range of potential commercial applications, such as medical devices, implants, dental materials, automotive parts, aircraft, and spacecraft materials. This project will advance the development of new materials for the 3D printing community. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I Project will advance a technology based on a new chemical reactivity recently discovered for producing high-performance plastics and composites. This unique catalyst-resin system will be developed for use in 3D printing. The photoredox catalyst will be redesigned for efficient curing, within seconds per layer without a need for solvents. The resin systems will be formulated for rapid crosslinking, low volatility, and high-resolution 3D printing. Finally, the complete catalyst-resin combination will be optimized for use with commercial vat photopolymerization 3D printing equipment. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
CARTILAGE INC
SBIR Phase I: Development of a biological adhesive for the fixation and integration of cartilage implants
Contact
20 WHISTLER CT
Irvine, CA 92617–4069
NSF Award
2036583 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
02/15/2021 – 01/31/2022
Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is that it will develop a novel biological glue to enhance knee cartilage healing. Injuries (e.g., sports-related) or extensive use leads to deterioration because cartilage does not heal. For repair implants, including transplants and engineered grafts, securing the implant into the damaged cartilage and ensuring its growth are critical for successful healing. The proposed project will develop an advanced adhesive with live cells and other biological additives to actively encourage integration of the implant into adjacent cartilage for accelerated healing. The proposed project will advance a biological glue to enhances cartilage healing. Specifically, this project will increase the stickiness and thickness of the glue to make its properties comparable or superior to fibrin glue, the commercially available standard. This project will: (1) explore biological additives to the active cells and molecular cartilage components already present in the biological glue and compare performance with the fibrin standard; (2) examine the biological glue’s ability to secure a cartilage implant into damaged native cartilage over four weeks in a laboratory model; and (3) assess the glue durability and healing. Ultimately, it is anticipated that the glue developed in this project will promote the fixation and integration of cartilage implants into native cartilage. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
CASTAG BIOSCIENCES, INC.
SBIR Phase I: HiUGE Powered CRISPR Knock-In Library for Protein Tagging Across the Human Genome
Contact
701 W MAIN ST STE 200
Durham, NC 27701–5012
NSF Award
2036256 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,730
Start / end date
02/15/2021 – 01/31/2022
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project impacts the ability of drug developers, translational investigators, and basic scientists to track proteins in living cells. Current approaches are time-consuming, labor-intensive and low-throughput. Investing in these approaches is therefore relatively high-risk for most investigators and are most often employed only for proteins with well-defined functions. This technology represents a rapid and scalable method for protein labeling, allowing investigators to include a broader range of proteins of interest (POIs) in a given study. By reducing the initial investment required, both academic and industry investigators are likely to expand the POIs included in a given study. Our expectation is that the scalability and flexibility of this method will accelerate drug screening and development activities, revealing more promising lead candidates. The proposed project will advance translation of the homology-independent universal genome engineering (HiUGE) method, developed as a means of evaluating a broad range of proteins in neural function and development. This project advances research in developing a number of functional knock-in vectors, allowing fluorescent proteins labeling (FluorTag), functional disruption (DisrupTag), and downstream protein purification (MassTag). Pairing these vectors with the genome-wide library under development during this project will allow the company to rapidly provide cell lines expressing proteins of interest with customized modifications, all under endogenous promoter control. The specific goal of this project is to develop a scalable, high-throughput screening platform using the technology to label every protein encoded by the human genome. Technical tasks include: identify gene specific-gRNA sequences for all coding regions, searching and prioritizing insertion sites both at the N- and C-terminal regions of all proteins using defined criteria; develop a pilot scale screening library, comprising cells with HiUGE insertion sites in 96 genes of interest; apply new automation resources to scale for all 20,000 protein-encoding genes. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
CATHBUDDY, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Development of a Sterilization-based Reusable Catheterization System
Contact
841 E Fayette Street
Syracuse, NY 13210–0000
NSF Award
2021595 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$276,000
Start / end date
08/01/2020 – 07/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will be to improve the process of intermittent urinary catheterization while decreasing the risk of associated infection For individuals who cannot empty their bladder due to anatomic or physiologic causes, single-use intermittent catheterization is the safest method for bladder emptying. Despite this, typical catheterization methods produce an annual 40-60% risk of complicated urinary tract infection, leading to over $4 billion of avoidable healthcare costs and patient morbidity. Some catheterization tools are safer than standard disposable catheters (e.g. no-touch catheters), but these are more costly and rarely used. To address this cost, some individuals attempt to sterilize their single-use catheters and reuse them in an off-label manner, increasing the risk of urinary tract infection to 70-80% per year. This project aims to develop a safe reusable catheter with the benefits of a no-touch catheter, allowing for an at-home sterilization device; this innovation will allow for a decrease in urinary tract infection risk, improvement in catheter usability, decreased catheter spending, and a 99% reduction of catheter-associated waste. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will focus on the technical sterilization abilities of this novel purpose-built catheter sterilization device, especially when dealing with anticipated formation of bacterial biofilms. This research will involve exposing catheter samples to pathogen-inoculated urine, performing the anticipated cleaning and sterilization methodologies, and utilizing previously-validated fluorescence imaging techniques to document the presence and location of surviving bacteria and biofilm formation. It is expected that the intended sterilization techniques inherent in this novel device will provide adequate sterilization assurance for safe catheter reuse. This project will also focus on the feasibility of the laboratory-validated cleaning and sterilization protocol for anticipated users to perform without medical supervision. This research will examine cleaning and sterilization protocols by individual catheter users to determine points of potential risk to inform design of the device and the protocol. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
CAZA HEALTH LLC
SBIR Phase I: A Powerful Clinical Aid in the Diagnosis of Vaginitis to Prevent PTB and Stop STI Transmission
Contact
379 REAS FORD RD STE 1
Earlysville, VA 22936–2407
NSF Award
2026102 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$249,726
Start / end date
09/01/2020 – 08/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to provide fast, accurate diagnosis of vaginal infections. Vaginitis results in 10 million office visits a year representing 10% of all US women’s health visits, is known to dramatically increase susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections. External testing is expensive and can take from a day to weeks for results. For current in-office tests, 40% of all yeast infections and 30% of bacterial infections are misdiagnosed and require further visits. More importantly, vaginitis can lead to a large fraction of spontaneous preterm births - a major cause of neonatal mortality, emotional distress and lifelong disability worldwide. In the US, PTB results in healthcare costs of $26 B/year, motivating a fast and accurate test. This project will develop an advanced test that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to study samples quickly and accurately in the doctor's office. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project advances a novel test for vaginitis upon clinical presentation. This project leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) image analysis with a high-quality fluorescence microscope to rapidly scan specimens in the doctor's office for fast diagnosis. This project will validate preliminary studies suggesting higher image accuracy compared to viewing similar samples under a microscope. Phase 1 of this project will examine prepared samples from diverse patient populations of up to 500 women to optimize analysis and characterization of VHA automated digital pathology system. All samples will be compared to manual assessment currently used clinically. Additionally, user testing in multiple types of clinical research environments, such as medical schools and health networks, will be undertaken to diversify patient sample populations. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
CELADYNE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Nanocomposite Ionomers and Proton Exchange Membranes
Contact
1017 Harwood Place
Austin, TX 78704–2613
NSF Award
2014453 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
05/15/2020 – 04/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact of this SBIR Phase I project advances the translation of hydrogen technologies in heavy duty and ultra-duty applications. The hydrogen economy could generate an estimated $2.5 T in economic value in the manufacturing, transportation, energy storage, and building energy, sectors. Current membranes that require high humidity levels and low temperatures for operation complicates fuel cell thermal and water management components in heavy duty fuel cell systems. The proposed solution advances the development of a new membrane serving as a drop-in replacement to enable low humidity and elevated operating temperatures. This SBIR Phase I project will use porous polymer supports to translate a nanocomposite material that exhibits both low humidity and elevated temperature proton conductivity into a standardized solution for a proton exchange membranes. Furthermore, the composite materials will be added at high volume fractions to confer additional benefits in mechanical stability and lower gas permeability. The project activities include material translation into supported membranes, membrane composite formulation optimization, measurements of key membrane properties, and demonstration in a fuel cell stack. If successful, the project would yield new proton exchange membranes that enable operation under low humidity – elevated temperature conditions to simplify fuel cell systems while extending system durability. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
CELEFLUX LLC
STTR Phase I: Development of a Novel Minimally Invasive Reconstruction Device for the Treatment of Male Urethral Stricture Disease
Contact
463 SEVERNSIDE DR
Severna Park, MD 21146–2215
NSF Award
2014895 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,998
Start / end date
06/01/2020 – 04/30/2021
Abstract
This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project supports the development of a medical device that enables minimally invasive graft-based reconstruction of the urethra as a long-lasting treatment for male urethral stricture, a class of conditions causing restrictions in flow. Approximately 1% of men on Medicare are treated for stricture annually, and an estimated 1 in 5 men will get a stricture in their lifetime. A urethral stricture progressively narrows the urethra - leading to urinary urgency, frequent and painful urination, and impaired intimacy. The current state of practice has many challenges: Widely available endoscopic treatment is simple and minimally invasive but rarely curative, with high recurrence rates, and repeated endoscopic intervention worsens the stricture and turns a curable condition into a chronic disease, with devastating consequences to quality of life. Graft-based urethral reconstruction has excellent long-term outcomes but limited availability – as the complex open surgery is performed by a select group of reconstructive urologists. The proposed medical device simplifies minimally invasive graft-based urethral reconstruction to empower general urologists to deliver minimally invasive curative treatment. The proposed project focuses on demonstrating the anti-migration properties of a temporary indwelling urethral device prototype. The device is designed to deliver a graft to a urethral graft bed, and hold it in place as the graft adheres over a period of 14 days without migrating. Proof-of-concept studies of the mechanically functional prototype will be performed on the bench and in vivo, to be further advanced by integrating proprietary anti-migration features. Key milestones include the prototype's ability to meet: targeted biocompatibility/cytotoxicity benchmarks, anti-migration benchmarks using an in vitro model, and an absence of significant migration in vivo over a 14-day period. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
CEREVU MEDICAL, INC.
SBIR Phase I: A Wearable for Remote Monitoring of the COVID-19 Patient Population
Contact
688 MISSOURI ST
San Francisco, CA 94107–2839
NSF Award
2031714 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
09/01/2020 – 05/31/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to develop real-time monitoring of COVID-19 symptoms toward public health objectives. This project will provide healthcare systems the ability to remotely manage patients during quarantine, protecting hospitals and healthcare workers from unnecessary visits that can quickly overwhelm the healthcare system. This remote monitoring will allow for early identification of patients requiring hospitalization by continuously monitoring key symptoms and notifying patients, caregivers, and loved ones when urgent care is required. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to integrate a forehead patch, smartphone/tablet app, firmware, and cloud-based data portal to continuously assess and monitor COVID-19 patients. The first step will be to develop firmware to measure and display key COVID-19 symptoms, such as changes in SpO2/hypoxia, heart rate, respiration rate, and body temperature. The system will also monitor vital signs including dyspnea, myalgia, coughing frequency, and coughing intensity. The monitor user interface will capture non-measurable patient inputs, such as consumption of fluids and food, gastric problems, changes in smell and taste capabilities, and medication usage. Rule-based alert algorithms will be developed to provide notifications to healthcare professionals when critical condition thresholds have been triggered. A datahub and physician dashboard will be developed to remotely monitor large groups of COVID-19 patients. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
CHOSEN DIAGNOSTICS INC
SBIR Phase I: Absolute protein quantitation in in vitro diagnostics for gut inflammation
Contact
1441 Canal Street
New Orleans, LA 70112–2714
NSF Award
2015077 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,758
Start / end date
05/15/2020 – 03/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is the determination of the most accurate method of measuring protein abundance in patient samples. The answers obtained will address a fatal neonatal gut disease, necrotizing enterocolitis, that disproportionately affects African-American preterm infants and lacks disease-modifying treatments. The proposed technology will serve as a clinically-deployable diagnostic for hospitals, reference labs, and drug companies, particularly high-acuity neonatal intensive care units. The proposed project will advance the development of a diagnostic for an underserved population. In addition, the development team will include underrepresented innovators. The proposed project will optimize the choice of reference standard and detection method for protein abundance. Absolute quantification is a prerequisite for data interpretation and validation between experiments, laboratories, and testing platforms. Current clinical practice exploits only a single type of mutation that gives rise to disease; rarely do they address a target protein with extensive polymorphic variation that is age- and race-dependent. The goal of this proposal is to develop reference clinically robust standards to enable use of a new candidate biomarker in hospital pathology settings. Research objectives include: (1) identification of optimal reference standard composition for two common methods to quantify biomolecules in clinical settings and (2) understanding usage limitations of these reference standards in the background of high sequence variation in the human population. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
CIRCADIAN POSITIONING SYSTEMS INC
STTR Phase I: Individualized circadian rhythm therapy via schedule-sensitive photic interventions in shared workspaces
Contact
689 MIDDLE RD
East Greenwich, RI 02818–2343
NSF Award
2025864 – STTR Phase I
Award amount to date
$254,740
Start / end date
12/01/2020 – 11/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to support individuals with sleep disorders. Sleep and circadian rhythms influence human performance, mood, decision-making, learning, memory, alertness, and overall physical and mental health. The demand for humans to perform critical work at adverse circadian phases while lacking adequate sleep has played a role in some of the world’s most devastating industrial and engineering disasters, as well as “everyday” incidents in the workplace and on the roadways. The economic burden of sleep loss is estimated at $411 billion/year in the US. Providing light appropriately can help address these potentially dangerous situations. The proposed project combines hardware design (fixed and wearable sensors), systems engineering and circadian rhythm biology to provide individuals in shared spaces with targeted (primarily light-based) interventions to improve their circadian rhythmicity, sleep and general wellness. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project integrates wearable and stationary biometric circadian sensors for measuring the circadian state of each individual; indoor positioning sensors for tracking ambient occupation patterns; controllers for delivering light and other interventions; and algorithms for effectively managing conflicting and competing schedules. Shared spaces offer several unique and highly individualized challenges in terms of ensuring that the stimulus for one individual does not interfere with another person. The studies will validate the technology and provide data to train the algorithms. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
CLARIA MEDICAL, INC.
SBIR Phase I:A Safer, Faster, Simpler and More Cost-Effective System for Tissue Removal in Laparoscopic Hysterectomy and Other Minimally Invasive Surgery
Contact
1133 TREAT AVE
San Francisco, CA 94110–4123
NSF Award
2036010 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
12/01/2020 – 05/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to provide a safer, faster, and more cost-effective solution for hysterectomy. In the US, approximately 500,000 hysterectomies are performed per year, typically for uterine enlargement as a result of fibroids. There is an urgent need for an improved solution in approximately 30% of these cases involving significantly enlarged uteri. Currently the gold standard for hysterectomy, contained manual morcellation, is an off-label technique, which is slow (10 or more scalpel blades and 20-40 minutes), and ineffective at containing potentially cancerous cells (8-41% documented container breaches). An alternative, open surgery, is costly and has high morbidity / mortality (1:5000 mortality, 1:20 serious complications), with additional complications in underserved populations. The proposed project will develop an improved tissue extraction solution to increase patient safety for all communities and reduce associated health care costs. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project carries out fundamental materials, manufacturing process and systems integration research as a foundation for development of a novel minimally invasive hysterectomy toolset. The ultimate goal of the research is to enable a hysterectomy tissue extraction system that: 1) lowers the risk of cancer spread and reduces morbidity and mortality during minimally invasive surgery; 2) saves 20-40 minutes of operative time out of a 2-hour procedure; 3) enables conversion of open hysterectomies to minimally invasive surgeries–reducing healthcare costs by thousands of dollars per patient. This Phase I project will develop and rigorously evaluate a novel technical solution to the surgical challenge of removing a large tissue mass from the body safely and as non-invasively as possible. The innovations developed in this Phase I project are applicable to numerous procedures besides hysterectomy (including myomectomy, oophorectomy and others) and have the potential to broadly impact how minimally invasive tissue extraction is performed across surgical fields. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
CLC GLOBAL-USA
STTR Phase I: Lightweight Concrete Interlocking Masonry Blocks
Contact
1647 S Logan St
Denver, CO 80210–2603
NSF Award
2014964 – STTR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,999
Start / end date
05/01/2020 – 04/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project is to improve job-site safety of dry-stacking installation of masonry walls without binding mortar through the use of novel Aerated Interlocking Masonry Units (AIMU). The AIMU multi-component wall system combines the advantages of wood and those of concrete and is potentially applicable for mid-rise multi-family housing, a key component of affordable housing stock in the US and worldwide. These AIMUs can be laid quickly, safely, and accurately, reducing time and labor for cost-effective construction in the US and globally. The proposed construction platform will improve durability and offer lower lifetime costs than standard wood-based wall construction. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will further develop a construction technology using masonry blocks via dry-stacking without binding mortar. Aerated Interlocking Masonry Units (AIMU) are made of cellular lightweight concrete (CLC) and an activated adhesion. The proposed work will conduct testing to confirm the AIMU's ability to fill incursions and block irregularities, evaluate interfacial shear resistance between the interlocking features, and evaluate the interfacial adhesion activated through pressure or moisture. These fundamental properties are critical to resolving the primary barriers for translation of dry-stack masonry construction technology. The project will also demonstrate rapid outdoor dry-stacking AIMU installation. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
CLIMATEAI INC
SBIR Phase I: An Artificial Intelligence-Based Global Seasonal Forecasting System
Contact
2318 WILLIAMS ST
Palo Alto, CA 94306–1420
NSF Award
2026025 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$241,820
Start / end date
09/01/2020 – 07/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will be to provide timely and highly localized climate forecasts, plus information such as extreme heat and frost risk, to insurance, energy, and agricultural stakeholders. Climate forecasting at sub-seasonal to seasonal (S2S) timescales is challenging, yet essential for proactive risk management of extreme natural hazards. This project will leverage artificial intelligence and cloud computing to implement a data-intensive approach for revolutionizing global climate forecasting. The project will provide efficient and accurate seasonal forecasts at relatively low computational cost in a user-friendly web environment. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to utilize advanced artificial intelligence techniques in order to develop a localized, timely, and reliable climate forecasting system that is industry-focused and crop-specific. In this project, state-of-the-art artificial intelligence techniques will be deployed to advance operational climate forecasting skill at a global scale. While conventional forecasts are trained exclusively on observational data, this project will train models on historical simulations and reanalysis, then evaluate them with observations. In this approach, the training dataset is substantially larger, consequently improving accuracy. This processing at scale is enabled with cloud resources. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
CO2SYNC, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Genomically Optimized Turf Grass
Contact
821 S 10TH ST
Laramie, WY 82070–4620
NSF Award
2037522 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$253,215
Start / end date
02/15/2021 – 07/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop heartier, environmentally friendly grass varieties. An estimated 30% of US water usage goes to watering lawns and grass, with much of that wasted due to evaporation, runoff and overwatering. Chemical herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers used for grass can be extremely toxic. The project’s genomically optimized turf varieties will require substantially less water and nutrients, preserving precious resources and reducing environmental toxins. In addition, the enhanced root systems in this grass will capture and store carbon for longer time periods than conventional grass, leading to reduced atmospheric carbon. The proposed project will involve greenhouse and field testing with warm and cold climate turf grass species and varieties, achieving proof of concept in the greenhouse, and then transitioning to outdoor testing and field trials, allowing the project to progress quickly through the early phases of commercialization. The project will focus on: 1) establishing an efficient phenotyping system to monitor root growth in relevant and commercially viable warm and cold climate turf grass species; 2) establishing protocols for assays that involve the cross breeding of different turf varieties with simulations of physiological and chemical root phenotyping in response to that breeding; 3) generating a comprehensive proprietary database of quantitative root growth effects in response to the cross breeding assays, and 4) developing an accurate system to measure the amount of carbon captured and stored in the optimized root system. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
COAGULO MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Development of a rapid, point-of-care coagulation test for the investigation and treatment of COVID-19-related coagulopathy.
Contact
327 COMMONWEALTH AVE APT 1
Boston, MA 02115–1900
NSF Award
2030771 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$253,210
Start / end date
09/01/2020 – 05/31/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is the development of a rapid, point-of-care device that allows for the precision management of blood clotting (coagulation) disorders and therapies. The proposed technology will support the development of a fully-automated reader system, along with single-use disposable cartridges, to enable clinical testing of COVID-19 patients with blood clotting issues. Due to the severe inflammation that occurs during COVID-19 disease, these patients often require frequent testing for blood clotting disorders. The proposed technology will rapidly identify patients that are more likely to form blood clots, and it can help evaluate the effectiveness of their current regimens; this will have impact beyond the current pandemic. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project allows for the determination of coagulation factor-specific inhibition and/or deficiency and real-time monitoring of response to treatment. The development of a point-of-care, portable, small volume coagulation assay that can be used for anticoagulant management using a precision-medicine approach would enable the identification of coagulation factor-specific inhibition, and, therefore, prove to be an essential tool in the diagnosis and treatment of coagulation disorders. This diagnostic would also be able to be used in non-COVID-19 anticoagulant management, aiding the identification and quantification of anticoagulants in an emergency and surgical setting and in other high-risk patients, such as neonates. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
COHI GROUP L.L.C.
SBIR Phase I: Deep learning diagnosis and platform for at-home ear evaluations in children
Contact
1455 SKILES LN
Arden Hills, MN 55112–3641
NSF Award
2036021 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$247,568
Start / end date
02/15/2021 – 09/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project will improve pediatric health. Pediatric ear infections often manifest at night and the child must wait until the next day for an evaluation and treatment. The intention of this project is to create a deep-learning at-home ear infection diagnostic system. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I will advance translation of a pediatric ear-imaging system. The objectives include: generating a training data set with images labeled with correct diagnoses from a pediatric clinical setting; creating a deep learning algorithm with transfer learning from well-established convolutional neural networks for prediction; creating a prototype software interface to label a new image presented to the system; and designing a speculum for at-home image acquisition. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
COMBPLEX, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Precision Lasers for Controlling a Major Agricultural Parasite
Contact
1191 ELLIS HOLLOW RD
Ithaca, NY 14850–2947
NSF Award
2026082 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$276,000
Start / end date
08/01/2020 – 10/31/2021
Abstract
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop and validate a novel solution for specific pests affecting honey bees. Beekeepers around the globe consistently cite Varroa mites as a leading cause of honey bee colony loss and, in the United States, attribute to these mites an estimated $2 B in agricultural damages every year. Since arriving in the U.S. in the late 1980s, Varroa mites have developed resistance to most known chemical pesticides, leaving beekeepers with few treatment options that do not also negatively impact the colony or contaminate honey. This project will develop a year-round, automatic, and chemical-free method for controlling Varroa mites, effectively mitigating the existing honey bee decline and resolving the chief problem facing beekeepers across North America and Europe, improving global food and agriculture supplies. The intellectual merit of this project is the interdisciplinary application of selective photothermolysis technology combined with in-depth understanding of honey bee behavior to remotely detect and destroy a harmful apicultural pest. This project is investigating the field efficacy and cost effectiveness of employing a computer vision-driven identification algorithm to identify the Varroa mite, a serious honey bee parasite, and then introduce a high-power laser burst to immediately destroy the mite while it remains attached to the infested bee but without harming the host. The research objectives include quantifying the negative effect on mite population growth during the growing season and determining the number of laser/detector devices required to maintain permanent year-round control of Varroa mites in a standard colony. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
COMPLETIONAI LLC
SBIR Phase I: Extrusion quality inspection with machine learning
Contact
20 HIGH ST
Marblehead, MA 01945–3408
NSF Award
2025977 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$275,993
Start / end date
10/01/2020 – 09/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will be to improve product quality in products generated in continuous extrusion environments. For instance, 2-55% of raw material can be wasted in plastics extrusion. In aggregate at least $500M raw material is lost each year in the US alone, creating additional environmental concerns because this waste plastic is typically not reusable nor recyclable. Manual inspection is problematic for this process at scale. This project will apply intelligent systems to automatically detect and act upon imperfections, improving efficiency and financial performance. The system will initially be applied to plastics extrusion, and later to a wide range of industries including metals, food and pharmaceutical production. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will allow development of novel machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies to automatically detect output of substandard quality in continuous manufacturing environments. The research will generate real-world plastics production data from a range of sensor inputs to train AI models to classify outputs. New approaches in AI/ML will be applied to develop robust, adaptable models to infer error states in product output. Research will also cover the development of technologies to detect failed product output in changing factory conditions, such as fouling of camera lenses or unexpected movement of the hardware. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
CONFLUENCY LLC
SBIR Phase I: Human-Centered, Augmented Intelligence Software for Water and Wastewater
Contact
4601 N MALDEN ST APT 3
Chicago, IL 60640–4810
NSF Award
2004275 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$244,936
Start / end date
07/01/2020 – 06/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will result from development of augmented intelligence software improving planning and operational decisions for water and wastewater systems. The most challenging issues for water utilities include addressing aging infrastructure, adapting complex systems to changing regulations, and addressing the impacts of environmental change. They arise from interconnected infrastructure networks that interface with both the built and natural environment. Current artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions for water are narrowly defined for specific use cases. The proposed intelligence software will enable transformative changes in water management by seamless composition of hybrid models from simulators and data-driven models to overcome data and information silos, enabling decision-makers to integrate data in a system model that increases resilience at reduced customer costs. These improvements can lead to significant reductions in the roughly $4.7 B annual energy spend for water/wastewater, $50 B in combined sewer system programs, and up to $1 T in aging infrastructure needs. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop methods for combining multi-fidelity simulation models and data-driven models to support decision-making for both long-term planning needs and real-time operational decision support for water and wastewater systems. Meta-modeling techniques for embedding physical system understanding from high-fidelity physics-based simulators to low-fidelity models will be evaluated. Accuracy and runtime tradeoffs will be evaluated for multiple reduced-order methods (e.g. linear and non-linear equations, projection-based methods) to enable more efficient optimization of large solution spaces. Domain applications include reduced-order versions of the St Venant equations for one-dimensional flow, and analytical solutions of biological, physical, and chemical processes in secondary wastewater treatment. The project will evaluate multiple machine learning methods, including deep neural networks, reinforcement learning, random forest, support vector machines, and boosted learning algorithms, to detect patterns in observed data for near-term predictive power toward operational real-time decisions. Expert elicitation techniques will be used to quantify human expertise for subjective decision criteria, integrating valuable tacit human knowledge into the decision process. Meta-analysis of alternative hybrid modeling workflows will be evaluated to identify computationally efficient pathways to optimize complex planning challenges. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
CONOX, LLC
STTR Phase I: Sustainable Glass Raw Materials and Processes for the Upcycling of Waste Concrete into SIlicate Glass
Contact
25318 OAK KNOT DR
Spring, TX 77389–4021
NSF Award
2023638 – STTR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
08/15/2020 – 07/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project is to provide waste concrete as a new raw material source for the glass and other industries. It is estimated that 2.2 billion tons of waste concrete is generated globally each year. About 70% of the construction waste generated in the US is concrete, but it is not typically used as a raw material for glass production or other chemical processes. Using concrete as a raw material reduces its contribution to landfills as well as the need for mining virgin raw materials., and contributes environmental benefits. This STTR Phase I project will study processes to prepare furnace-ready concrete for glass production. This STTR Phase I project will study the feasibility of waste concrete as a raw material constituent (feedstock) for calcium-silicate glass and glass-making. Environmental benefits are possible because concrete contains the same key oxides used in glass making (silicon, calcium, aluminum and iron oxides) as well as sulfur compounds (e.g. gypsum mixed with the cement to regulate setting, and therefore can potentially serve as a candidate raw material in the production of calcium-silicate soda lime and calcium-borosilicate glasses.Research objectives include: 1) characterize variations in chemical composition from industrially relevant sources; 2) determine variation in contaminant concentrations; 3) demonstrate processes and methods to address contaminant variations' 4) characterize the specifications for a furnace-ready waste concrete glass batch; 5) produce pilot batches of calcium-silicate soda lime glass; and 6) characterize variations in produced glasses. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
CORELESS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Large Scale Synthesis of Hollow Metal Nanospheres: Conversion of Batch Synthesis to Continuous Flow
Contact
312B MYRTLE ST
Santa Cruz, CA 95060–4942
NSF Award
1940608 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$269,999
Start / end date
10/15/2019 – 03/31/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is rooted in the development of a large-scale synthesis for the manufacture of highly uniform hollow metal nanospheres for use by the military in potentially contaminated zones of operation, in rural settings with limited access to healthcare laboratories, or in the agricultural field for faster and more affordable detection of lower levels of food-based toxins and pathogens. Furthermore, establishing a source of these next-generation metal nanoparticles at commercially relevant levels of quality and quantity with consistent and predictable performance would pave the way for their expansion into other industries that could also benefit from their advantages, such as photocatalysis, water purification, and photomedicine. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will scale-up the production of hollow metal nanoparticles from the existing small-batch syntheses to a large-scale continuous flow process, with strict standards for the control of their size, shape, and optical response. Large-scale synthesis of highly uniform hollow metal nanospheres with controllable size has not been achieved to date, hampering the use and study of these advanced materials. A high-quality, high-volume production method will position hollow metal nanospheres for rapid commercial adoption in applications where they markedly outperform their solid counterparts, such as in color reporting for lateral flow assays (LFAs), where hollow gold nanospheres can offer a 10-fold improvement in assay sensitivity. The primary objective of the proposed work is to determine the parameters necessary for a high-quality, high-throughput synthesis based on continuous flow, including reactor materials, chamber dimensions, precursor concentrations, flow rates, and reaction times. The major technical hurdle lies in the identification (within a very large parameter space) of suitable conditions for a successful and controlled synthesis; accordingly, a major component of this project is in-depth analysis and characterization of synthesized nanoparticles by optical spectroscopy and electron microscopy. Characterization results will be used to inform iterative reactor improvements. The resulting high throughput reactor will both advance the state of the art of nanomaterial synthesis and enable new research by creating a consistent supply of commercially available hollow nanoparticles with reproducible physical properties. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
COUTURE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
SBIR Phase I: Using Automation to Deliver Photo-Realistic Clothing Simulations for Virtual Fittings
Contact
350 ODOMS BEND RD
Gallatin, TN 37066–6205
NSF Award
2026135 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
08/01/2020 – 07/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will be to demonstrate the feasibility of the virtual garment creation and try-on system. As businesses increase their e-commerce presence, they face a major challenge: the high rate of returns in e-commerce. The return rate for online purchases exceeds that of in-store purchases by roughly 4 to 1, with customers (52-74%) citing dissatisfaction with the garments’ fit as the primary reason for returns. A reduction in returns as small as 1% could keep over 50 million pounds of goods out of the landfill and return $2.3 B to fashion retailers. This Phase I project is aimed at developing a sophisticated process using 3D modeling and fabric simulation technologies to enable customized fit and sizing visualizations prior to purchase. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of the virtual garment creation system by using machine learning, numerical simulations and 3D graphic rendering to generate virtual garments based on (i) images and text that describe the garment and (ii) a minimum set of measurements of the customer's body. This process will advance the translation of novel approaches to combining artificial intelligence and 3D representation of a deformable shape in a computationally efficient manner. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
COVID COUGH INC
SBIR Phase I: COVID-19 Cough Classifier Using Artificial Intelligence
Contact
6400 S FIDDLERS GREEN CIR STE 25
Greenwood Village, CO 80111–5075
NSF Award
2029591 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,974
Start / end date
09/01/2020 – 02/28/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to develop a COVID-19 diagnostic tool using artificial intelligence. The proposed Cough Detector and Cough Classifier is able to “listen” to sounds in a given environment, then detects and classifies coughs. When a cough related to COVID-19 is identified, the individual and relevant personnel in a potential germ circle can be immediately notified. Functioning as an early warning system, the tool will work on a mobile device or laptop, and can be embedded in other technology, such as infrared cameras with microphones or other sound detection equipment. The tool will support ongoing outbreaks and mitigation of social distancing considerations. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will utilize deep learning and transfer learning to develop a COVID-19 cough classifier. The unique features of a COVID-19 cough require distinguishing between characteristics of widened airway, narrowed airway, fluid filled air sacs, airflow patterns of spirometry, stiff lungs, and others. The unique characteristics or features are learned while classify cough types on a training data set. A tuned deep learning model is able to distinguish COVID-19 cough from other types of cough in real-time. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
CREATHADH ENERGIES, LLC
SBIR Phase I: Vibration Energy Harvesting-Based Sensor System
Contact
1142 NIELSEN CT APT 2
Ann Arbor, MI 48105–1968
NSF Award
1951480 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$250,000
Start / end date
01/01/2020 – 09/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will be to use novel energy harvesting techniques to benefit the expanding wearables market and improve the lives of patients who use prosthetics and orthotics. New integrated circuit technology enables vibration energy harvesting from a physically much smaller vibration harvester. These smaller harvesters enable multiple applications. For example, battery life in wearables to track heart rate and steps walked could be extended. Also, fabric-based vibration energy harvesting applications could be realized in military and first responder uniforms to power communication devices. Similarly, for commercial markets clothing-integrated sensors for digital health applications could be powered by vibration harvesting. Finally, first markets will be explored for vibration harvesting systems integrated in prosthetics or orthotics to improve the quality of life for patients. A sensor system in orthotics could detect medical complications in patients suffering from diabetic neuropathy. These new energy harvesting circuits could potentially also power sensors integrated into prosthetics that could identify structural and mechanical problems. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project develops a vibration energy interface circuit that allows cold start-up from record low voltages and low currents using novel CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) design techniques. These CMOS design techniques use only one vibration harvester input to charge large loads such as 100µF capacitors without the use of a transformer or Schottky diodes. Lowering the minimum start-up voltage in a vibration harvesting interface circuit has been a significant area of circuit research in integrated circuit design over the last decade. The innovation proposed for this SBIR Phase I project uses a classic Cockcroft-Walton charge pump with large off-chip 100µF capacitors. The charge pump's rectification is designed in CMOS to allow leakage-based signals to form and switch the charge pump's rectification from cold start-up. In this project there will be continued research into integrated circuit techniques and solutions to lower the minimum start-up voltage in a circuit interface to a vibration harvester. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
CREATIVE BIOTHERAPEUTICS LLC
SBIR Phase I: Stress Pathway Inhibition Prevents COVID-19 Infection (COVID-19)
Contact
4835 KINGS WAY W
Gurnee, IL 60031–3257
NSF Award
2035793 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,700
Start / end date
01/15/2021 – 12/31/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is the pursuit of developing a first-in-class, non-toxic, inexpensive, and effective treatment for COVID-19 for vulnerable patients including the elderly and those at additional risk from cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. These conditions produce high levels of stress on diseased cells compared to normal cells. This project leverages insights that COVID-19 uses the same pathway to enhance viral infection as cancer cells use for survival; this process causes immune system weakening which allows tumor cells and viruses to multiply. The proposed project will create innovative anti-viral therapies by exploring how this survival pathway increases COVID-19 infectivity, weakens the immune system and induces tumor cell resistance. Its use can be expanded to other new targets and therapies. This SBIR Phase I project leverages insights regarding similarities between tumors and viral infections. This project will advance translation of a novel inhibitor to a survival factor that continually keeps these wounds from healing by increasing tumor survival and enhancing viral infections. This novel inhibitor can potently block the binding of COVID-19 spike protein to this survival factor, which has been shown to be highly expressed on stressed lung cells as a result of cancer and other inflammatory diseases. The goals of this project are to 1) show that the proposed COVID-19 inhibitor can block COVID-19 infection of stressed lung cells; 2) reduce cytokine expression to lessen the cytokine storm associated with COVID-19 infection; 3) prevent immune weakening and 4) inhibit coagulopathy to lessen the “blood clot storm”. The project will use standard in vitro viral infectivity assays and in vivo immune competent tumor-bearing mice models infected with a lethal strain of COVID-19. Together, these studies will demonstrate that the proposed lead survival factor inhibitor can significantly reduce the attachment, entry and replication of COVID-19 virus as well as reduce the immune suppressive nature of infected lung alveolar epithelial cells in vitro and in vivo. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
CROSSLINK COMPOSITES, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Tailored Carbon Fiber Technology for High Volume Industrial Applications
Contact
1540 Riggs Chapel Road
Harriman, TN 37748–0000
NSF Award
2025333 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$275,917
Start / end date
08/01/2020 – 05/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is technology that encompasses the development of customizable carbon fiber products and package formats at a low cost. Lack of suitable raw materials and corresponding processes has largely stymied the development and manufacturing of many high-volume industrial composite applications. The current advanced material reinforcement knowledge base is built on technology developed to serve space/aerospace composite material applications, which are relatively low-volume and cost-insensitive markets. This project focuses on creating a new platform designed specifically for high-volume, cost-sensitive industrial composite applications. The resulting carbon fiber products from this advanced material delivery platform can be tailored to facilitate a broad range of industrial composite applications currently unmet or underserved, such as automotive, wind energy and infrastructure applications. This will potentially enable sizable performance and efficiency gains in those industries. This SBIR Phase I project proposes to demonstrate proof-of-concept for a new carbon fiber format technology platform. The proposed technology platform entails delivering carbon fiber with customizable tow linear densities produced from a universal conversion feedstock while seeking to maintain requisite and optimal physical properties of the carbon fiber. Physical properties of multi-level samples will be analyzed iteratively to determine acceptable linear density boundaries. Prototype mechanical devices will be developed to explore multiple viable approaches to optimize processes for the target product formats. The project also will determine the material handling viability of the resulting products for downstream composite uses. The project will explore the trade space of carbon fiber production economics, application requirements, and product performance. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
CROSSTALK LLC
STTR Phase I: Rebooting Artificial Intelligence Inference with a New Configurable Computing Fabric
Contact
117 S LEXINGTON ST STE 100
Harrisonville, MO 64701–2444
NSF Award
2036249 – STTR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
02/15/2021 – 07/31/2022
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to improve data harnessing and real-time intelligent decision making. The proposed technology is a new reconfigurable computing platform capable of performing a variety of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tasks in a distributed and parallel manner to deliver the best performance at a lower cost. The end products are AI accelerator chips that can be integrated in Accelerator Cards or as co-processors to be applied in both server and edge computing solutions to accelerate AI tasks. The general market need is particularly acute for data center and cloud computing industries where major pain points are performance bottlenecks and high costs due to custom chips or reliance on graphic processing units. The core value propositions of the proposed technology are faster compute, programmability at run-time, and easier integration with existing software to enable execution of popular machine learning frameworks. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase (SBIR) Phase I project centers around a novel computing approach where computing and memory elements are parallel and distributed, and interconnection between computing elements is flexible. The project develops an integrated circuit chip that can be reconfigured at run-time to behave as a custom application-specific integrated circuit for each running Artificial Intelligence (AI) application to deliver the optimal performance. It will overcome the memory bottleneck that traditional computing technologies face where data needs to be continuously loaded to and from memory. The proposed technology also addresses the adaptivity challenge for evolving AI models and datasets. The proposed activities include a chip fabrication using a 28nm commercial semiconductor foundry process, extensive benchmarking of the new technology for scalability, adaptability to data size and shape, and research on a software interface to execute codes developed by existing machine learning frameworks in the new chip. The prototype chip is expected to demonstrate distributed and parallel computing capabilities along with dynamic reconfigurability. The benchmarking work is anticipated to reveal at least an order of magnitude improvement over more conventional graphics processing unit based approaches. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
CURATED NETWORKS, INC
SBIR Phase I: Software Defined Networking with Partially Ordered Multipath Routing
Contact
1855 ENCINA DR
Santa Cruz, CA 95062–1988
NSF Award
2014153 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$217,973
Start / end date
06/01/2020 – 11/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will be a new network architecture to improve the internet. Its original connectionless, packet-switched architecture was a departure from the traditional circuit-switched model and involved significant risks. To manage these risks, the original design focused on a simple network with smart endpoints. The result was scalable, robust and supported a wide range of communications technologies; however, it is limited in its ability to meet the performance, security, and policy needs of many modern network applications. Overprovisioning and expensive, complex, and fragile add-on technology are required to meet the needs of these new applications and these solutions may not scale This project will provide an enhanced, smart network that is scalable and robust, supporting performance and policy control while making efficient use of network resources. This will improve the next generation of internet applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project explores the translation of networking with constraints. In this architecture, performance requirements are expressed as performance constraints, and policy requirements for security, multi-tenancy, and traffic differentiation as Boolean constraints on the resources used for an application. Routing with constraints computes the best set of paths per destination that provide the full range of performance and policies supported by the network, allowing traffic to be sent over paths that meet the needs of applications, and distributing the load more evenly over the network (simulations show a 10x increase in capacity). This approach is more robust because it is implemented as a part of the routing function, directly responding to network changes, and more efficient because it runs on the "native internet," eliminating overlays. Lastly, it improves security by implementing a default-deny communication model and is easier to configure based on its declarative, "what" configuration model. This project is focused on characterizing and mitigating risks remaining in this architecture and demonstrating the feasibility of this approach through the development of an operational proof-of-concept. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
CYPRIS MATERIALS, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Paintable Solar Reflective Coatings for Cool Roof Retrofits
Contact
626 BANCROFT WAY STE A
Berkeley, CA 94710–2262
NSF Award
1940383 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
01/01/2020 – 06/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will bring a new family of "structural color" coatings to the commercial marketplace as an alternative to toxic pigments and dyes, as well as a new paradigm for controlling the flow of light. This project aims to improve the energy efficiency of buildings through a coating that can be applied to residential roofing materials during installation or at the original equipment manufacturer level. The technology is a bottoms-up approach to the formation of reflective materials offering significant advantages over state-of-practice cool-roofing alternatives by retrofitting without changing the facade's appearance. The resulting product will rapidly increase adoption of cool-roof technologies due to improved performance without aesthetic loss, a key homeowner concern, leading to substantial energy savings. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses key risks and technical challenges associated with commercializing brush block copolymer based photonic crystals. This forms an ideal advanced materials platform for large-area dielectric mirrors due to the low costs of the raw materials and the simplicity of "bottoms-up" fabrication by macromolecular self-assembly. To realize commercial applications, the chemistries for these reflective organic materials need to be optimized for exterior coating applications to resist degradation from natural weathering conditions such as ultraviolet radiation, rain, thermal cycling; furthermore, the formulation must be optimized for standard application. This proposed activity will develop new synthetic routes, stabilization strategies, and the first manufacturing processes to demonstrate these unique advanced materials. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Capacitech Energy, Inc
STTR Phase I: Self-Powering Textiles for Electronic Wearables
Contact
3259 Progress Drive
Cross City, FL 32628–3230
NSF Award
1914035 – STTR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,905
Start / end date
06/15/2019 – 05/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) project is the integration of energy conversion and energy storage technologies into a single ribbon called the Solar Supercapacitor (SolarCap). The innovative aspect of SolarCap technology is that it is a self-powering ribbon which can be weaved along with cotton fibers to make a fabric. Batteries are currently being employed for powering wearable electronics used in remote places during multiple day trips with limited supplies and resources. However, most batteries are heavy, have a short life span, and are expensive, and transporting them to hostile locations can be difficult and dangerous. The SolarCap ribbons will have a considerable commercial impact since it can be used to charge the wearable electronics devices while woven on the user's backpack, clothing, etc. The proposed study will answer several key scientific questions including energy storage capability, stability, charge-recharge cycle life and durability of the SolarCap ribbons. The core value of the proposed SolarCap is that it can provide soldiers, firefighters, first responders, and outdoor personals increased mobility, comfort, flexibility, and peace of mind concerning device's electrical power while in the field. It can also reduce the physical load carried by the user. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project eliminates the requirement of distinct devices for energy harvesting and storage. Using distinct devices for energy harvesting and storage can be a significant issue for those who are working at remote outdoor places. This is because, once the battery power of a device is drained, the outdoor personnel should find a place to charge the battery. The objective of this proposal is to develop a wearable self-powering SolarCap ribbon by integrating solar cells and supercapacitors on a ribbon. To accomplish this goal, a flexible perovskite solar cell (PSC) will be developed on a conductive ribbon. A hybrid supercapacitor device will be integrated with the PSC to store the harvested energy. These two devices will be so integrated that a direct electric charge transfer can take place from solar cell to the storage device. The proposed SolarCap ribbons are anticipated to deliver more than 8% solar power conversion efficiency and an energy density of more than 20WhKg -1. The size of the ribbons will be so designed to weave along with cotton filaments to make a self-powering fabric. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
CatalyzeH2O LLC
SBIR Phase I: Anti-Microbial Graphene Oxide Nanofiltration Membrane
Contact
249 Alexandra Loop
Elkins, AR 72727–3707
NSF Award
1913598 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
07/01/2019 – 05/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project results from the ability to design a reusable nanofiltration membrane platform for wastewater treatment. Energy-efficient and effective wastewater treatment for water purification and reuse remains a tremendous challenge because safe and reliable approaches are often capital and energy intensive. The production of clean water from wastewater for municipal or industrial reuse requires the removal of a wide range of organic and inorganic contaminants, including many hazardous and toxic substances (e.g., pesticides, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, etc.). Energy costs are driven even higher by the high fouling propensity of polymeric membranes with the wide array of water contaminants. Preventing fouling and enabling high contaminant rejection with low energy requirements remain the two core challenges of membrane filtration for wastewater treatment. The proposed technology will address the two core challenges through the use of an anti-fouling surface chemistry. The low energy requirements, contaminant rejection, and anti-fouling properties of the proposed membrane make it a disruptive innovation that can easily penetrate the market, providing a cost-effective solution that is lacking in current membrane purification systems. This SBIR Phase I project proposes to develop a nanofiltration technology utilizing surface chemistry modification for the creation of an anti-fouling membrane for the rejection of pesticides. The United States spends nearly $9 billion a year on pesticides, which account for 16% of the world pesticide market. Out of the 25 most common active ingredients in pesticides, 76% are water soluble, which leads to contaminated soil, groundwater, and nearby bodies of water. The objectives of this project are to remove common commercial pesticides from water while investigating the advantageous effects of an anti-fouling membrane surface. Performance of the membrane will be investigated through cross flow filtration experiments to identify rejection, stability, and anti-fouling properties. The vision is to create a nanofiltration membrane with a broad contaminant rejection while decreasing energy requirements and fouling. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Cell Reprogramming & Therapeutics LLC
SBIR Phase I: Generation of Dopaminergic Neurons from Fat
Contact
4404 S 113 str
Greenfield, WI 53228–2565
NSF Award
1819574 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$294,999
Start / end date
09/01/2018 – 05/31/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project will be functional neuronal cells derived from human adult adipocytes that will have applications in regenerative medicine. The goal is to develop dopaminergic (DA) neural progenitor cells (NPCs) from transdifferentiated human adult adipocytes using a DA cell induction cocktail. This will have application in cellular therapeutics and research tools for Parkinson's Disease (PD), and other neuronal diseases. In addition, these studies will impact the field of stem cell research and regenerative medicine, since this will be the first demonstration that functional neuronal cells, the main building blocks of brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous systems, can be produced from mature fat cells that can be used as cellular therapeutics for several neurological disorders. This SBIR Phase I project proposes to develop new technology for generation of midbrain dopaminergic (DA) neural progenitor cells (NPCs) from adult adipocytes (fat cells), which will used as a platform to develop cellular therapeutics for Parkinson's Disease (PD), and PD research tools. Recently, using a chemical genetics approach (chemical approach or small molecule approach), engraftable midbrain DA neuronal progenitor cells (DA NPCs) from human bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-hMSCs) have been generated. Additionally, DA neuronal progenitor-like cells also had been produced from de-differentiated fat cells (DFAT cells) that have several advantages over BM-hMSCs such as homogeneity of DFAT cell cultures, ease of isolation and low immunogenicity. The goal of Phase I project is to validate and optimize the DA induction protocol for generation of midbrain DA NPC from DAFT cells. Phase II will focus on clinical grade manufacturing of these DA cells and testing their therapeutic effect in several preclinical animal models of PD. Commercial products emerging from Phase I/II work include cellular therapeutics for PD and research tools for PD. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Cellulose Sciences International
STTR Phase I: Use of Hydroxycinnamic Acids and Their Oligomers as Substitutes for Synthetic Growth Promoting Supplements in Livestock Feeds
Contact
510 Charmany Drive
Madison, WI 53719–1266
NSF Award
2015010 – STTR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
08/01/2020 – 07/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) project is to enhance the health of livestock without addition of synthetic antibiotic and antioxidant compounds. The proposed technologies are corn kernel fiber byproducts of ethanol production from corn. The need for such compounds has grown as livestock is now more often raised in concentrated animal feeding operations that confine animals and result in abnormal oxidative stress. The program is based on extracting these naturally occurring compounds from agricultural residues. These extracts can be used in place of antibiotics and synthetic supplements currently in livestock feeds. The process proposed will enable production at a cost competitive with synthetic supplements. This STTR project proposes to assess the biological activity of hydroxy cinnamic acids and their oligomers (HCAs) as beneficial supplements in livestock feed. They are ester-linked to a hemicellulose known to occur in seed crop brans. The linkage is hydrolyzed during pretreatment of corn bran fiber to prepare it for conversion to ethanol and the HCAs dissolve in the pretreatment solution. As free acids they recover their character, which includes antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The project will provide kilogram quantities of HCAs for use in feeding trials with young swine, wherein they will be compared with naturally sourced feed supplements currently in use in Europe, as well as un-supplemented feed. Components of the extract will be identified and comprehensive biochemical analyses performed, including study of the gastrointestinal physiology and intestinal permeability. Studies will also be performed of gut microbiomes and how the processes involved are influenced by substitution of HCAs as the primary feed supplement. Successful completion of these studies will provide a basis for more comprehensive studies of the use of HCAs as supplements in the diet of other livestock. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Central Inventions, Inc.
SBIR Phase I: Stackmaps: A Metacognitive Learning Support Tool To Empower Students In STEM
Contact
1733 Woodside Rd, Suite 360
Redwood City, CA 94061–3400
NSF Award
1843795 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,995
Start / end date
02/01/2019 – 03/31/2021
Abstract
This SBIR Phase I project will study and develop methods to provide adult professionals and young adult students with the skills and self-confidence to pursue studies and careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields. Today, a large segment of society identifies as being underrepresented in the technology sector. Some individuals experience low technology-related self-confidence as a result. At a time when the United States has an increasing demand for technology workers, the country needs contributions from all segments of society, and not simply those segments which have been privileged in the past, to meet this demand and maintain U.S. competitive advantage in the global innovation economy. Engaging people from the full spectrum of the United States population will enable innovative companies to leverage more diverse sources of creativity, build better solutions to today's problems, and create more jobs. When people see themselves as future practitioners of a technical skill, it is possible to learn topics in a deeper, more fulfilling, and more enduring manner. Commercializing this invention will increase online learning platform retention rates, driving revenue not only within educational companies but within the companies who hire the resulting talent. The proposed technology is innovative because no commercially-available software tools exist which support metacognitive development in tandem with technical skill acquisition. This innovation is risky because no one has proven that having a positive influence on metacognition through automated software is even possible during single learning session. The goal of this research is to deliver techniques for enhancing the self-efficacy of STEM learners within the context of online learning platforms. The project combines best practices in digital personalization and educational psychology research to deliver customized content responsive to learner preferences and learner attitude attributes. The proposed research will demonstrate, via a random trial, increased levels of motivation and engagement in students who receive targeted interventions as compared with a control population. Using survey instruments, the researchers will measure changes in self-efficacy, challenge-seeking, and goal-setting behavior. Because the research team has unique experience in developing proven educational interventions which enhance self-efficacy across a variety of learning domains, the algorithms and methods inside the proposed technology will be difficult for competitors to replicate. This SBIR project will deliver algorithms and automated, web-based interventions to help all STEM learners experience personal engagement with STEM topics and find empowerment in the task of learning. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Choosito!
STTR Phase I: Simplification AI for Workforce Upskilling
Contact
462 Ballytore Rd
Wynnewood, PA 19096–2309
NSF Award
1914104 – STTR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,743
Start / end date
08/01/2019 – 07/31/2021
Abstract
This STTR Phase I project addresses the challenge of upskilling the workforce by developing novel personalized content simplification technology. It will build a novel digital binder tool with an AI empowered content selection and simplification capability. The magnitude and urgency of the workforce upskilling problem require an immediate and robust solution. Corporations are desperate to find and nurture appropriately skilled workers to fill emerging roles. Beyond big high-tech corporations, the need for retraining is expanding in the trades and manufacturing space. An estimated 300-600 million people will need to be retrained between now and 2030. The proposed breakthrough solution utilizes state-of-the-art deep learning and natural language processing algorithms to automatically generate training materials appropriate for the level of familiarity that trainees have with the content and skills they need to acquire. This is facilitated by three core technologies: a content simplification solution with the capability of searching and identifying collections of digital resources by identifying key concepts. The applied algorithms consider the current background of the learner and include documents needed to comprehend those key concepts. The second technology addresses the open problem of text simplification by proposing a hybrid approach of traditional text simplification techniques like word substitution and a novel information retrieval approach that identifies concepts critical for the comprehensibility of advanced documents. The third technology is a personalized content simplification engine tailored to the needs and capacities of each trainee who can continue to use the technology for continuous retraining, upskilling and lifelong learning. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Circle Optics LLC
SBIR Phase I: A novel parallax-free, 360 degree panoramic camera system
Contact
2632 Skillman Avenue
Long Island City, NY 11101–0000
NSF Award
2026054 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$276,000
Start / end date
08/01/2020 – 03/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will be to advance long-form panoramic content capture at reduced cost. While content creators and producers seek panoramic content capture to create immersive viewing experiences, current approaches integrate many shots that consequently require expensive and time-intensive post-production. This project will save costs and labor by enabling seamless real-time capture of cinematic-quality panoramic content. Potential applications include security, risk and asset management, robotics, mapping, and live event capture; sectors that can benefit include navigation, aviation, tourism, construction, manufacturing, and entertainment. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop an innovative camera system that fuses images captured through a camera array at the level of the lenses, rendering a perfect 360° image instantaneously. Minimizing overlapping image capture reduces the problems of parallax error and perspective errors, while valuable camera resolution is not lost on redundancy. This project will: 1) develop software; and 2) validate opto-mechanical alignment and assembly concepts. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Clairways LLC
SBIR Phase I: Medical Device for Monitoring Respiratory Disease
Contact
1 South St
Hanover, NH 03755–2186
NSF Award
1843658 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$269,999
Start / end date
02/01/2019 – 03/31/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will be a novel wearable device for unobtrusively detecting changes in the lung health of patients with chronic respiratory disease. This Passive Unobtrusive Lung function Monitor (PULMO) will be the only device that can automatically measure a patient's lung health information without requiring any active engagement from the clinician, and without imposing any obtrusive changes to the patient's daily routine. The PULMO is useful in a broad range of respiratory disease applications, such as lung transplant post-operative care, asthma management and respiratory therapy research, that require continuous, objective and unobtrusive monitoring of lung function change. Since PULMO technology is compatible with low-cost microcontrollers, it has the potential to dominate the spirometry market and respiratory clinical trials space with high-volume production. The spirometry market has an expected CAGR of 9.4 % from 2018 to 2025, reaching a $1.4 billion market value by 2025, while clinical trials expenditures on new respiratory therapy drugs is forecast to reach $1.7 billion in 2025. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the major drawback of the state-of-the-art in continuous monitoring of respiratory disease, which is that it demands daily discipline, effort and proper technique of the patient, resulting in missing, invalid or fabricated data. In this project, a manufactured PULMO test device will be implemented with an intelligent event detection unit combined with a low power microcontroller, and the total average power consumption will be less than 300 microWatts. The measurement error of the PULMO will be within +/- 5 %, which is necessary for detecting changes in lung impairment. The intelligent event detection unit will be implemented as a nonlinear dynamical system in a custom integrated circuit. A gated recurrent neural network that is optimized for embedded low resource systems will be implemented in the low power microcontroller and will be used to detect respiratory disease symptoms. Controlled tests will be performed with a silicone phantom chest to evaluate the measurement accuracy of the PULMO device. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Cognitive ToyBox
SBIR Phase I: Facilitating Early Childhood Teacher and Family Engagement During COVID-19
Contact
2 Washington Sq Vlg
New York, NY 10012–1708
NSF Award
2030644 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
02/15/2021 – 07/31/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to ensure that the nation’s youngest learners and their families are supported as their educational experiences are disrupted due to the at-home learning configuration associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Parents and caregivers are overwhelmed with all of the changes due to remote learning models. This project can ease their burden by enabling teachers to more closely collaborate with families and support their child in a remote learning context. A lapse in high-quality early childhood education puts the youngest learners at risk of falling behind in school readiness. With this project, teachers will have access to ongoing information on each child’s development and be able to provide better support in the remote context. Moreover, families will have access to high-quality, low-touch resources to support their child at home, even if the classrooms are closed. The proposed project is developing an early childhood teacher and family engagement tool to support remote enrichment for young children at home. The approach brings together the organization’s game-based assessment system to support teachers in the classroom with the organization’s research-based learning games for children. This project will make its assessment product accessible within a home context. Parents and caregivers will be able to use their smartphones or tablets to collect assessment data. Research will be conducted to ascertain ease of use and fidelity of assessment data collected in a remote context. This data will then be used to power recommendations on the organization’s research-based games, two of which will be developed through this work, as well as other educational resources that families and children can do together. Assessment data is typically collected by teachers through an observation-based approach in the classroom; this project will enable parents and caregivers to collect assessment data pertaining to school readiness at home through touchscreen games. Early childhood teachers will then be able to use the data from the assessment and learning products to guide their remote instructional plans. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
CoreMap, Inc.
SBIR Phase I: The Development of Signal Sensing, Processing and Mapping Technology to Enable Curative, Patient-Specific Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation
Contact
197 Moonlight Ridge
Colchester, VT 05446–7797
NSF Award
2026029 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$251,134
Start / end date
09/01/2020 – 05/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is the development of a diagnostic technology capable of identifying the drivers of Atrial Fibrillation (AF), which promises to enable new therapeutic options for a large population of under-served patients. AF is the most common and complex cardiac arrythmia. AF patients are at severe risk of complications including stroke, heart attack and death. AF patients have limited treatment options and medications are only effective approximately half of the time. Ablation is highly effective at treating other arrythmias, but current diagnostic mapping technologies are limited in the ability to provide customized treatment for chronic AF. This project will test concepts of a new device to measure AF. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will validate the ability of a novel micro-electrode array to accurately measure AF in an animal. This is important because conventional intra-cardiac catheters lack the spatial resolution to adequately resolve discrete, closely spaced activations. Accurate resolution of cardiac tissue activations is essential to deduce the properties of diseased tissue and to plan effective patient-specific ablation therapy. Optical mapping is a gold standard for measuring electrical activation of tissue and therefore provides a trusted platform for comparative validation. The expected results are to observe complex activation patterns on an ovine heart model using the novel micro-electrode array, and for those electrical patterns to be corroborated by optical mapping data. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Cytocybernetics
STTR Phase I: Developing a platform for superior predictive analysis of HERG Ion Channel-Drug Interactions for the Comprehensive In-vitro Proarrhythmia Assay (CiPA)
Contact
5000B Tonawanda Creek Rd N
North Tonawanda, NY 14120–9536
NSF Award
1913793 – STTR Phase I
Award amount to date
$269,900
Start / end date
07/01/2019 – 09/30/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) project will be to improve the safety testing of new drugs for approval by the FDA. By decreasing the time and costs associated with safety testing, the product will make all classes of new drugs safer, less expensive and available to patients sooner. All new drugs must demonstrate that they are safe. One common and critical point at which new candidate treatments fail is because they have the serious side effect of promoting sudden cardiac death through lethal arrhythmias. This product combines advanced biological techniques with advanced computing to develop a system that will enable pharma and biotech companies to more rapidly and accurately identify pro-arrhythmic drugs earlier in the development process, thus saving drug companies significant costs associated with drug development. Drugs that ultimately fail cardiac safety screening need to be eliminated as soon as possible from the development pipeline, and certainly pre-clinically. A drug that makes it to clinical trials before cardiac side effects are identified can result in significant wasted costs, in addition to the human cost. Conversely, a drug incorrectly eliminated also can be costly, both in terms of lost revenue and benefit to society. This STTR Phase I is a proposal to improve the extraction of key data from experiments on the HERG ion channel and its interpretation through computational modeling in the new FDA CiPA initiative. Preclinical safety testing currently focuses on two interdependent questions: 1) Does the drug block the HERG channel? and 2) Does the drug prolong the action potential? The CiPA initiative proposes to integrate this process systematically, through screening of a defined set of cloned ion channels in high throughput systems and combing this with action potential modelling through the qNet index. The HERG channel is handled separately using a complex state-dependent block model that due to its complexity requires very difficult and time consuming manual measurements. This proposal will automate this process by using a real-time interface to computer model block and evaluate the information coming from voltage clamp experiments as they occur. As such it will be an artificial intelligence that will substitute for the judgement of a human experimenter by focusing only on protocols and exposure times that define the kinetics of a particular drug. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
DEEPCONVO INC.
SBIR Phase I: Voice-based telehealth interface for symptom monitoring and screening for chronic and acute respiratory diseases, including COVID-19
Contact
317 CORNWALL DR
Pittsburgh, PA 15238–2643
NSF Award
2032220 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,984
Start / end date
09/01/2020 – 02/28/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is a novel smartphone-based method for symptom monitoring and screening for chronic and acute respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Current methods of evaluating respiratory diseases are not easily accessible or do not scale to screen large populations. The proposed technology will enable detection and monitoring of respiratory diseases to anyone with access to an internet-connected microphone (e.g., smartphone), using voice as an indicator. The technology will administer simple tests in minutes and deliver results in seconds, without requiring specialized user training. The anticipated outcome is a widespread, real-time screening, monitoring and exacerbation warning system that remotely analyzes voice signals for patients with chronic and acute respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to develop voice-based classifiers that diagnose COVID-19 and monitor the severity of the disease. Existing algorithms that detect vocal biomarkers in breath and speech indicative of lung function and respiratory disease will be extended to incorporate COVID-19 signatures. Audio recordings from patients receiving a positive COVID-19 test will be collected to extract micro -signatures and develop algorithms to automatically recognize and map patterns to clinical findings and reported symptoms. The research objectives include developing: (1) A binary classifier that differentiates symptomatic and asymptomatic patients; (2) A multi-class classifier that correlates (in future predicts) changes in the severity of a patient’s symptoms when provided a series of voice samples (3) Developing a dashboard for physicians that provides up to date reports and visualizations of the cross sectional and longitudinal analytics (4) An API giving lung function metrics and classifiers available for integration into 3rd party IT infrastructure. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
DENTUIT IMAGING LLC
STTR Phase I: A Machine Learning Framework for Comprehensive Dental Caries Detection
Contact
651 N BROAD ST STE 205 #677
Middletown, DE 19709–6402
NSF Award
2013846 – STTR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,999
Start / end date
07/01/2020 – 05/31/2021
Abstract
The broader/commercial impact of this Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will be the development of an artificial intelligence software solution that enables automated detection of dental cavities in digital X-rays. Routine misdiagnosis of dental cavities (tooth decay) is a global challenge; cavities alone account for over 5% of healthcare costs in developed countries, with dental care focused on repairing rather than preventing tooth decay. This project will develop an add-on solution for software already in use by 200,000 dentists nationally. The technology resulting from this project will allow non-expert assistants to automate the triaging, screening, and tracking of patients, increasing access to oral care for underserved communities nationally and throughout the world. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of two key innovations: (1) a novel software framework using an innovative neural network algorithm for the detection of cavities in X-rays, and (2) the world’s largest database of dental radiographs annotated by specialists in oral radiology. The goals of R&D are to achieve high sensitivity and specificity in cavity detection and to ensure consistent high-quality annotations. Outcomes include: (1) achieving state-of-the-art performance in cavity detection, (2) outperforming domain experts in detecting all stages of cavities, and (3) enabling professionals and non-experts alike to interpret pathologies using a visual heatmap of prediction confidence. The proposed technology features an innovative neural network structure for learning visual representations of dental radiographs that jointly characterize the data while highlighting their most salient attributes. Using a new and original training procedure, the technology will maximize the benefit of existing unlabeled data. Technical challenges include scaling performance while maintaining a minimal false-negative rate, establishing interoperability under various calibration settings, and achieving the desired level of results on the types of machines used by customers with reasonable resource costs. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
DISCRETE LATTICE INDUSTRIES, LLC
SBIR Phase I: Automated Assembly of Discrete Cellular Structures
Contact
31732 4TH AVE
Laguna Beach, CA 92651–6969
NSF Award
2036680 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$254,430
Start / end date
02/01/2021 – 01/31/2022
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is the development of architected, cellular materials at large scales. Size constraints of 3D printing can be overcome by discrete assembly of modular, mass-produced parts. This approach benefits from incremental assembly, which eliminates scale limitations and enables best-practice manufacturing for reliable, low-cost part production, and interchangeability through a consistent assembly process across part types. Further, the system can be automated. Precision and repeatability are embedded in the parts themselves. This project will match state-of-the-art performance metrics while reducing reliance on fixed tooling, offering customization for user-defined products. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will address issues of large-scale, digital manufacturing by introducing a new type of material based on modular, cellular units. In contrast to continuous, layer-based, additive deposition processes, this approach relies on discrete assembly. Here, global geometries are defined by local constraints, errors can be incrementally detected and corrected, heterogeneous parts can be joined, and parts can be repaired, reused, and recycled. The goals of this project are to define a material system (constituent material, unit cell geometry, and fastening solution) that can achieve high stiffness-to-weight ratios at low cost. Such properties do not currently exist in a single monolithic material; rather, they are achieved through expensive processes to shape traditional materials into complex geometries. These methods are labor-intensive and have significant capital expenditure for tooling. This project will demonstrate the ability of discrete lattice materials to match state-of-the-art while offering cost reductions through automation, reduction in factory overhead, and performance benefits unachievable with traditional methods. Analytical and numerical models will be used to project performance and cost at larger scales (greater than one hundred meters). This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
DISSECT 360 LLC
SBIR Phase I: Anatomy Reimagined in an Educational Tool with Gaming and 3D Models
Contact
3810 W ADDISON ST
Chicago, IL 60618–5010
NSF Award
2035933 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
03/01/2021 – 08/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will lead to new educational software for learning human anatomy. The software will serve 54,000 healthcare professional students studying anatomy each year in the U.S., as well as 450,000 undergraduate students. Anatomy is the cornerstone of medical education with cadaver dissection serving as the gold standard teaching method. However, many students have limited or no access to cadavers during their academic experience. Learning resources in human anatomy (textbooks, models, apps) are generally color-coded, computer-generated images that lack the complexities and appearance of cadavers. These learning materials do not match dissected specimens, making knowledge transfer more difficult. To overcome these challenges, the proposed software will marry digital cadaveric models with captivating educational gaming strategies. The software will bring high-quality anatomy education to low resource settings in the U.S. and abroad. The proposed project will incorporate principles of educational psychology and learning science to develop a gaming platform for healthcare professional students (e.g. medical, physical therapy, dental, physician assistant) to learn human anatomy. The games will be built on a virtual atlas of human anatomy created from high-resolution images of dissected human cadavers. For this proof-of-feasibility project, we will focus on the human heart. Technical hurdles to this project include incorporating learning principles into the games and converting anatomy images into a software package that can run on devices, such as iPads and smartphones, while maintaining resolution and usability features. During this project, we will capture images of the human heart, transfer them into the appropriate software development platform, and then add education features and games in an iterative process. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
DIVERSE EMERGENT ENGINEERING PROSPECTIVE -DEEP- DESIGNS LLC
SBIR Phase I:VIBES: An Intelligent Application for Emotional Support During the COVID-19 Crisis
Contact
501 SW 75TH STREET
Gainesville, FL 32607–1739
NSF Award
2034057 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,866
Start / end date
02/01/2021 – 01/31/2022
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project includes the need for 1) student engagement in social-emotional learning, 2) coordinated and consistent ways for counselors, teachers, and students to support the mental health of students, and 3) student connection during times of isolation. The transition from elementary to middle school demands new social skills in a larger and more intricate environment with an increased probability of peer conflicts. Paradoxically, this point also marks a need for more stable and intimate relationships with peers. In other words, the point of highest need with respect to relationships coincides with opportunities for the most turmoil. All of these challenges now exist in parallel with COVID-19, which has caused school closings, food scarcity, parental unemployment, social isolation, and destabilized support systems. The project will develop a scalable tool for supporting teachers, counselors and after school/out of school facilitators engaging students in social-emotional learning. Within the web-based system, students will be able to actively and consistently track and reflect upon their thoughts, feelings, and emotions; teachers/counselors will have a dashboard with a view of students’ challenges and customized suggestions for students to engage with social-emotional learning activities. The proposed project will develop an intelligent online self-tracking system to support social-emotional growth for middle school students. The key technical challenges we must resolve include: defining and refining a user experience that teachers/counselors will find educationally compelling and with which learners will engage; designing a curating process for remote learning content that will ensure safety and security of all users; designing algorithms to support tracking of student social-emotional well-being; and creating a recommendation system that determines the best interventions to suggest to students based on previous interactions. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
DOCUGAMI, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Authoring Assistance via Contextual Semantic Labeling
Contact
150 LAKE STREET S
Kirkland, WA 98033–6460
NSF Award
2012993 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$216,917
Start / end date
07/01/2020 – 04/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to advance Natural Language Processing (NLP) to improve productivity, compliance and insight for businesses. Documents are the underlying fabric of business as they hold detailed agreements, obligations, requirements and terms central to business operations with customers, suppliers, partners and regulators. However, documents still represent "dark data", separate and inaccessible to automated business processes. Businesses like commercial real estate, insurance, professional services, financial services, legal firms and many others produce and consume many documents containing similar patterns with innumerable variations. Authoring and executing these agreements is laborious and error-prone, but it is difficult to automate the use of this semi-structured information. This project develops a series of sophisticated steps to discern structure and information from narrative text, applying the latest techniques from several schools of thought in artificial intelligence. This project will enable knowledge workers to gain the assistance of artificial intelligence to author and execute commercial agreements with greater ease, efficiency, precision, confidentiality, compliance and insight. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to enhance unstructured human-centered text with a structured computer-optimized version, a "shadow" representation of each document that uses XML and database technology to enable innovative software assistance for users and organizations. The research takes a multi-faceted approach, applying computer vision and then creating a pipeline of new algorithms using techniques from Deep Learning, Bayesian, Evolutionary, Symbolic and Classic NLP. The process operates on "small" datasets (10-30 documents) with high accuracy as well as large datasets. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
DRIVEABILITY VT, LLC
SBIR Phase I: Neurocognitive and behavioral detection of THC impairment
Contact
71 CRESCENT BEACH DR
Burlington, VT 05408–2608
NSF Award
2014649 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,472
Start / end date
09/01/2020 – 08/31/2021
Abstract
The broader/commercial impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to develop a reliable tool for law enforcement for the detection of cannabis-related driving impairment. Impaired operation of equipment costs the nation hundreds of billions of dollars annually. Our detection tool is a software application designed to be presented on a mobile tablet device. It will utilize a combination of neurocognitive, behavioral, and physiological indicators of cannabis intoxication to make an informed determination of impairment. This detection tool may be used as a roadside device by law enforcement, as a screening tool by employers of transit companies, or by an individual user. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to develop a portable mobile device and software to perform a roadside cannabis detection test. The software will perform a rapid sequence of neuropsychological tests. Combined with an infrared camera to track eye movement and pupillary reflex during driver evaluation, this system can potentially detect driving impairment due to tetrahydrocannabinol. A machine learning algorithm will be used to both assess physical and neurological test results and to present a progressive testing architecture. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
DYNAMIC ENTROPY TECHNOLOGY, LLC
STTR Phase I: Development of an Intranasal Vaccine for COVID-19
Contact
4923 KENTON LK
San Antonio, TX 78240–5404
NSF Award
2032325 – STTR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
10/01/2020 – 09/30/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact /commercial potential of this Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project is development of a novel, safe and effective, non-invasive, vaccine for the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently there is no approved vaccine for SARS-CoV-2, and some candidates are administered intramuscularly. The proposed intranasal vaccine directly interacts with the respiratory tract and may provide improved protection and virus clearance. The proposed vaccine is non-invasive, easy to administer, and may be effective in a single dose, thus impacting future social distancing needs. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop an intranasal coronavirus vaccine and determine the most promising formulation, with tasks including: 1) synthesis of novel coronavirus antigens and formulation of intranasal vaccine using liposome nanoparticles, including antigen discovery, liposome nanoparticle formulation, and in vitro characterization; 2) preclinical testing of intranasal coronavirus vaccine in an animal model, including intranasal vaccination, serum antibody analysis, virus challenge and analysis of protection efficacy. The outcome of this Phase I study is to obtain an optimized nanoparticle intranasal vaccine formulation for induction of robust T and B cell responses specific to SARS-CoV-2 S and N protein. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
ECLIPSE ENTEROGENESIS, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Endoluminal Fixation of a Distraction Enterogenesis Device
Contact
1490 OBRIEN DR STE C
Menlo Park, CA 94025–1499
NSF Award
2036538 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
12/15/2020 – 11/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to create a novel intestinal lengthening system for the treatment of Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS). SBS is a devastating condition defined by the loss of greater than 50% of a patient’s small bowel due to a congenital or acquired defect that often requires surgical treatment. For pediatric patients, SBS can be more devastating with the mortality rate approaching 50%. Existing non-surgical treatment options are inadequate and often lead to complications such as life-threatening central venous line infections, clotting of the major venous systems, metabolic imbalance, liver disease, and organ failure. The average cost per SBS patient ranges from $150,000-$200,000 for nutrition alone, and when combined with pharmaceutical therapies, the cost can exceed $500,000 per year. Today, there is no known restorative solution to SBS. This project will develop a technology that can be delivered endoscopically to the small intestine without the need of open surgery. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 1 project intends to create the first fixation method for devices to be endoscopically placed inside the small intestine, held temporarily in place, and then released for natural passing out of the body in the stool. Current fixation methods and technology are permanent and require either an open surgical procedure or a device that remains in place. This project will be accomplished as follows: (1) select a preferred fixation method, including fabrication and testing subassemblies on the laboratory bench to optimize fixation performance and subsequent release; (2) incorporate the optimal fixation and release concept with existing endoscopic imaging and delivery devices to demonstrate system feasibility on the laboratory bench; and (3) prepare a system for animal testing. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
ECOCLOSURE LLC
STTR Phase I: High Performance Microalgae Building Enclosures for Energy Efficient Retrofitting Application
Contact
5530 BALLANTYNE COMMONS PKWY
Charlotte, NC 28277–0566
NSF Award
2012157 – STTR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
06/01/2020 – 05/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project is in the sustainable and economic retrofitting of low-performing older buildings toward improved economic, social and ecological impacts of built environments. More than half of all commercial buildings were constructed before the 1980s with lower energy standards. The owners and occupants of these buildings now often seek better energy management and air quality technologies. The microalgae window developed in this Phase I project is an energy-efficient, easy-to-install, adaptable modular unit for different retrofitting applications, able to compete with conventional windows due to its good air quality and renewable energy potentials. Gains in worker productivity from microalgae window retrofit are estimated to be substantial and building values at sale or rental are expected to increase significantly due to building envelope improvement. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project seeks to develop an innovative, cost-effective microalgae window for retrofitting low-performing commercial windows. Microalgae are an effective biological system for carbon capture and biomass production from photosynthesis. The microalgae window incorporates a network of screens filled with microalgae within a window assembly to replace or add to older windows for energy-efficient retrofitting. The microalgae screen within a window assembly is able to balance multiple functions of thermal insulation, daylight transmission, solar shading efficacy, and views to outside. Research objectives are to: 1) characterize the optimal microalgae window system for pre-1980 office retrofitting applications; 2) verify environmental performance using computer simulations and lab experimentation in accordance with industry standards; and 3) conduct field testing to evaluate building energy savings, indoor air quality improvement and renewable energy production potentials. The new microalgae window mitigates energy transfer between indoor and outdoor environments, subsequently reducing heating, cooling, lighting, and ventilation demands. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
EDGETENSOR TECHNOLOGIES INC.
STTR Phase I: A Self-Learning Approach for In-Vehicle Driver and Passenger Monitoring Through a Sensor Fusion Approach
Contact
6708 ALCOVE LN
Plano, TX 75024–6320
NSF Award
1950249 – STTR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
03/01/2020 – 03/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will result from the introduction of a state-of-the-art driver monitoring system using artificial intelligence to detect distracted driving or poor driving practices. It can also be used for driver coaching and education, as well as to improve driver attention. The system will help minimize accidents and create safer roads and work environments. End users include automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), commercial fleet operators, taxi and ride-sharing companies, heavy machinery and crane operators, rail and aviation operators, and operators of specialized transportation systems, such as school bus services and charter vehicles. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will exploit data from different camera and inertial sensors inside a vehicle to monitor and assess the attention of the driver. The driver’s gaze and upper body pose will be evaluated separately using artificial intelligence (AI) methods and the results combined to generate an overall estimate of the level of driver distraction. The proposed framework is expected to generate reliable results even in cases of high face occlusion. The technical objectives of the project include to: 1) Explore supervised and unsupervised methods to track the driver's body movement using depth and RGB sensors, addressing the challenges and drawbacks of current vision-based algorithms in real-world driving conditions; 2) Design a novel deep learning framework to integrate the driver's body pose with his/her attention level to infer driver's activities (e.g., such as using portable devices, eating, drinking, and other activities); 3) Develop new models of driver visual attention to obtain confidence levels in the estimated driver's gaze, estimated shoulder pose and joints positions; 4) Develop multi-modal end-to-end deep learning frameworks that integrate multiple sensors to provide important features for monitoring and assisting the driver; 5) Implement the system on low-power commodity hardware that is cost-effective and scalable. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
EDVISION CORP.
STTR Phase I: EdVision: AI-powered academic guidance for PhD programs
Contact
9408 AZALEA RIDGE CIR
Tampa, FL 33647–2557
NSF Award
2014338 – STTR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,986
Start / end date
07/15/2020 – 06/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project is to use artificial intelligence methods to help all PhD program stakeholders (students, alumni, faculty, administrators) maximize desired student placements by leveraging available courses and other resources on campus. PhD student placement is a great concern for universities. However, in the absence of data-driven tools that can help administrators track PhD student progress and market needs, there is little that university leaders or faculty can do to continually improve PhD programs and align these programs with the needs of the economy. The total addressable market for AI-driven academic guidance for higher education is estimated at over $1 billion annually. By improving the match between PhD academic preparation and the needs of organizations tackling contemporary challenges in knowledge and technology intensive industries, this project will help universities contribute to society’s grand challenges in areas such as energy, food, disease and transportation. The success of this project will demonstrate the feasibility of continuously gathering adequate data from students, alumni and job postings and using this data to make reliable predictions and actionable individualized recommendations to PhD students that support their academic preparation towards improved market readiness. Education is one of the most important applications of AI, and this project focuses on using AI to empower students, faculty and administrators to maximize the outcomes from the large investments by universities in PhD programs. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project aims to collect highly granular data from PhD students, alumni and job market postings and use this data to build prediction and recommendation models to maximize the match between each student’s interests and market needs across long time horizons beyond graduation. While the market expectations for PhD graduate competencies are evolving rapidly and include high levels of multi-disciplinary excellence, PhD programs are evolving slowly, largely due to the lack of data-driven recommendations for appropriate interventions. The proposed R&D plan will develop semi-automated methods for data curation in higher education, then use this data to build novel algorithms using neural network architectures and techniques to predict career outcomes of PhD graduates. The company will also use this data and upstream models to build individualized recommendations using model-based reinforcement learning. The system will suggest the most suitable actions for students, faculty and administrators to maximize the impacts of PhD programs in all disciplines. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
ELECTRASTEEL, INC.
SBIR Phase I: A novel carbon dioxide emission free iron-making process
Contact
2100 RIVERSIDE LN
Boulder, CO 80304–0997
NSF Award
2039232 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,996
Start / end date
02/15/2021 – 11/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to enable an environmentally sustainable, carbon-dioxide emission-free process for the iron and steel industry. The novel process operates at relatively low temperatures allowing the process to start and stop on demand, thereby enabling seamless integration with intermittent renewable resources, like solar and wind energy. The process can use widely available low-grade iron ores not commonly used in steelmaking today due to high impurity content. Furthermore, the process uses only iron ore and renewable electricity as a feedstock. Thus, the process plant is easily co-located with mining operations to eliminate the logistics and carbon emissions from shipping iron ore, supporting the domestic iron and steelmaking industries. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will validate the feasibility of a novel carbon dioxide emission-free iron-making process. The proposed solution leverages intermittent renewable energy to convert iron ore to iron metal via an electrochemical process. The objectives of this project are to 1) develop a process to convert the solid iron ore to a liquid electrolyte suitable for efficient iron extraction in a subsequent step, 2) demonstrate high faradaic efficiency for materials regeneration in a continuous closed-loop process, 3) build a novel electrochemical device with total specific energy consumption comparable to the energy intensity of the conventional process. The approach combines a fundamental understanding of iron ore dissolution kinetics with a novel electrochemical regeneration scheme to enhance iron ore dissolution and enable efficient iron extraction. The project will seek to understand the impact of key process variables and iron ore impurities on performance and stability. It is anticipated that the core innovation will lead to a novel process of reducing iron ore to high-purity iron for steelmaking. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
EMANATE WIRELESS, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Utilization, Condition, and Location Tracking for Clinical Assets
Contact
11145 WINDSOR ROAD
Ijamsville, MD 21754–8911
NSF Award
2025873 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,221
Start / end date
08/01/2020 – 04/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will be to improve the quality of healthcare in the United States by reducing the costs to maintain clinical equipment. US hospitals spend $93 billion yearly on medical equipment life cycle costs (second only to personnel). Large inefficiencies exist; a typical hospital has 25% over-inventory of equipment, resulting in $1 M annually in unnecessary capital and operational expense. Current monitoring systems use wireless tags to locate equipment but these do not reduce equipment maintenance costs. This proposal will develop a new tag with sensors and software to monitor not only equipment location but also utilization and condition to optimize inventory levels. This system will generate further savings by optimizing equipment service intervals based on usage and condition rather than simply elapsed time. Most importantly, this system will improve patient outcomes by detecting faults requiring immediate service, such as drops and failing mechanical components. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will advance development of technology enabling hospitals to optimally manage clinical equipment. The solution mounts small battery-powered wireless tags (with sensors and machine learning algorithms) on equipment for monitoring. The research plan will address three main technical challenges: applicability, scalability and readiness as follows: 1) Applicability: Measure a wide variety of device types, analyze collected sensor data, identify algorithms mapping sensor data to context, and test performance under real-world scenarios; 2) Scalability: Develop procedures and tools to create an algorithm library for the thousands of device-type/make/models in the hospital market; and 3) Readiness: Characterize the cost-size-battery life trade space, with a goal of tag life of 10 years, including exploring battery alternatives,sensors with deep-sleep modes, and adaptive algorithms maintaining device context with maximum sleep intervals. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
EMERALD TUTU INC, THE
SBIR Phase I: The Emerald Tutu
Contact
189 HAMILTON ST
Cambridge, MA 02139–3923
NSF Award
2016199 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$275,999
Start / end date
08/01/2020 – 07/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to provide a nearshore (just offshore of inhabited coastal land, in shallow water) solution to reduce coastal flooding. The proposed project addresses a need to lessen heavy flood protection solutions based on carbon-intensive concrete in the form of seawalls and other barriers. This project will prototype an interconnected network of floating growth mats, made to seed marsh grass above the water and seaweed below. The heavy biomass of these mats and their network properties as a large interconnected group provides wave and storm surge reduction. A proposed turnkey kit offers a low-cost system, readily deployable and expandable over time. Additionally, as a floating park-like marine landscape, it has many co-benefits to the surrounding communities. As plant-based infrastructure, it serves as a site for native marsh grasses and local seaweeds to populate, providing new habitats and improving water quality. This SBIR Phase I project is a natural coastal resilience technology designed to be pre-fabricated, modular, and easy to implement for a variety of coastal environments and communities. The technology consists of robust vegetated mats linked in a network and deployed in the nearshore. The mats are colonized by local varieties of semi-aquatic marsh flora above the water line, and aquatic seaweeds below. Research objectives to validate this approach include comparing mat network performance in a range of flow conditions, including extreme waves, to inform mat design. A second research thrust will measure biomass accumulation and ecological performance through in situ deployments of mat structures. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
ENGENIOUSAG, LLC
SBIR Phase I: Low-cost in-planta nitrate sensor
Contact
1111 WOI RD
Ames, IA 50011–1085
NSF Award
1914251 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
07/01/2019 – 06/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project is to develop technology to address a significant pain point for farmers associated with reducing nitrogen fertilizer input costs. The technology is based on in-planta sensor technology that will allow farmers to more carefully and precisely tailor nitrogen applications to each part of each field. By monitoring nitrate accumulation within plants, farmers will receive real time readouts of which fields and which portions of fields are nutrient constrained and could produce more yield following the application of additional nitrogen fertilizer. These readouts also will identify those fields that already have sufficient nitrogen, meaning that further applications would simply reduce farmer profit and environmental sustainability. Widescale adoption and use of these sensors will not only improve farmer profitability, but also improve water quality and ecosystem health via reductions in agricultural losses of reactive nitrogen. This SBIR Phase I project proposes to develop an in-planta sensor for monitoring nitrate concentrations in plants at low cost and in near real time. Existing stalk nitrogen measurement must be conducted in a laboratory setting, requiring farmers to collect samples, mail them to a testing lab, and wait from one to two weeks to receive test results. The cost of the laboratory testing is high enough that only a fraction of farmers conducts nitrogen testing. The in-planta nitrate sensor technology will allow farmers to appropriately sample their fields and provide rapid feedback, allowing farmers (or their crop advisors) to incorporate the data into real-time decisions. This project seeks to develop an in-planta sensor through the fusion of silicon-based microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology and novel nanomaterials. The project will overcome major technical challenges through improving materials, fabrications, packaging, and validation, including optimizing MEMS fabrication processes to minimize sensors at low cost, improving packaging robustness for sensors, and validating sensor prototypes in a greenhouse. The in-planta sensor will directly detect stalk nitrate concentrations with minimal invasion, while being robust to interference from other ions present in the plant stem or stalk. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
ENKOAT LLC
SBIR Phase I: Composite Coatings for Improving Energy Efficiency of Building Envelope Systems
Contact
661 N CASTLEDALE AVE
Casa Grande, AZ 85194–6500
NSF Award
2015128 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$249,996
Start / end date
06/01/2020 – 05/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is the development of energy efficient building coatings that have the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The market for energy efficient coatings is experiencing accelerated growth due to government and rapid rise in demand for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certified structures. With these recent developments, building developers are actively seeking solutions which are technologically robust and cost-effective for meeting energy mandates. These novel architectural coatings not only provide the aesthetics and textured finish as traditional architectural coatings, but also provide the added benefit of decreasing heating and cooling related costs for the building owner. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is focused on developing an optimized blend of phase change materials for incorporation in architectural building envelope coatings such as paint, plaster and stucco, to provide them with insulative properties. The optimized blend will consist of phase change materials (PCMs) with different phase transition temperatures in specific volume proportions to maximize energy savings in a specific climate zone in terms of heating and cooling costs. Preliminary lab work has shown promise that PCMs can be utilized in coatings to reduce temperature swings and shift the peak load to off-peak hours, which can lead to significant cost savings. This project will develop protocols to maximize incorporation of PCMs in these coatings without compromising their aesthetics. Energy modeling and experimental work including micro- and macro- scale material characterization will be carried out to verify the laboratory and small field-scale performance of these coatings. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIVE COATINGS LLC
SBIR Phase I: Durable Omni-Phobic Coatings
Contact
23255 BELLWOOD DR
Southfield, MI 48034–5155
NSF Award
2014801 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
05/15/2020 – 04/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will be to advance the development of a self-cleaning coating technology for applications in household products, automotive, sensors and aerospace. Fluorinated materials have been widely used in self-cleaning applications due to their excellent wear characteristics, and super-hydrophobicity, but their environmental impact motivates new solutions. Attempts to date have typically resulted in materials that are cloudy, non-durable and/or too expensive for commercial relevance. This project will advance a new coating that adheres well to substrates, offers high abrasion resistance similar to glass, and exceptional weather resistance. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will allow the advancement of a durable, non-fluorinated, super omniphobic, optically clear coatings for industrial applications. The proposed work is focused on enhancing the performance of nonfluorinated omniphobic coatings in three specific ways. First, the adhesion of omniphobic coatings will be improved such that they will be able to withstand submersion in water for months without showing swelling/delamination. This will be achieved by using water stable urethane polymers and/or prior surface treatment of the substrate. Second, the abrasion resistance of the coating will be enhanced by using a combination of urethane precursors and fillers. Finally, the weatherability will be increased by using UV stabilizers along with UV stable urethane polymers such that the coatings will have improved performance in outdoor applications. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
ENVISION ENDOSCOPY, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Endoscopic Patient Mask to Limit Aerosolization During Endoscopic Procedures During COVID-19 Pandemic
Contact
15 FAIRFAX ST APT 2
Somerville, MA 02144–1107
NSF Award
2030942 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
08/01/2020 – 09/30/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to help manage COVID-19 transmission in hospitals with a novel patient face mask to limit transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus during endoscopic procedures. All endoscopic procedures are considered aerosol-generating procedures because of the possibility of coughing and retching during upper endoscopy, and the passage of flatus during colonoscopy. The proposed patient endoscopic mask limit the spread of microdroplet and aerosols from the patient. This project proposes to develop an endoscopy mask which will be disposable, single use, with an oral opening for the introduction of an endoscope to the gastrointestinal tract. The proposed solution will allow most type of endoscopes, probes, and tubes to be inserted through the mask and enter the mouth or nose, while providing a seal between the mask and scope to limit leakage during the procedure. In addition, it will reduce the post-procedure wait time needed for air circulation in the endoscopy room to remove aerosols for the safety of patients and gastrointestinal health care givers. The solution will be useful for managing transmissions of any airborne infections. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a novel technology that seals between the mask opening and an endoscope, while allowing the endoscope's advancement inside the gastrointestinal tract. The challenge with sealing the mask comes from the scope, which must have significant freedom of motion when it is inserted into the mouth of a patient. The proposed mask will have an access for suction to clear airway secretions and to remove aerosol and micro-droplets generated during endoscopic procedures. If successful, this seal technology can be utilized in other aerosol-generating clinical applications, such as reducing spread of aerosolized droplets of blood in laparoscopic surgery procedure. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
ENVIVO BIO INC
SBIR Phase I: CapScan: Non-Invasive Sampling and Analysis of the Human GI Tract to Advance Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research
Contact
26160 RANCHO MANUELLA LN
Los Altos, CA 94022–2034
NSF Award
1936687 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,079
Start / end date
02/01/2020 – 07/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to develop a tool to non-invasively measure inflammatory markers, microbes and metabolic profiles inside the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract for a variety of medical conditions. Initially, the device can be used for the diagnosis and management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This device and the data it collects will be used to improve the treatment of obesity and related metabolic disorders, such as type II diabetes, that cumulatively cost the US economy over $200 billion per year. Given the centrality of gut physiology to human health, there will likely be additional uses of the technology in monitoring human health, eventually making it as routine and informative as a blood test is today in the practice of medicine. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will deliver a pill-sized device to the distal small intestine region of the human GI tract and trigger the collection of the luminal contents in that region. The device will need to accommodate tremendous variation in the physiology of the human gut. The sampling device will encounter a biochemical environment ranging from pH 1 to pH 8. The time required for normal peristalsis to deliver the sampling device to the desired region of the GI tract will vary from 3 to 10 hours. Furthermore, cost and safety constraints strongly favor the use of a passive device with no actively powered sensors or actuators. A multidisciplinary approach using mechanical and material science innovations can meet these challenges and make the proposed device a platform sampling technology for IBD, and GI disorders in general. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
EPIImaging, LLC
SBIR Phase I: A Passive Alternative to LiDAR for Automotive 3D Ranging
Contact
414 Paco Drive
Los Altos, CA 94024–3827
NSF Award
2015152 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,850
Start / end date
05/15/2020 – 04/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will advance the development of detection systems for autonomous vehicles. The proposed technology takes advantage of trends in price, performance, and quality of imagers and processors driven by the proliferation of these devices in smartphones. The technologyalso provides key capabilities such as integrated color information, detection over extended depths, scene segmentation and tracking, and better performance in inclement weather or under poor visibility. This leads to improvements in three-dimensional (3D) vision and object modeling that will have significant commercial impact in accelerating the development and deployment of autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicle navigation and assistance. This will lead to higher commuting efficiency, reduced traffic fatalities, reduced traffic congestion, and reduced pollution. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will establish the technical capabilities and advantages of passive sensing image-based multi-camera EPI Epipolar-Plane Imaging (EPI) analysis for autonomous vehicle (AV) ranging. The research objective is to advance the development of EPI analysis and compare it to Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) systems. The research will extend an existing EPI-based module to incorporate new hardware and software to achieve these results, including accuracy and precision comparable to LiDAR at distances of 200 m and beyond, feature discernment superior to LiDAR, higher levels of semantics in presented range information, and operation in inclement weather and discrete obscuration. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
EQO, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Investigation of a Bioengineered Immunotoxin for Use as a Biopesticide for the Control of Aquatic Invasive Mussel Infestation
Contact
6101 HIGHLAND CAMPUS DR # 2250
Austin, TX 78752–6000
NSF Award
1938619 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
10/01/2019 – 04/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact & commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project is the ability to control zebra & quagga mussel infestations with a cost-effective and target-specific biological treatment. In addition to the estimated $7 billion economic impact, mussel infestation causes substantial ecological impacts. Currently, there is no treatment option available following infestation by quagga or zebra mussels functional at the scale of commercial reservoirs without significant disruption of native species. The successful development of an efficient and specific treatment has the potential to improve the ability to restore and protect native aquatic ecosystems, water infrastructure, power production infrastructure, and native fisheries. Additionally, the approach has the potential to lower production cost, and require a lower effective dose when compared to current treatment options. This SBIR Phase I project proposes to develop a biopesticide comprised of the enzymatic portion of a toxin for the mechanism of action and the binding domains from antibodies for targeting zebra and quagga mussels. Control of infestation by chemical means is largely restricted to enclosed systems, and requires additional remediation prior to water use. Biopesticides, however, can be considered a reduced risk treatment option. The use of ScFv (single chain variable fragment regions) from mAbs (monoclonal antibodies) has become common place in pharmaceuticals like Herceptin and MT-3724 and can be used here, resulting in a treatment product with anticipated high specificity, high efficiency, known mechanism of action, limited half-life, no expected long-term environmental impact, and limited to absent off-target impact. This work is believed to be novel as biopesticides utilizing immunotoxin technology for the remediation of aquatic nuisance species are not well developed. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
ERADIVIR, INC.
STTR Phase I: A therapeutic molecule for COVID-19
Contact
1281 WIN HENTSCHEL BLVD
West Lafayette, IN 47906–4182
NSF Award
2035422 – STTR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
02/15/2021 – 01/31/2022
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project is to provide a therapeutic solution for coronavirus pandemics. Coronaviruses have been implicated in several outbreaks, including prior SARS and MERS. The proposed therapeutic will inhibit the virus’s ability to replicate and elicit the body's immune system to kill the virus. In addition, this research can be applied to solutions for other viruses including RSV, hepatitis B and HIV/AIDS. The proposed project will advance a method integrating vaccines, small molecule inhibitors, and antibodies. This project will identify a small molecule that targets and binds to the virus, then link it to a small payload that signals the body's immune system. This project will identify and develop a targeting molecule that can bind effectively to multiple strains of the coronavirus and a payload that promotes an appropriate immune response. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
ERISYON INC
STTR Phase I: Single molecule sequencing of phosphorylated proteins for next-generation protein analyses and diagnostics
Contact
165 LUQUER ST APT 1
Brooklyn, NY 11231–4011
NSF Award
1938726 – STTR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
07/01/2020 – 06/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will be to develop a highly sensitive assay that characterizes protein modifications for life science research applications. Proteins are life's nanomachines and serve as the targets for almost all drugs and the vast majority of diagnostic tests. One type of Modifications to proteins, such as addition of phosphate molecules (termed phosphorylation), are key triggers that alter protein activity. Subsequently, this can radically change cellular behaviour, such as affecting embryonic growth or development of tumors. The market for technologies studying proteins and their modifications range from clinical applications to fundamental research and is estimated at $17 B, and detecting these modifications is the fastest-growing application growing at an estimated 18% annually. The proposed protein-sequencing assay can characterize these protein modifications with 4-6 orders of magnitude greater sensitivity than current technologies. This sensitivity enables new classes of experiments in which only small samples are available (e.g. biopsies from living patients) or the target protein/modification is rare, and translates to substantial materials savings in all cases. The highly-sensitive characterization of proteins and their modifications will provide a new type of valuable quantitative data for scientists in industry and academic labs alike. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will be to develop the single-molecule protein sequencing assay (fluorosequencing) for use by proteomics scientists to precisely quantify multiple phosphorylated sites on protein molecules. The best analytical technology today, mass-spectrometers, has an inherent limitation in identifying multiple (>2) closely spaced protein modifications and cannot produce accurate quantitative data if fewer than 10% of the proteins are modified at the particular amino acid. Better characterization and quantification of phosphorylation is recognized as a need by proteomics researchers. The project will explore the competitive ability of fluorosequencing to distinguish and quantify closely spaced modifications in multiple proteins. The project will also provide evidence for the capability of the technology to detect and quantify a single phosphorylated protein amongst 100 total proteins. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
ESTAT ACTUATION, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Rotary Electroadhesive Clutch for Lightweight and Energy-Efficient Actuators in Next-Generation Robots
Contact
5540 HOBART ST
Pittsburgh, PA 15217–1967
NSF Award
1941405 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
12/15/2019 – 08/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research project will be to enable new robotics systems with actuator hardware that is substantially lighter and less expensive than the current state-of-the-art. The high cost and limited performance of actuators are the greatest problems for engineers developing products for mobile applications, such as package delivery, security, disaster recovery, and wearable assistive devices, causing the market to bifurcate into low-cost robots with extremely limited functionality or versatile robots costing tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. Clutches are an important way to reduce actuator requirements and costs, but conventional clutches are large, heavy, and power-hungry, ultimately negating potential improvements. In this project, we will develop an electro-adhesive clutch that is 10x lighter and uses 1000x less power than conventional clutches. This hardware innovation allows robotics engineers to use clutches with almost no mass or power consumption penalties. Removing this constraint will have a substantial impact on the commercial viability of robots that are both capable and affordable. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will consist of the design and characterization of a compact rotary electro-adhesive clutch. This work will build on recent accomplishments in creating and characterizing the linear electro-adhesive clutch design to move toward a rotary design integrating with existing robotic joints with minimal required hardware changes. The objectives of this work are to experimentally optimize the effect of materials and design choices on the performance of the rotary electro-adhesive clutch, and to establish performance metrics to evaluate the feasibility of commercial use. Design work will include simulation, mass optimization, and exploration of fabrication techniques. The experimental work will characterize the system in terms of maximum torque, power, and speed testing, response time and dissipation testing, and preliminary fatigue and wear experiments. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
EVOLUTION DEVICES, INC.
SBIR Phase I: 3D Markerless Motion Capture Technology For Gait Analysis During Rehabilitation
Contact
2150 SHATTUCK AVE FL PH
Berkeley, CA 94704–1370
NSF Award
2014869 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$244,990
Start / end date
07/01/2020 – 04/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to advance diagnosis and treatment of walking disorders and associated rehabilitation. An estimated 50 million Americans experience gait (walking) impairment due to injury, disease, and age, and more than 38,800 physical therapy clinics treat these patients. This project will develop an artificial intelligence system to extract gait metrics from video data from cameras surrounding a small area. A new diagnostic tool will track nuanced gait metrics throughout rehabilitation treatment. This technology will enable new and faster ways for physical therapists to precisely diagnose gait abnormalities and track treatment. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project could result in a system to diagnose gait deficiencies for people who suffer from neurological impairments. The proposed project will develop a markerless three-dimensional motion capture system to accurately diagnose gait pathologies in a time- and cost-efficient manner for clinicians. The project will: validate of the markerless motion capture system to ensure accurate measurement of raw kinematic metrics within 10% error of standard methods and potentially expand the system metrics; and conduct verification and validation processes. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
EWPanel LLC
STTR Phase I: Powerless, Flexible Sensor Subfloor Mats from Natural Materials
Contact
326 W Gorham Street
Madison, WI 53703–2017
NSF Award
1843965 – STTR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,590
Start / end date
07/15/2019 – 04/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project involves a low-cost, convenient, anonymous floor occupancy analysis. This will be achieved by developing a powerless, flexible subfloor sensor mat that can integrate with regular flooring products. If implemented in buildings, the sensor mat will help raise space utilization, improve occupant productivity and satisfaction, and inform dynamic layout planning for organizational agility. This sensor mat will address the needs from different parties in the small building ecosystem, including flooring manufacturers, building system integrators, work space system providers, architects and interior designers, and cooperations and businesses in commercial buildings. Additionally, this thin film with high electrical output, if successfully achieved in this project, will find great commercialization potential in other applications, such as self-powered, wireless adhesive wearable electronics, and implantable medical devices. This proposal also has an environmental impact in that it reduces carbon footprint, promotes use of green natural materials and generation of renewable energy. The proposed project has the intellectual merits of addressing two key questions that could determine the technical and commercial feasibility of the occupancy sensor mat. First, how to create a sufficiently thin and flexible sensor mat that has no impact on flooring installment and walking performance. Second, how to raise the electrical output and energy generated from the sensor mat to the level that is high enough to meet the requirements of signal resolution and wireless transmission? Specific research tasks and methods include: natural cellulosic materials chemical functionalization for electric property engineering towards high power output; sensor mat design to effectively convert footsteps to electricity within a confined mat thickness; integration of wireless transmission units tailored for the sensor mat towards a self-powered sensor with wireless connectivity. The final goal is to develop a powerless sensor from which the electrical output and the energy generation will be sufficient to sustain itself and to provide discernible data. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
EYEDEA MEDICAL, INC
SBIR Phase I: Development of a novel, highly efficient Descemet's Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty preparation device expands the donor pool
Contact
3361 CHESTNUT AVE
Baltimore, MD 21211–2623
NSF Award
1938552 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
02/01/2020 – 02/28/2021
Abstract
The broader/commercial impact of this SBIR Phase I project will study and improve the process of corneal graft preparation in eye banks for use in vision-restoring transplant procedures to treat corneal diseases, affect more than over 4 million people in the United States. Descemets membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) is an advanced procedure involving transplantation of a thin layer of the cornea with outstanding clinical outcomes. However, this places a significant burden on eye banks as they use a difficult, time- and cost-intensive process to isolate the thin layer of the donor cornea (DMEK graft), subsequently provided to a surgeon for transplantation. The proposed research will enable development and evaluation of a novel to decrease the difficulty of DMEK graft preparation, reduce the time required, and expand the eligible donor pool. Improving the graft preparation process will result in increased economic efficiency within eye banks, and help enable greater access to vision-restoring DMEK procedures to individuals in the United States. This project seeks to develop and evaluate a novel, first-in-class graft preparation device that standardizes, de-skills, and improves the viability of the liquid bubble technique (LBT) for DMEK graft preparation. The proposed device overcomes the major barriers to LBT adoption: (1) consistent needle insertion into the correct tissue plane and (2) endothelial cell loss (ECL) due to high pressure in the cornea. It does so via a stabilizing corneal base in conjunction with a needle insertion system to allow for simple, standardized DMEK preparation in under 5 minutes with less than 5% failure rates at appropriate graft viability, even in diabetic and obese donor corneas. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
EarthSense, Inc.
STTR Phase I: Autonomous Disinfecting Robot for Crowded Spaces
Contact
60 Hazelwood Drive
Champaign, IL 61820–7460
NSF Award
2027693 – STTR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
06/01/2020 – 05/31/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) project is to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposed work will rapidly create new autonomous robots for sanitization in hospitals and other high-traffic areas with high risk of surface-borne pathogen transmission. The autonomous sanitizing system produced by this effort would fill a crucial void in ensuring hospital spaces are kept sanitized as the health care system scrambles to respond to the evolving COVID-19 crisis. In addition, the solution will be widely applicable in controlling Hospital Acquired Infections, affecting over 2 million people in the US annually, with an overall economic impact of $45 B. The proposed autonomous high-dexterity robots are projected to successfully keep the high-touch areas in about 10,000 square feet of commercial space reliably sanitized and could be applicable to the over 50 billion square feet of public commercial space (office, industrial, healthcare, hospitality, retail, etc.) in the US. Faster, more efficient, and targeted santization has potential to dramatically reduce downtime of these spaces and the labor required for sanitization. This STTR Phase I project, in response to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, will rapidly develop new robotic systems and algorithms for robots capable of precisely navigating surfaces in crowded environments. This new system will be capable of selective sanitization in the proximity of humans, removing the key limitation of existing full-room single-source UV radiation based robots requiring the room to be unoccupied. UV light technology has tremendous promise in improving sanitization at hospitals and reducing costs by minimizing chemical use, but the technology has had limited application due to ill effects on mammalian cells. The selective exposure capability with the use of the robotic arm and focused lighting will alleviate that limitation, opening up further uses of UV lighting in hospital sanitization. Toward this goal, this project will advance key areas of robotics, including Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) algorithms in the presence of dynamic obstacles, and the control of arms over surfaces with varied objects and in the vicinity of humans. These efforts will advance the science and practice of robotics for applications in healthcare and other industries. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Ecto, Inc.
SBIR Phase I: High Throughput Cryopreservation of Aquaculture Seed
Contact
97 Chicopee Dr
Hubbardston, MA 01452–1565
NSF Award
1913772 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
07/01/2019 – 04/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project will be to advance cryopreservation technologies for the development of a seed banking product for commercially important aquaculture species. Genetic banking of plant cells, tissues, seeds, and embryos is common practice in agriculture to ensure important genetic lines are not lost due to disease outbreak or environmental catastrophe. However, genetic banking of embryos and larvae within the aquaculture industry is nonexistent to date, and the investments made toward genetic improvements are susceptible to catastrophic loss without a proper seed banking product. The inability to reliably preserve seed for long periods of time is currently a barrier to the formation of an aquaculture seed storage product. This research will enhance scientific and technological understanding for the cryopreservation of aquatic organisms and be a transformative step to protect genetic resources vital to the commercial aquaculture industry. These technological advancements also can be adapted for the conservation of threatened or endangered aquatic organisms important to food security and ecosystem health domestically and abroad. This SBIR Phase I project proposes to develop a technology to implement a genetic banking product that allows aquaculture facilities to "cryobank" thousands of seeds from family lines developed over years of selective breeding programs. Recent advancements in rapid cooling for storage at liquid nitrogen temperatures (-196 degrees C) and ultra-rapid rewarming (~107 degrees C/min) have led to major breakthroughs in cryopreservation research. These advancements will be utilized to develop a low throughput, high efficacy strategy for the successful cryopreservation of an important aquaculture species, Litopenaeus vannamei or Pacific white shrimp. Protocol optimization for cryoprotective agent loading/unloading, vitrification, and ultra-rapid warming will result in high revival, survival, and grow out to post larval stages. Once proven, the technique will be scaled up to develop a high throughput process to successfully cryopreserve >10,000 samples per day. This technology will enable the commercial aquaculture industry to conserve important genetic strains and stockpile cryopreserved seed at the levels necessary to avoid interruptions to food supply commonly caused by disease outbreaks and environmental catastrophe. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Electronic Bio Sciences
SBIR Phase I: Early Diagnosis of the COVID-19 Cytokine Storm via Point-of-Care Antibody Profiling
Contact
5754 Pacific Ctr Blvd Ste 204
San Diego, CA 92121–4206
NSF Award
2036098 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
12/15/2020 – 11/30/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to predict a patient’s risk for developing an adverse and often lethal response to certain viral infections, such as COVID-19. This project proposes a fast and accurate test for the severity of COVID-19 infection. The proposed assay has the potential to enable early intervention and save lives. It can potentially be used for many other infections and public health hazards beyond COVID-19. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will produce a new technology capable of diagnosing immune response dysregulation to any infectious disease (e.g., SARS-CoV-2, dengue, influenza, hepatitis C, etc.) that progress through an antibody dependent enhancement (ADE) mechanism. While infection by the SARS-CoV-2 virus begins as a mild illness, some patients experience a sudden and rapid decline in health, precipitated by a massive release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, i.e., a “cytokine storm,” Cytokine storms cause hyperinflammation of the lungs, which leads to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), the leading cause of COVID-19 mortality. Unfortunately, there is presently no test capable of predicting this event. This project aims to fill this medical technology gap via the development of a highly multiplexed, rapid, sensitive, disposable immunoassay specific to COVID-19 infections to be deployed at scale. The effort will include designing, building, and optimizing a prototype immunoassay based on nanopore technology innovations and analytically validating the developed technology against industry standards. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Eye-Predict
SBIR Phase I: Visuotactile tests of mental domains
Contact
3400 Ben Lomond Pl
Los Angeles, CA 90027–2955
NSF Award
2014693 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
08/01/2020 – 07/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I is better outcomes and lower costs for people with major neurological or psychiatric conditions. The proposed technology will offer a set of tests for assessment of cognitive function. Millions of Americans suffer persistent emotional, cognitive, or sensorimotor dysfunction after experiencing traumatic brain injury. The proposed system will operate on standard mobile devices to facilitate easy diagnosis and treatment. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will establish the feasibility of developing a battery of visuotactile tests to assess mental domains. The proposed study will yield stimulus-response data (psychometric functions) based on novel visuotactile measures and compare them to analogous functions based on gold-standard measures that are much less accessible. Personalized testing will maximize interpretability by customizing stimulus parameters for each individual and testing session, thus minimizing the likelihood of floor and ceiling effects. The feasibility aims will be achieved if psychometric trends for the proposed measures match those found for analogous gold-standard measures. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Eyes in Synch LLC
SBIR Phase I: Eyes in Sync
Contact
6775 Moore Drive
Oakland, CA 94611–0000
NSF Award
2014229 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$245,000
Start / end date
06/01/2020 – 05/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to advance technologies for vision improvement. Many suffer from undetected problems with moving their eyes for reading, and current technologies do not reveal this in school screenings or sometimes, even in doctor's offices. This product will be an app designed for smartphones to engage children in games that build skills for optimally using the two eyes together, a critical element in reading ability and visual performance. The innovation will enhance scientific and technological understanding by integrating in one app eye movement, psychophysical, and reading fluency assessment. The technical result will be an all-in-one, portable, easy and fun-to-use solution for improving visual skills and reading in children. It will provide data to learning technologists to improve solutions customized to address conditions, such as dyslexia and autism. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the issue of “functional binocular vision” or FBV. When the eyes do not look at exactly the same place, or when they cannot move across a page of text accurately and efficiently, discomfort often occurs. This discomfort causes children in particular to stop reading, affecting their learning. The project aims to develop and test an approach less expensive and more appealing than solutions available today. The proposed app will test existing visual skills (convergence and tracking) and reading fluency, then track the eyes as they move while the user plays games. Users receive points for being able to identify targets; they can only perceive the targets if their eyes are working together correctly. The technology will enable users to get immediate feedback on how they performed in the games (their visual skill level) and how their reading speed (fluency) improves. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
FAKHRO, LOUAY K
SBIR Phase I: Rapid and Sensitive Quantification of Phenylalanine within Test Strip
Contact
27061 MALLORCA LN
Mission Viejo, CA 92691–6111
NSF Award
2051803 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
03/01/2021 – 02/28/2022
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses an urgent need for a rapid and convenient method to monitor blood phenylalanine levels for patients with phenylketonuria, or PKU for short. Patients with PKU are unable to catabolize phenylalanine and therefore have elevated, toxic levels. These patients are treated with a severely protein-restricted diet and other potential medications. Since excess phenylalanine results in neurologic injury, and inadequate phenylalanine results in protein malnutrition, the diet of patients must be carefully balanced. This balance can only be accomplished by tracking blood phenylalanine levels, which fluctuate throughout the day. Currently the turnaround time of laboratory tests is 5 to 7 days, and sometimes longer, during which patients may experience prolonged episodes of behavioral and neurocognitive morbidities. PKU is a lifelong genetic disorder and requires constant tuning of diet therapy. The annual societal cost for taking care of patients with PKU can range from $15,000 to $200,000; this disease causes irreversible damage and high costs of care when improperly managed. The proposed project will develop a new monitor for these patients to prevent long-term effects. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a new rapid, phenylalanine monitor for patients with phenylketonuria. Rapid quantification of blood phenylalanine levels to improve patient outcomes. The device will also be a cost effective alternative to the standard of care as it is today. This device consists of a test strip and a test device. The test strip accepts a blood drop from a finger prick. The test strip contains various chemistries that condition the blood sample prior to optically analysis by the test device. The test device implements spectroscopy to interrogate the test strip as it determines phenylalanine quantity. The focus of this project is to optimize the product design and system algorithm. The proposed work enables cost-effective manufacturing and deployment of the device to the end user; the end goal of this project is to develop a simple prototype. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
FIBROSIX INC.
SBIR Phase I: Quieting systemic hyper-inflammation (COVID-19)
Contact
4942 DAWN AVE STE 150
East Lansing, MI 48823–5606
NSF Award
2035857 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
03/01/2021 – 08/31/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to alleviate the suffering caused by hyper-inflammation. Hyper-inflammation is a mis-regulation of the immune system often brought on by viral pneumonia. It can have severe life-threatening complications, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and changes in blood clotting; hyper-inflammation has been seen in COVID-19 patients. Secondary conditions caused by hyper-inflammation can also have severe long-term consequences to patient health. This project will develop therapeutics that quiet the systemic mis-regulation of the immune system and reduce patient mortality. The proposed project will advance a treatment for hyper-inflammation, such as that induced by COVID-19. It arises from multiple stimuli and results in life-threatening mis-regulation of the immune system. With a novel molecular target, a new class of anti-fibrotic compounds have the potential to reduce cytokine levels and pro-coagulation factors, acting broadly to address the heterogeneity of inflammation responses. As information becomes available regarding the cytokine storm induced by COVID-19, relevant biomarkers have been proposed. To demonstrate robust actions on inflammation this project will evaluate the effects of the therapeutic on 1) pro-inflammatory cytokine release, 2) activation of the innate immune system, and 3) systemic concentrations of cytokines and pro-coagulation factors after initiation of inflammation. Biomarkers will be established to track the efficacy of the therapeutic at early and late stages of inflammation, providing a strong rationale for testing the efficacy of this class of compounds in animal models of inflammation. Importantly, with the successful completion of this project, this class of therapeutics will have demonstrated potential to treat hyper-inflammation, coupled with a demonstrated ability to prevent pulmonary fibrosis, a potentially fatal complication. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
FLATCAM LLC
STTR Phase I: FlatCam: Inexpensive, Compact Lensless Cameras for IoT Applications
Contact
5214 La Branch St
Houston, TX 77004–5840
NSF Award
1914252 – STTR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,995
Start / end date
07/15/2019 – 04/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project is the development of a new imaging platform technology that has the potential to affect many areas including consumer imaging, medical imaging, spectroscopy, astronomy, surveillance, and defense. Transitioning this technology into real applications will mean this technology can be used for personalized experiences, improved quality of life, and increased safety. The STTR Phase I proposed project will develop inexpensive, lensless imaging devices (contrary to the current state-of-art cameras, that rely on lenses to form a focused image), that can be integrated with internet-of-things (IoT) devices to gather visual data. Since the lens in a camera accounts for the vast majority of the cost and the weight, these devices can provide order of magnitude reductions in cost, allowing cameras to be integrated into a much larger array of home, auto, and city-scale smart devices. The research tasks in this project are: (1) developing fast, real-time algorithms for image reconstruction exploiting advances in optimization and machine learning (2) developing face detection, recognition, and tracking algorithms that operate with the lensless imaging platform for IoT applications like personalization, and (3) improving data communication (wired or wireless) to meet current and future IoT needs by exploring end-to-end system integration and optimization. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
FLOBIO LLC
SBIR Phase I: Automated DOAC assay to determine coagulation status in emergent care
Contact
3401 GRAYS FERRY AVE BLDG 176-10
Philadelphia, PA 19146–2701
NSF Award
2035983 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
12/01/2020 – 08/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial impact potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 1 project is a diagnostic product that addresses patient safety and clinical decision-making for physicians managing patients taking Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs). DOACs are becoming the preferred drugs to reduce the risk of blood clots that can lead to significant adverse events, such as stroke. However, DOACs are part of the leading class of drugs implicated in adverse event-related emergency department visits. These adverse events place a significant burden on the healthcare system in the form of transfusions, exposure to blood products, platelet repletion, reversal therapies, and additional complications (e.g. infection, sepsis, multiple organ failure) driving longer hospitalizations, higher mortality rates, and escalating healthcare costs. In emergency situations, the rapid detection of DOAC anticoagulation is needed when planning for urgent care for surgery, serious trauma, drug overdose, emergency procedures, or monitoring for drug accumulation in cases of renal and liver failure. This project proposes a diagnostic at the point of care. With an estimated 21 M patients globally taking DOACs, this technology could significantly reduce the $2.5 B in costs related to treating and correcting adverse events caused by the absence of DOAC information in emergency care situations. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project will demonstrate the feasibility of a point-of-care (POC) diagnostic chip for emergency room clinicians to manage bleeding risk and avoid overuse of drug reversal therapies, thereby improving patient outcomes while reducing healthcare costs. Currently there is no approved rapid diagnostic POC test that accurately identifies the type of DOAC drug a patient is using, nor how much of the drug is in the patient’s blood. An integrated microfluidic cartridge is proposed developed to manage blood distribution within the device, mix the blood with DOAC detection reagents, and provide an integrated assay result that evaluates the three important clotting factors in clot formation (fibrin/thrombin/platelets). The technology is unique in that, unlike other coagulation tests, it re-creates the blood clotting physiology, and characteristic blood flow, that happens within the body. With DOAC-reversing drugs, the diagnostic can determine DOAC type (Factor Xa or Factor IIa), and the level of DOAC in the blood, allowing emergency room physicians to make more informed care decisions. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
FLORICA THERAPEUTICS, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Hypothalamus Stem Cell Exosomes for Treatment of COVID-19 (COVID-19)
Contact
2172 SHETLAND RD
Livermore, CA 94551–5426
NSF Award
2032822 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,678
Start / end date
01/15/2021 – 12/31/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to create a novel type of therapeutic using cutting-edge technology and adult stem cells. This therapeutic may be used in hospitals to treat patients with severe COVID-19 infection; the proposed drugs would be made from the cells of healthy brains and have the capability to correct an aberrant immune response in sick people. This can potentially be used for other neurodegenerative diseases as well as for other drug discovery research. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the urgent need for development of drugs to modulate the immune response to prevent escalation of COVID-19 to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The hypothalamus is crucial to secretion of cortisol and other modulators that dampen the immune response following activation. This project will test whether exosome-based therapeutics produced from hypothalamus stem cells can abate the cytokine storm that causes ARDS in COVID-19 patients. Technical tasks include: 1) engineer pluripotent cells to produce exosomes with enhanced neuronal specificity by transducing cells with the XStamp-BHP1 and XStamp-NCAM lentiviral vectors; 2) grow pluripotent cells at scale using the mTesr3D system; 3) induce cells to differentiate into hypothalamus stem cells; 4) collect exosomes. The technical milestone is to engineer exosomes with at least a 70% enhanced neuronal specificity and to produce highly concentrated hypothalamus stem cell exosome particles. These engineered human hypothalamus stem cell exosomes can be used to dampen the cytokine storm in a mouse model of LPS-induced ARDS. This proposal establishes the feasibility of using hypothalamus stem cells as therapeutic candidates for treatment of ARDS in COVID-19. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
FLOW RAIDER, LLC
SBIR Phase I: Micro-textured surfaces for high-performance drone propellers
Contact
101 S CHERRY-GROVE AVE
Annapolis, MD 21401–3629
NSF Award
2036312 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,864
Start / end date
01/01/2021 – 12/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to improve the performance of drones - unmanned aerial vehicles - that are quickly being adopted for numerous commercial and civil applications. It is estimated that by 2021 the number of new drones will reach 29 million worldwide. Two of the main challenges in drone operation are the limited flight time and the noise generated by the drone propellers. Both of these represent obstacles for a more efficient and universal use of drones, and both are linked to propeller aerodynamic performance, more specifically, flow separation on propellers. This project aims to use micro-textured surfaces to create favorable aerodynamic conditions to mitigate noise, vibrations, and efficiency losses. Passive mitigation of aerodynamic inefficiencies will prolong component lifespan, reduce radiated noise, and increase energy efficiency. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to evaluate the effect of micro-textured surfaces that were previously shown to be effective in increasing lift, reducing drag, and mitigating noise from airfoils on drone propeller blades. The improvements may increase payload capacity, extend the flight time, and reduce the noise of drones. The main goal of the proposed effort is to design propellers with a micro-textured surface that improves the efficiency up to 10% over leading industry propellers and mitigate generated noise. Thrust, torque and noise will be quantified for a combination of micro-textures and propeller designs. Additionally, field experiments will be carried out to understand the impact of the micro-texture on flight performance, noise, and maneuverability of a drone. Project will pursue an overall understanding of micro-texture/flow relationship to effectively design micro-textured surfaces for industrial applications. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
FLUX MARINE LTD
SBIR Phase I: DEEP-MOP - Development of an Electrification Enabling Platform for Maritime Outboard Propulsion
Contact
175 BROADHOLLOW RD STE 250
Melville, NY 11747–4909
NSF Award
2036072 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,684
Start / end date
02/15/2021 – 07/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to reduce pollution and noise in and on waterways for the recreational boating market, and provide a silent, reliable alternative for search and rescue operations, defense, and law enforcement. The project will result in an important prototype outboard motor designed as an electric marine propulsion system from inception. This project will double the cruising range of current commercial electric outboard motors, thereby matching gasoline-power engines in terms of range, while resulting in less than half the ten-year cost of ownership. This has important environmental benefits as well. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to provide a competitive electric outboard motor and battery system for boats up to 25 ft in length which will match the range of gasoline engines, while mostly eliminating maintenance costs. Four development trajectories are being pursued: (1) replacing shaft-and-bevel gear systems with modern transmission materials to reduce noise and improve efficiency, (2) improving propeller thrust by adopting a larger and redesigned propeller enabled by electric motors running more efficiently at low revolutions per minute, and optimizing fluid dynamics properties of the assembly, (3) developing a cooling system that avoids sea water ingestion to reduce maintenance effort and cost, and (4) adapting batteries with more flexible form factors and optimizing the battery control system to maximize cruising range. Technical requirements and challenges include: (A) demonstrating that the durability of the new drive materials exceeds existing gear drives; (B) predicting fluid dynamics, and the successful interplay between computational modeling and tank testing; (C) designing a completely sealed cooling system, which will neither leak during the lifetime of the motor, nor overheat even during peak operation, and (D) understanding the complex interplay between motor and battery control systems. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
FLUXMAGIC, INC.
SBIR Phase I: High Precision Coaxial Magnetic Gear
Contact
2828 SW CORBETT AVE STE 214C
Portland, OR 97201–4815
NSF Award
2015163 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
05/15/2020 – 04/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to investigate applications of a new high-performance mechanical gearbox. Electric motors account for approximately 23 percent of electricity consumed in the United States and roughly 63 percent of manufacturing sector electricity. An improvement in geared motor technology can help realize energy savings. A magnetic gear creates speed change without any physical contact, requires no gear lubrication, has inherent overload protection, has low acoustic emissions and low starting torque. Due to its contact-free torque production, a magnetic gear has the potential for a long lifetime while operating at high efficiency. This project will advance the development of a magnetic gearbox, with many potential applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project explores the trade space of magnetic gearboxes with regard to efficiency, thermal stability, and torque density and the potential trade-offs with respect to cost. Multiphysics-based numerical and analytic modeling co-design techniques will be utilized to explore the thermal and mechanical sizing trade-offs impacting the efficiency of the magnetic gears while mitigating magnet demagnetization. The proposed designs will utilize a unique laminated magnet array combined with the laminated slotted modulator. The project will explore the design trade-offs with respect to stack length and mechanical deflection in the context of the magnetic and thermal design. The project will demonstrate the efficiency and performance capabilities of a magnetic gearbox compared with an equivalently sized mechanically geared motor. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
FOLI RESEARCH, LLC
SBIR Phase I: High-speed, precision wire plotting for electromechanical sensors and actuators
Contact
7604 S 650 W
Crawfordsville, IN 47933–8802
NSF Award
2014996 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,700
Start / end date
06/01/2020 – 03/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this SBIR Phase I project is to increase performance and simplify the development of electric motors. This project develops additive manufacturing technology for the electromagnetic and electronic components necessary for new high-performance motors for applications such as commercial aviation. The global electric motor market was estimated at $100 B in 2017. The proposed technology allows more efficient utilization of rare earth materials, and could eliminate the conventional trade-offs between motor efficiency and cost, enabling reduced energy intensity by cost-driven applications, like heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), to significantly reduce their energy intensity. The proposed SBIR Phase I project will explore translation of a novel manufacturing process allowing printing of high-density wire windings with the same design freedom and streamlined manufacturing associated with printed circuit boards today. Because the upstream wire manufacturing and coating processes have such tight tolerances, a relatively modest plotting machine can produce electromagnetic devices at speeds of several meters per second. Further, by incorporating electronics directly into the plotted windings, devices which would conventionally require integrating multiple manufacturing processes can be made in a single step. In this project, we will advance the development of an end-to-end workflow for this manufacturing process and use it to prototype a novel high-performance electric motor design. Gravimetric power densities of over 20 kW/kg may be possible with this approach, representing a 4X improvement over state-of-the-art in the 100kW class and potentially enabling electric aviation. In this project, we will advance and validate the performance of a new motor prototype. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
FROSTDEFENSE ENVIROTECH, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Budbreak Delay Gel Technology for Frost Management and Mechanization of Vineyards
Contact
509 S GARFIELD AVE
Champaign, IL 61821–3831
NSF Award
1938235 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
01/01/2020 – 06/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to create value for grape farmers by reducing crop damage from frost by delaying the time when the buds break in spring. The innovation proposed will reduce the costs of frost management, decrease yield loss, and improve quality. Delaying bud break will also assist in labor management by increasing the operating window for optimal shoot removal. Grapes are the highest value fruit crop in the U.S. and the sixth largest crop globally. Grape production is highly influenced by the weather, with frost damage among the top weather hazards. Success in the grape market opens the door to deployment with many other fruit crops. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will allow grape growers to reduce frost damage and maximize resources for mechanization. This approach integrates many studies, including: biophysical and biochemical factors influencing the endogenous regulation of bud break, resistance to cold injury, and polymer sciences. Preliminary studies indicate the ability to resist wet conditions and regulate bud break by 10 to 14 days. If the aims of this project are achieved, the technology will contribute significantly to farmers’ abilities to cope with present and future threats of spring frost, with current mechanization and available labor limitations, and will be the foundation for continued innovation in tools that address current and emerging challenges of climate change. The project will demonstrate the feasibility of the spray through a series of in situ applications with partners in Washington and Illinois. In addition, the project will launch data analytics studies to guide the application timing of bud break delay technology by testing sensors for farm microclimate data acquisition and gaining access to critical data sources. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
FULL CIRCLE MICROBES, INC.
SBIR Phase I: A Microbial Inoculant for the Degradation and Recycling of Hemp Waste into a Nutrient-Rich Fertilizer
Contact
265 TAPROOT FARM LN
Hinesburg, VT 05461–9740
NSF Award
2014792 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,935
Start / end date
06/01/2020 – 05/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this SBIR Phase I Project is to increase the advance a technology to transform leftover plant matter into a fertilizer to support the agricultural industry. The proposed project will develop a microbial inoculant that will rapidly and efficiently transform post-harvest leftover plant matter into a nutrient-rich bioavailable fertilizer used to nourish future crops, particularly in the emerging hemp industry. The findings from this research project are potentially applicable to the degradation of other common agricultural crops, such as corn, and the conversion of feedstock into biofuels. The technology will add value to farms, save farmers money, and prevent further environmental harm through the production and use of synthetic fertilizer. This SBIR Phase I project advances a cooperative, synthetic microbial inoculant that degrades lignin, a polymer in hemp that is highly resistant to degradation, into a nutrient-rich fertilizer that increases hemp yield. This innovation will be achieved by developing and performing assays that quantify the efficiency with which microbes degrade lignin and produce peroxidases, the family of enzymes that degrade lignin. After identifying microbes with lignin-degrading capabilities, these microbes will be incorporated into a plant growth promoting co-culture, at which point the inoculant will be optimized to achieve the maximum lignin degradation efficiency at a wide range of temperatures and conditions. This will be achieved through lab-scale adaptation, i.e. a natural forced microbial evolution. Finally, the output of the optimized microbial inoculant will be evaluated for its ability to increase hemp seed germination and decrease the harmful effects of plant pathogens. These characteristics will be examined using seed germination assays and microbial plate competition assays. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
FYBRAWORKS FOODS INC.
SBIR Phase I: Development of a novel technology to manufacture animal-free muscle proteins in bacteria and yeasts
Contact
7400 OAKLAWN AVE
Minneapolis, MN 55435–4146
NSF Award
2036161 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
02/15/2021 – 01/31/2022
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project includes improved food security, environmental benefits, and human health benefits. This project will develop a meat alternative that more closely mimics the taste and texture of animal meat. The technology developed from the proposed project will be used to build a vertically integrated food manufacturing platform that can withstand supply chain disruptions from natural disasters and pandemics. These meat alternatives will reduce and replace traditional meat consumption, with many environmental benefits - lowered greenhouse gas emissions and aquatic pollution; lower use of energy, water and land; and reduced antibiotics usage. There are benefits to human health for reduced meat consumption. Furthermore, production costs will be eventually be comparable to that of mushroom farming. The proposed project aims to develop a fermentation-based meat alternative that more closely mimics the taste and texture of animal meal through recombinant protein technologies. Additionally, the project aims to leverage the texture and flavor of mushroom mycelia, and supplement this with recombinant muscle proteins to further enhance the taste and nutritional profiles and overcome many of the shortcomings of existing plant-based meat products. To date the concept of combining recombinant muscle protein and single cell protein is novel and has not been reported. Large gaps persist between plant-based and lab-grown meat, with regards to cost and consumer experience. Plant-based meat is more affordable but faces consumer resistance due to sub-optimal texture and nutritional profiles, while cultivated meat offers a consumer experience similar to that of animal meat but at a much higher cost. Towards this goal, muscle protein genes will be expressed in a microbial host and enzymatically cross-linked with vegetable protein to produce protein fibers that can be formulated into synthetic meat. The technical objectives also include demonstration the feasibility of crosslinking muscle fiber proteins extracted from meat with mycoprotein from mushroom to produce desired textural and flavor properties. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
FYR DIAGNOSTICS, LLC
SBIR Phase I: The early detection of HLB Disease in citrus trees utilizing a novel isothermal PCR technology to identify host small RNAs
Contact
5214 MAINVIEW DR
Missoula, MT 59803–3120
NSF Award
2026143 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
12/01/2020 – 06/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to provide a quick, cost-effective, and sensitive early detection assay for Huanglongbing (HLB) disease (aka citrus greening disease) to guide management strategies and limit its spread. HLB is the most impactful and devastating disease plaguing the global citrus industry. Current diagnostic tools are either unreliable for early detection or infeasible to scale; they are hindered by time-consuming sample preparation, delayed result reporting, and high operation costs. The lack of technology to detect the presence of the HLB disease-causing bacterium at an early stage and diagnose HLB with minimal sampling has contributed to inadequate disease control. Consequences include a 60% decline in citriculture acreage and a 72% reduction in oranges for processing, a threefold increase in citrus farming expenses, and costs in the US of $11 B annually. This technology will provide a new diagnostic tool for rapid detection and precise, defensive management of citrus crops with respect to HLB. This SBIR Phase I project will address the critical need for a highly sensitive early-detection assay for HLB, a major threat to the citrus industry, to support effective disease management. Currently, HLB is primarily detected by a PCR assay for the pathogen itself. The assay is frequently ineffective, as the titer and distribution of HLB-associated bacteria within citrus trees, the types of tissue infected, and degree of disease progression are highly variable. Development of new diagnostic tools to detect infection prior to symptom development and independent of direct pathogen presence is crucial. This project will combine two innovations, small non-coding RNA biomarkers associated with the host tree instead of the pathogen, and a novel RNA amplification methodology, to develop a 30-minute assay performed in a single step, with the capability of detecting infection by HLB-causing bacteria at 10 weeks post-inoculation with over 80% specificity and sensitivity. The Phase I project will 1) demonstrate feasibility of using a novel amplification technology to detect an RNA biomarker panel in infected tree samples; 2) validate assay performance, and 3) compare the assay to traditional methods. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Fathhome, Inc.
SBIR Phase I: An Ozone-Based Field Sterilizer for Rapid sterilization and Reuse of N95 Respirators and other PPE in Response to COVID-19
Contact
1960 Mandela Pkwy BAY 3 SPC 23A
Oakland, CA 94607–1647
NSF Award
2036370 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,999
Start / end date
02/15/2021 – 01/31/2022
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impacts of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to develop a new rapidly dry-sanitizing technology for disposable single-use personal protective equipment (PPE) and other articles in a manner that preserves material integrity and function to enable multiuse during pandemic and post-pandemic times. It will promote energy and water conservation, and reduce plastic waste significantly. This ozone-based sanitization technology will benefit all frontline workers regularly exposed to infectious diseases such as COVID-19. The need for rapid sterilization technology is likely to grow to mitigate social distancing configurations. Schools, daycare centers, health and fitness facilities, factories, and airports will need to implement sterilization protocols. With this technology, clothes, face shields and masks, phones, smart devices, and all manner of personal articles can be easily sanitized in less than ten minutes. The market for small industrial-scale waterless appliances with the capacity to offer on-demand sterilization may also expand rapidly. While ozone is used in a wide range of sterilization technologies, there is currently no consumer-friendly dry washing machine. Thus, this project may also support development of an eco-friendly and effective laundry solution. Together, the sanitization and safety tasks will advance this technology as a viable waterless sanitization device, with the distinct advantage of lower cost, compact size, operational ease, and accessibility. The proposed project advances translation of a low-cost, rapidly deployable gas-based field sanitizer that does not require water, solvents, or detergents. To combat infectious viruses and odor-causing bacteria, this technology must meet aggressive benchmarks set by federal regulatory agencies for ozone emissions while achieving the highest bioburden reduction levels short of an autoclave. This project will optimize the ozone dose (ppm and time of exposure) required for viral inactivation and testing mask fit and filtration efficiency after repeated exposure to high ozone concentrations. The device will also incorporate new containment and neutralization technologies to meet environmental safety requirements. The device performance will be characterized by monitoring the exhaust for residual ozone during and after operation. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
FloraPulse Co
SBIR Phase I: Models to predict soil and plant water status from continuous in-plant measurements
Contact
170 Louise Ln
Davis, CA 95618–4869
NSF Award
2026205 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,544
Start / end date
08/01/2020 – 07/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to help fruit and tree nut growers minimize environmental impacts and improve profitability. This project will use data from implantable microchip sensors that directly measure tree hydration to develop precision models of tree and vine needs for water. These models require no hardware installation and are packaged in a user-friendly format. They will automatically provide growers with affordable advice tailored to their field and crop, enabling accurate 24/7 water status data, forecasts, and recommendations for large-scale improvements in irrigation management of tree crops. This SBIR Phase I project will explore plant health via continuous variation of water status or drought stress within the tissues. This data stream will be used to build dynamical models of plant water stress. The project's technical aims are to: 1) Characterize the spatial (due to plant position in the field) and temporal variations; 2) Develop a framework for iterative development of predictive models of water stress dynamics from the single-plant to the whole-field scale; and 3) Develop a system optimized for industrial modeling of the spatial and temporal dynamics of water across the full orchard or vineyard, diagnostics of high- and low-performing cultivars, irrigation blocks, and decision support to optimize field design and crop management. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Flotherm Inc
SBIR Phase I: Thermal Compression Device for Maintenance of Perioperative Normothermia
Contact
1100 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90017–1950
NSF Award
2034065 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,713
Start / end date
12/01/2020 – 11/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact and commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to reduce the risk of patients experiencing a severe drop in body temperature during surgery, known as inadvertent perioperative hypothermia (IPH). In the United States, 57.5 million procedures are performed annually with significant risk of IPH and an estimated 22 million surgical patients develop clinical complications associated with IPH. IPH leads to increased wound infections, blood loss, cardiac problems, increased use of mechanical ventilation, and longer stays in hospital, contributing to 1 million excess inpatient days and $1.6 billion in yearly costs. The proposed technology will develop a novel device to prevent IPH, saving an estimated $2,000-$3,500 per patient or $1 billion. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to create a body heat transfer model that accurately integrates the novel device with a tissue model of the lower limb. The resulting model will enable in silico evaluation of device performance (heat output), efficacy (heat transfer), and safety (burn risk) across a broad clinical setting (expanded surgical procedures and patient demographics). We will collect clinical data from a proof-of-concept feasibility study to create and validate a model. Further simulation in support of prototype development efforts enable the optimization of critical parameters. Physical prototypes (including sub-components) will be developed and manufactured based on the optimized design. Prototypes will be evaluated for thermal performance under controlled bench-top tests, with empirical results compared to expected values generated by the model. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Foresight Science & Technology Incorporated
SBIR Phase I: Masking Agents to Promote Ingestion of Organic Pest Ant Bait
Contact
34 Hayden Rowe St
Hopkinton, MA 01748–1889
NSF Award
2025718 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$210,876
Start / end date
10/31/2020 – 10/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is the development of an environmentally neutral product for control of red imported fire ants (RIFA), aggressive pests that occur in high densities and are specialists of urban, rural, and agricultural habitats, particularly in southern states. The RIFA affects many economic sectors and cause billions of dollars in damage and control costs annually. Their large numbers and potent sting disrupt the quality of life for millions of Americans and 5-10% of these may develop hypersensitivity to their venom, creating significant medical costs. The RIFA reproductive system lead to rapid re-infestation of treated areas; therefore, continuous use of control measures is required, with associated environmental risk. This project will enable commercialization of a new bait that is environmentally neutral and cost competitive. It will be the first new active ingredient for RIFA control in 20 years. Our novel application of masking agents for RIFA control is expected to have a general impact on the discovery of new pest control active ingredients. This SBIR Phase I project will advance the translation of novel active ingredients for effective RIFA pest mitigation. Prior testing has indicated that additives are needed for this type of pesticide. This project will test additives and optimize formulations for field use of the new ingredients. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Forest Devices, Inc
SBIR Phase I: Hemorrhagic Stroke Detection with Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy ;
Contact
544 Miltenberger St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15219–5971
NSF Award
2014760 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,385
Start / end date
05/15/2020 – 06/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to investigate an affordable prehospital hemorrhagic stroke (HS) detection device. The current state-of-the-art technology for prehospital HS detection is a computed tomography ambulance (i.e. mobile stroke unit). Mobile stroke units have high upfront and operating costs, and a lower-cost device could revolutionize healthcare for stroke patients in two ways. First, prehospital identification allows these patients to be triaged to hospitals equipped to treat them (neurosurgical centers), resulting in faster care and better outcomes. Second, the ability to rule out HS prehospital will allow earlier treatment of another condition, ischemic stroke, to improve outcomes and reduce long-term healthcare costs. The proposed SBIR Phase I project will use electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to differentiate HS and ischemic stroke. EIS involves injecting an alternating current signal and measuring the resulting impedance across a spectrum of frequencies. The impedance spectrum of materials often differ, allowing EIS to be useful in a variety of applications including examination of corrosion, antibody binding, body composition, and disease diagnosis. This work will advance the use of EIS, to date used experimentally in detecting intracranial pathologies, to detect hemorrhagic tissue within the brain. This work will explore the development of a fast-acquisition EIS HS detection device. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
FruitVaccine Incorporation
SBIR Phase I: Stabilization of the desired epitopes of hRSV-F protein for efficient absorption through the gut
Contact
60 Hazelwood Drive
Champaign, IL 61820–7460
NSF Award
2026281 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
12/01/2020 – 11/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will be to provide global populations with a safe, affordable and viable edible vaccine against the human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV). hRSV is a critical global health problem, annually affecting 64 million people and causing over 160,000 death, motivating a vaccine. Natural food-derived vaccines offer advantages over traditional injections by providing a safe, affordable, non-invasive, non-egg-based (reduced allergenic risk), vegan-friendly, effective and efficient antigen-delivery system. The project addresses this need by developing a cherry-tomato-based oral vaccine that can be administered painlessly in a chewable gummy-like pill formulation or in oral drops. The proposed fruit-vaccines will minimize the global incidence of hRSV through scalable production and distribution, increasing global accessibility and vaccination rates. Furthermore, with fewer disposables it is more environmentally friendly. This method could apply broadly to other oral-delivery platforms. This Phase I project will advance peptide-based oral-delivery platforms. The project will improve the yield and consistent expression of the immunogenic antigen (hRSV-F protein) in the plant, both pre- and post-harvest, as well as before and after delivery into the body. The approach involves bioengineering the plant-optimized gene for the hRSV-F protein to improve its stability by blocking undesirable cleavage sites while retaining the desirable protective epitopes of the hRSV-F immunogen. Transgenic plants expressing the stabilized hRSV-F in the tomato fruits will be grown in a greenhouse. The hRSV-F-containing cherry-tomatoes will be harvested, homogenized (pureed), and then lyophilized (freeze-dried) to formulate innovative vaccine purees or pills, respectively. Tasks include conducting qualitative and quantitative analyses, such as color, consistency, pH, concentration of intact hRSV-F protein, its potential degradation products and desired epitope/s, analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western-blot and high-performance liquid chromatography. These tests will help characterize the persistence and effectiveness of the proposed changes on hRSV-F protein expression, yield, and stability in fresh-fruits, tomato-puree and in the freeze-dried fruit-pills. Similar assessments will be performed also post-ingestion, in the gut contents and in blood of mice. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
G-SPACE, INC
SBIR Phase I: The role of gravity in advanced materials manufacturing for the era of digital transformation
Contact
1266 PARKINGTON AVE
Sunnyvale, CA 94087–1559
NSF Award
2015155 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$245,000
Start / end date
08/01/2020 – 09/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is the development, design, and optimization of new materials in the absence of gravity. The current approach to in-space manufacturing is primarily trial-and-error. The proposed technology will advance a systematic approach to in-space manufacturing, enabling the development of new materials with better properties and cost-competitive associated infrastructure. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will advance the translation of material development in zero-G environments. Chemical formulations of known materials may be unstable under the effect of body forces, but the mechanisms through which these forces impact the phase diagram remain unknown. This project will integrate experimental, computational, and machine learning techniques to identify material formulations amenable to zero-G manufacturing. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
GASKIYA DIAGNOSTICS LLC
SBIR Phase I: Development of a field diagnostic for the rapid detection of White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) in shrimp aquaculture
Contact
8 MARKET PL STE 300
Baltimore, MD 21202–4113
NSF Award
2015009 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,980
Start / end date
08/01/2020 – 07/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to increase aquaculture productivity by reducing disease impact. Disease costs billions in losses each year to the aquaculture industry and threatens the global food supply. The disease caused by White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) can devastate a shrimp farm and costs over $1 billion in losses each year. Farmers are often unaware of a disease issue until animals show advanced signs of disease or there are mortalities. Laboratory diagnosis is expensive and results take days-to-weeks, which is often far too long for results to be actionable. Early warning of white spot disease can enable farmers to take immediate action to reduce losses, reducing costs and increasing industrial robustness. This project advances a new diagnostic to quickly, easily, and reliably detect WSSV in cultivated shrimp in a new easy-to-use, on-site test. This SBIR Phase I project will advance translation of a novel diagnostic for WSSV in a technology incorporating engineered proteins with specific targets into a paper-based biosensor. Prior studies demonstrated proof-of-concept with a paper-based immunoassay with polymerization-based amplification for detection of protein-based biomarkers for HRP2–the primary protein biomarker of malaria–with sensitivity as low as 70pM. This project will bioengineer thermostable rcSso7d DNA-binding proteins to bind the WSSV target and incorporate them into the paper testing format. Assay sensitivity, reagent composition, and dynamic range will be explored as part of an effort to understand the biological and functionally meaningful limits of the developed assay. Tasks include a WSSV challenge study to evaluate the sampling parameters and detection limits of the prototype in laboratory cultured shrimp. The resulting prototype will rapidly and selectively bind the WSSV target and yield stable, easily interpretable, colorimetric results. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
GEOMAT, LLC
SBIR Phase I: Nanoremediation of oily waste waters from spills and discharges
Contact
1600 Marina Road Apt 315A
Irmo, SC 29063–0000
NSF Award
2036258 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,937
Start / end date
02/01/2021 – 01/31/2022
Abstract
The broader impacts of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project address oil pollution in Alaskan waters by reducing costs associated with oil cleanup projects. In Alaska, the challenges of remoteness and cold raise oil cleanup costs by 100 times compared with other areas. The technology is a magnetic nanoparticle, 80,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair, that can completely remove oil from water. To become competitive with current oil cleanup methods, it will undergo improvements for large scale production. The project also includes design, building, and testing a new prototype device for the technology. The technology will make spill cleanup faster and reduce environmental harm. In Alaska alone, oil spills cost $150 million to clean up annually. This Phase I project is a cost-effective, environmentally-benign nanoparticle technology that can quantitatively remove oil from contaminated water. Alaska has been targeted as a testbed due to limitations posed by cold and geographical remoteness that raise oil cleanup costs 100-fold compared to less remote regions. The goal of the project is to develop an oil removal device that can be deployed to remote regions with low cost and effort, reducing the length and cost of a spill response. The first aim of the project will optimize the nanoparticle synthesis to minimize costs and maximize active yield at commercial scales. A laboratory-scale, prototype oil removal device will be designed, built, and validated to enable pilots with larger volumes of contaminated water. The initial application will be to dewater oil recovered from the environment within the holds of barges; this can exceed 80% water. Dewatering reduces waste volumes and transportation costs, reducing environmental exposure and subsequent environmental health impacts from oil pollution. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
GEOMETRIC DATA ANALYTICS
SBIR Phase I: IM3UNE: A Platform for Integrated Monitoring, Mapping, Modeling and Understanding of Novel Epidemics Like COVID-19
Contact
636 ROCK CREEK ROAD
Chapel Hill, NC 27514–6716
NSF Award
2029153 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,631
Start / end date
08/01/2020 – 04/30/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact /commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to assist with preparedness and decision-making for situations like the COVID-19 pandemic. This health crisis has been exacerbated by a lack of real-time information or predictive information about the extent, location, and spread of the disease. This Phase I project ingests data streams from government agencies, healthcare providers, and the general public, returning real-time, actionable information to assist in guiding a broad and coordinated response. While this platform is particularly relevant in the COVID-19 pandemic, it is disease agnostic, and will have utility for seasonal influenza and other infectious diseases, positively impacting public health. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will create a platform aimed at providing real-time identification of infectious disease outbreaks and predictions of disease spread, with an initial focus on COVID-19. Among the gaps in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic is capability to accurately track the magnitude, location, and spread of infectious agents. This project aims to assess and demonstrate the value of leveraging multiple modalities and sources of data for early detection and prediction of disease outbreaks, with focus on COVID-19. The approach will combine data fusion methods and epidemiological modeling approaches with continual input from subject matter experts in an effort to generate actionable information and predictive models related to disease spread. A variety of data streams providing information on disease incidence, transportation data, and sub-population interaction data will be used to construct progressively more sophisticated SEIR models. These efforts will result in an improved understanding of the utility and applicability of various data streams to epidemiological monitoring and forecasting, as well as platform for users of various levels of technical expertise. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
GRADIENT MEDICAL, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Pulsed Electric Field Mediated Intradermal Vaccine Delivery (COVID-19)
Contact
101 SUGAR HILL PL
Cary, NC 27519–6913
NSF Award
2052126 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,930
Start / end date
03/01/2021 – 02/28/2022
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact / commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is the development of more efficient delivery techniques for specific vaccines. The proposed technology increases the efficiency of DNA vaccine delivery while improving patient safety and reducing unwanted cell death. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will address the need for innovative technologies for administering DNA vaccines. Among the vaccines in development, DNA vaccines are particularly promising as they have the potential to induce positive humoral and cellular immune responses, avoid anti-vector immunity challenges, are easily scaled for production, and are stable at room temperature; However, these vaccines require an additional assist to transport the large DNA molecules into target cells. The proposed research will demonstrate the feasibility of a new approach to vaccine delivery which utilizes ultrashort electrical pulses to safely and effectively enhance DNA vaccine delivery in clinically relevant volumes of sub-dermal tissue. The scope of the proposed research includes designing a new pulse generation topology based around cutting edge transistors and evaluating previously unachievable waveforms in an in vitro skin model. Data from these experiments will then be used in computational multiphysics simulations to optimize the design of clinical applicators. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
GRAYMATTER ROBOTICS INC.
SBIR Phase I: Smart Robotic Sanding Cells for Composite Parts in High-Mix Applications
Contact
1019 22ND ST
Santa Monica, CA 90403–4517
NSF Award
2026159 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
08/01/2020 – 03/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impacts of this SBIR Phase I project are in improving the quality of life of the manufacturing workers, helping U.S. manufacturers remain cost-competitive in the global market, and improving consistency in the quality of the manufactured parts. The proposed robotic cells will reduce the need for workers to perform ergonomically challenging sanding tasks and reduce the risk of worker injuries on sanding lines. The proposed technologies will enable the human operators to focus on high-level decision making and the creative aspects of the manufacturing tasks, while the robotic assistants will perform the low-level tedious tasks. This would allow human operators to collaborate more as a team and thereby improve worker productivity. Currently, there are more than 3000 companies in the U.S. alone doing composite fabrication. Most of them face challenges due to a shortage of workers and high labor churn leading to longer delivery times. The proposed work will enable manufacturers to improve quality and lower costs. Moreover, it will enable manufacturers to reduce time to part delivery by reducing reliance on human labor and easily scale production capacity with changes in demand by adding or removing robotic cells. The overall goal of the proposed effort is to develop a robotic sanding process for high-mix applications. The technology will enable robots to program themselves by automatically generating and safely executing trajectories based on the task description, accounting for the uncertainties present in the environment. The robotic tools will reduce cycle time by fast execution of safe and efficient execution of sanding project related to the fabrication of composite materials. A robotic sanding cell will be developed by incorporating appropriate sensors and tools, developing algorithms for fast and safe workpiece localization in the robotic cell, and assessing the post-sanding surface quality and the state of the abrasive media. The sanding instrumentation will provide recommendations to the human operator for initiating another robotic sanding pass or changing the abrasive media. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
GREEN MAGIC HOMES, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Integration of innovative materials into a modular system of semi-permanent construction.
Contact
18851 NE 29TH AVE STE 700
Miami, FL 33180–2845
NSF Award
2014704 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,975
Start / end date
05/15/2020 – 02/28/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to advance the development of a new modular construction that is easy to assemble and cost-effective for a variety of semi-permanent and permanent uses. There is a great need among disaster relief organizations, the military, local government in rural and remote areas. and emergency response teams for sturdy, portable structures that are quick and easy to assemble and provide shelter from the elements. This project will expand the capabilities of a unique construction system using technically advanced materials and integrating them into a kit. The system will be environmentally friendly, employ special insulation to reduce internal temperature variation, and will maintain a hygienic environment. The proposed project will demonstrate the technical and commercial feasibility of this system and fulfill unmet needs of the estimated $1 B global market for modular construction. This SBIR Phase I project is to integrate advanced materials into an existing system of modular construction. The project will focus on the integration of components made from recycled polymers, advanced thermal insulation materials, and antimicrobial coatings. The technical focus is to combine these advanced materials without compromising the underlying performance of the system. The project will develop prototype wall panels in the form factors of the building system’s components. These prototype wall panels will then undergo structural, loading, and wind and fire resistance testing. The panels will be tested for the preservation of component functionality. The project will develop a full-scale prototype. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
GREENSIGHT AGRONOMICS, INC.
SBIR Phase I: WeatherHive: High Resolution Environmental Sensing Using Nanodrones
Contact
12 CHANNEL ST STE 605
Boston, MA 02210–2333
NSF Award
2036232 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,996
Start / end date
02/01/2021 – 09/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to advance an improved system to sense and map atmospheric conditions using nano-drones that are the size of small birds; these systems have benefited from recent innovations in miniature power electronics and flight control sensors. The proposed project leverages the safety, cost and portability advantages of these small form factor aircraft in a system of coordinated drones flying in formation to measure wind, temperature, humidity and gas concentrations. Each flight of the swarm can cover hundreds of square miles, creating a high resolution 3D map of atmospheric properties. This enables the study of wind currents and gas movement for applications including detection of urban gas leaks, smog movement, and forest fire detection. Satellite measurements can be validated and improved through aerial measurements. This research will benefit public health. This SBIR Phase I project will advance new software to analyze and optimize nano-drones. This project will expand the understanding of miniaturized (under 100 g) drone performance and enable the development of advanced nano-drones to carry out valuable sensing missions. This project will: (1) validate an optimization framework with laboratory test data; (2) develop a novel, portable drone docking station allowing for easy launching, landing and charging of hundreds or thousands of drones by a single operator, eventually enabling fully automated use for continuous monitoring applications; and (3) develop visualization and analysis tools to facilitate data analysis. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
GRIT BIO INC
SBIR Phase I: Development of a novel peptide inhibitor of coronavirus papain-like protease as a prophylactic and anti-viral therapeutic for COVID19, administered by inhalation
Contact
400 W 128TH ST 43A
New York, NY 10027–2848
NSF Award
2036294 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,981
Start / end date
02/15/2021 – 09/30/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will result from development of a safe and sustainable anti-viral treatment for COVID-19. Vaccine and drug development efforts are underway, but the efficacy of these treatments and their safety particularly for high-risk populations remain a concern. The proposed project is an anti-viral inhaler that delivers a natural immune defense salivary protein that blocks the activity of a molecule essential for viral replication in the lung. The candidate therapeutic will potentially be a safer treatment option for people with compromised health. The sustainability of this treatment relies on three factors. First, the therapeutic targets a viral genome replication process. Thus, this targeted technology will not be compromised by virus mutations and will maintain its efficacy against current and future coronavirus outbreaks. Second, it does not require clinical administration and is thus more easily accessible by patients. Third, the treatment has potential as an broad anti-viral therapy. The proposed project will validate a novel anti-viral treatment against SARS-CoV-2. First, the anti-viral action will be validated in a cell-based model that mimics human lung infected with coronavirus, alveolar epithelial cells cultured in an air-liquid interface and infected with SARS-CoV-2. Next, an in vivo model will be used to confirm that the therapy can reach the virus target site in the lung, undergo uptake by the alveolar epithelial cells and avoid the barriers of pulmonary delivery (e.g. mucus, pulmonary enzymes or macrophages). Finally, this project will confirm that the therapy does not elicit a pro-inflammatory response and toxicity in lung cells, so it can be safely given to people with compromised health without exacerbating their immune response. The treatment will be delivered by inhalation and ultimately become a therapeutic and prophylactic anti-viral inhaler. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
GROTTHUSS, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Rechargeable Zn Metal Battery with Long Life and Low Cost
Contact
14526 SE LYON CT
Happy Valley, OR 97086–4296
NSF Award
2012221 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
07/01/2020 – 06/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project is to explore translation of a rechargeable zinc-metal battery for large-scale energy storage. Renewable but intermittent energy sources require cost-effective storage. The proposed battery essentially converts a primary alkaline battery to a rechargeable form with novel chemical components. This project will demonstrate the long cycle life of zinc-metal batteries under conditions amenable for applications such as backup power for data centers, grid-level needs, and household energy storage use. This SBIR Phase I project proposes to develop Zn-metal batteries in use-inspired battery configurations and cell dimensions. This project is to translate the fundamental understanding of Zinc-salt-based water-in-salt electrolytes that strengthen the inertness of both water molecules of the electrolytes and Zn metal anode. The proposed technology offers stable cycle life with excellent power output in an appropriate footprint. The project will advance the development of new electrolytes that greatly mitigate the hydrogen evolution reaction and eliminate dendrite formation on the Zn metal anode. The new electrolytes address the challenges of both anode and cathode, where the cathode capacity fading issues will be addressed. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Gel4Med
SBIR Phase I: Tunable Mechanical and Functional Properties of Peptide Films
Contact
15 Waverly St
Brighton, MA 02135–1200
NSF Award
1843682 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
02/01/2019 – 01/31/2022
Abstract
This SBIR Phase I project focuses on developing chemically cross-linked synthetic nanomaterials to address the unmet clinical need in promoting infection free tissue regeneration in surgical, traumatic, ocular, burn, and chronic wounds. While small wounds heal naturally, larger chronic wounds demonstrate delayed wound healing with infections, and affect over 6.5 million patients costing over US $25 billion annually in treatments. In addition, annually, 2 million Americans suffer from serious infections due to drug resistant bacteria resulting in severe morbidity, serious complications, huge economic losses with an estimated 23,000 deaths. As conventional antibiotics are failing, our ability to fight drug resistant pathogens is diminishing and the pipeline of new potential antibiotic drugs is very skim. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop a product that can fight multiple pathogens through a mechanism against which bacteria are less likely to develop further resistance. Hence, the current project evaluates the feasibility of developing a novel, easily handleable dry film with potential to eliminate a variety of infectious pathogens while improving wound healing in a single application. This product is pliable, easily rehydratable, has intrinsic tissue scaffolding properties and is inherently antimicrobial against a broad range of pathogens without the use of any additional agents. This SBIR Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of developing a shape retaining, pliable, easily handleable antimicrobial cell-scaffolding gel matrix into a product that is simultaneously toxic to antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, while remaining conducive to tissue regeneration. This current product has a nano-porous gel matrix that promotes cellular infiltration and attachment along with utilizing a charge-based mechanism to lyse bacterial membranes upon contact. Although there is on-going research on such self-assembled hydrogels, the formation of films using these nanofibers has never been assessed before and stands to be the key technological advancement. Thus, this current proposal explores two methods for making films such as i) solvent casting methods relying on non-covalent crosslinking - where the hydrogel is applied to a surface and then allowed to dry into a film overnight, and ii) Covalent crosslinking by - incorporating cysteines by oxidizing using H2O2 or crosslinking using Schiff base formation followed by reductive deamination. The films so formed will be structurally and functionally evaluated for their ability to eliminate infections and biocompatibility. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
General Engineering & Research, L.L.C.
SBIR Phase I: Development of High Efficiency Thermoelectric Materials for Sub 200K Space Applications
Contact
10459 Roselle St Ste A
San Diego, CA 92121–1527
NSF Award
2035074 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
01/01/2021 – 12/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project will advance the state-of-the-art in low temperature thermoelectric devices for space applications enabling advanced space travel as well as improvements to satellite wireless and worldwide mobile internet availability. With the increased interest in space exploration from industrial efforts, a significantly improved low temperature thermoelectric module could capture a sizable portion of the rapidly growing thermoelectric module market which is estimated to be ~$1 Billion by 2024. Significantly improved low temperature thermoelectrics would also open the door for the use of these devices in other low temperature thermal management systems, where the poor efficiency of cooling technologies operating in the cryogenic regime have been a major challenge. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project aims to improve the efficiency (ZT) of thermoelectric cooling modules using advanced materials and a novel module design concept. Bismuth-antimony (BiSb)-based single crystal materials with applied magnetic fields have long been known as the highest performance materials for sub 100K applications but they have not yet found commercial utility due to a variety of challenges. The research effort aims to address these challenges and develop both p-type and n-type single crystal BiSb based alloys with ZT > 0.4 at 90 K and application of less than 1 Tesla magnetic field, which would be a four-fold improvement in efficiency at sub 100 K compared to current state of the art. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
General Probiotics Inc
SBIR Phase I: Antiviral and Anti-inflammatory Live Biotherapeutics (COVID-19)
Contact
1000 Westgate Dr., Ste. 122
St. Paul, MN 55114–1964
NSF Award
2031154 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
09/01/2020 – 08/31/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is the development of new therapeutics against coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and associated COVID-19. Few broad-spectrum antivirals exist, and vaccines are effective but strain-specific and require development time for each new strain. This project will engineer probiotics native to the upper respiratory tract of humans to serve as antiviral and antibacterial agents. These probiotics will inhibit viral entry inside human lung cells and stop lung inflammation that causes lethal severe acute respiratory distress in COVID-19 patients. This development will be enabled by modern synthetic biology techniques and an agile research and development paradigm. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will advance the development of new probiotics. These benign, non-virulent microbes will be equipped with defensins, protegrins and compstatins. Defensins are peptides known to inhibit critical steps in viral infection, including the antagonistic binding of angiotensin converting enzyme 2, the human cell receptor thought to facilitate Covid-19 entry inside lung epithelial cells. Protegrins are broad spectrum antimicrobials, with strong activity against bacteria, such as pneumonia-causing Klebsiella spp. and viral particles, including enveloped viruses like SARS-CoV-2. Compstatin is a complement system inhibitor that modulates the overactivation of inflammatory responses, which in the case of a coronavirus infection results in severe acute respiratory syndrome. At the end of this project, a library of live biotherapeutics will be developed that can exhibit antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity when expressing and secreting combinations of peptides. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
H Quest Vanguard, Inc.
STTR Phase I: Building with Carbon: Improving Construction Materials with Nanocarbon Additives from Natural Gas
Contact
750 William Pitt Way
Pittsburgh, PA 15223–8133
NSF Award
1914147 – STTR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
06/15/2019 – 08/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this project is the improvements to the strength, durability, and longevity of concrete infrastructure and construction materials with novel graphene-rich carbon nanomaterial additives. Advancement of this technology area (advanced materials/nanomaterials for infrastructure applications) will directly reduce the costs of construction and maintenance ($165B/year in public spending) while supporting the nation's core economic activities ($14T/year in transported goods). The enhanced strength and longevity of nanocarbon coatings and concrete composites will reduce the amount of raw material required to meet specifications resulting in a net reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (concrete production is responsible for 7% of global GHG emissions). The innovation will enhance scientific understanding of the effect of graphene-rich additives on the permeability and strength of concrete and coating composites using both advanced analytical techniques (x-ray tomography) and industry standard procedures (ASTM testing). It will also enhance understanding of the processing required (e.g. functionalization and dispersion) to integrate graphene-rich additives into polyurethane materials and concrete. Additionally, the project will help refine the plasma-based process conditions to produce carbon materials optimized for these applications. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will demonstrate enhancement of mechanical properties and impermeability of construction materials' concrete and concrete coatings using graphene-rich nanocarbon additives derived from microwave plasma conversion of natural gas. The permeability of concrete is its primary pitfall and is responsible for the two most common causes of failure: carbonation and chloride contamination. Sealants can extend concrete's lifespan but are expensive to apply and often deteriorate rapidly due to environmental effects (UV, chemicals, mechanical abrasion). Graphene additives can enhance the barrier properties and mechanical strength of concrete and sealants, but are currently too costly for construction and infrastructure applications. The objective of this project is to enhance the barrier and mechanical properties of concrete and sealants using a novel graphene-based carbon nanomaterial produced using a cost-effective, scalable, plasma-based process. Carbon nanomaterials will be produced at varied process conditions and, following post-treatment and functionalization, will be incorporated into polyurethane formulations and concrete mixtures. Water and chloride penetration into composites will be examined using advanced x-ray tomographic 3D imaging. Composites will undergo further testing in accordance with AASHTO/ASTM-standards. The anticipated results will establish the technical benefits of using graphene-based nanocarbon additives in concrete and sealants. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
HALOMINE INC.
SBIR Phase I: HaloFilm as a virucide against COVID-19 infection
Contact
1411 HANSHAW RD
Ithaca, NY 14850–2730
NSF Award
2028187 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
06/01/2020 – 02/28/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to develop an antiviral surface coating with unique application and efficacy features. Evidence suggests that the COVID-19 virus strain can remain live on stainless steel and plastic for as long as three days, a potentially harmful situation in environments with high traffic, such as subway turnstiles, buses, and high-touch surfaces in hospitals. Furthermore, even in hospitals, cleaning and disinfecting can be insufficiently comprehensive than desired, with surfaces that may easily be recontaminated until disinfectants are reapplied. The proposed technology enables chlorine-based disinfectants to be effective for as long as 4 weeks. The coating keeps chlorine in a physical and chemical state that is active against viruses, but remains safe and does not cause skin irritation upon contact. The coating can turn any surface into an antimicrobial, and antiviral, surface. The proposed SBIR Phase I project will assess the utility, efficacy and safety of a spray-on surface coating that is rechargeable and can be reapplied, such that it can be used as an antimicrobial surface coating, particularly to prevent transmission of coronaviruses. The state-of-the-art is to regularly use liquid spray disinfectants to kill viruses on surfaces. However, typical active ingredients, such as chlorine, quaternary ammonium compounds, alcohol, peracetic acid or hydrogen peroxide, are active against viruses for a matter of minutes and certainly less than an hour, leaving a surface that can potentially be recontaminated. The technical aims of the proposal focus on 1) assessing the virucidal activities of the coating at specific times after application; 2) determining the half-life of coronaviruses on the coating for comparison to other materials. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
HARVEST THERMAL, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Very-Low Emissions Heating, Cooling and Hot Water System
Contact
663 COVENTRY RD
Kensington, CA 94707–1329
NSF Award
1938079 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,738
Start / end date
12/01/2019 – 02/28/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project will be the reduction in home energy costs, electric grid system costs, and environmental impacts from electricity generation. The proposed research project will advance the state of the art in residential combined heating and hot water technology. The research project will resolve the technical risks associated with operating a high-efficiency CO2 heat pump in combined heating and hot water applications, and with implementing efficient load shifting in these applications. The project has the potential to reduce user energy costs, grid system costs, and environmental impacts by: shifting electrical load from peak demand times to off-peak demand times, reducing the need for costly and highly polluting peak power generation resources, and integrating variable renewable energy resources, such as wind and solar at times of low demand. This will put downward pressure on electric rates, as well as provide immediate user bill savings through lower demand and by shifting electricity demand to the cheapest times. The proposed system has the potential for large-scale commercial deployment due to its significantly lower operating costs and lowered initial fixed investments. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to resolve technical challenges associated with the commercial deployment of high-efficiency CO2 heat pumps in combined heating and hot water applications. CO2 heat pumps have demonstrated high efficiency in hot water applications with coefficients of performance up to 5. However, they typically operate much less efficiently in combined systems due to a lack of advanced controls. The research will develop a thermal stratification model of a hot water tank based on customer use and charging conditions, a predictive thermal demand model, and a simulation model of the whole system integrating heat pump performance, tank stratification, and predictive customer demand. The project will then develop new controls (hardware and software) to optimize for user and grid costs and emissions and validate the effectiveness of the resulting control system by integrating it into the existing prototype. This assessment will demonstrate the commercial viability of CO2-based combined heat and hot water systems with load shifting. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
HAWAII INTEGRATED ANALYTICS LLC
SBIR Phase I: REAL-TIME SELF-MONITORING SYSTEM FOR COVID-19 PROGNOSIS
Contact
555 SOUTH ST APT 1902
Honolulu, HI 96813–6214
NSF Award
2036240 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
12/01/2020 – 05/31/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to rapidly generate personalized data regarding immune health and exposure to SARS-CoV-2. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 exposure is urgently needed to understand viral spread, conduct contact tracing, provide public health recommendations, prepare for hospitalization or critical care emergencies, and safely reduce the need for social distancing. The proposed system will use new technologies to measure chemicals in blood to understand how COVID-19 evolves after exposure. This approach offers improved speed, accuracy, ease of use, cost, and ability to deploy in communities where clinical resources may not be readily accessible. Machine learning can be used to study population-level data to understand the relationship between immune health and COVID-19 severity. The dataset developed herein can improve the reliability of early signs of severe pathological COVID-19 progression, improving both quality of care and efficiency for public health use. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will enable the development of a remote or home-based self-monitoring system to identify anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (IgG and IgM) and inflammatory biomarkers (CRP and IL-6) from finger-stick blood after viral exposure. Specifically, this technology combines serial serology, lateral flow immunochromatographic assays, and novel app-enabled spectrophotometry to evaluate immune health during the course of infection. This approach will provide novel information and data for large-scale analysis and mitigation measures. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
HEALING INNOVATIONS INC
SBIR Phase I: Development of a Novel, Cost-Effective Gait Training Device Utilized at Home for the Neurological Patient Population
Contact
41 PEABODY ST
Nashville, TN 37210–2125
NSF Award
2014635 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$223,370
Start / end date
08/15/2020 – 07/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation (SBIR) Phase I project would be the development of a neurorehabilitation technology with a total addressable market of $54B and the opportunity to increase access to advanced care for the 5.2 million people in the US living with paralysis and the 1.3 million people each year that experience an extreme neurological injury or diagnosis that can lead to severe gait impairment. This technology will encourage a proactive approach to care, eliminate the need for a clinician to be physically present in the rehabilitation experience, and introduce software solutions to increase motivation and connectivity. Clinically, if successful, this technology could dramatically decrease secondary complications, help people regain the ability to walk, and ultimately reduce costs associated with neurological diagnoses. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I is to develop an at-home gait trainer for rehabilitation and physical therapy of individuals with neurological injuries or neurological conditions using a patient-centered approach. This project integrates at-home advanced medical technology with telemedicine physical therapy. This will enable continued rehabilitation and physical therapy without clinical oversight via training videos. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
HEAT INVERSE, LLC
SBIR Phase I: Passive Cooling Materials for Transparent Applications in Refrigerated Trucking and Solar
Contact
119 WESTHAVEN RD
Ithaca, NY 14850–3098
NSF Award
1914454 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$250,000
Start / end date
07/01/2019 – 06/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to overcome the barrier to transparent passive radiative cooling materials that are applicable to commercial environments. The project develops a transparent passive cooling thin-film applicable to situations that lose efficiency when heated, and where both mechanical and thermal stress are involved, for example, over advertisements on refrigerated trucks, or on the front face of solar panels. It will provide the simultaneous qualities of transparency in visible wavelengths, durability to withstand the elements, flexibility for ease of application, high cooling power to address customers' pain points, and manufacturability in a roll to roll format to minimize costs. The technology has the potential to provide a 25-80% increase in fuel efficiency via application of the thin-film to the outside of refrigerated truck trailers. The benefits to customers include: fuel cost savings, reduced emissions, allowing regulatory requirements to be met, decreased maintenance and replacement costs compared to refrigeration units and in-truck insulation in truck, as well as temperature maintenance in maximum heat. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to develop a thin-film product that could revolutionize cooling technologies across a number of industries. The demand for temperature-sensitive goods is expected to continue to grow significantly. To address the need for refrigeration with reduced fuel costs and emissions, the project is developing selective photonic emitters in thermal wavelength windows such that instead of heat being effectively enclosed in an insulating thermos (the atmosphere), they are exposed to a vast cold sink of space. The result is a revolutionary method of entirely passive heat management. This approach will be optimized in a thin-film photonics material that provides significant cooling to refrigerated truck trailers, saving refrigeration fuel costs. Phase I research objectives will establish proof of feasibility and include producing and testing promising material combinations at wafer-scale, testing to ensure that the material's qualities transfer to a commercially relevant size, and performing a small-scale test with potential customers. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
HELIPONIX, LLC
SBIR Phase I: Plant Photomorphogenesis using Adaptive Multispectral LED Arrays in a Rotary Aeroponic Cultivation Chamber (RACC)
Contact
800 S SAINT JAMES BLVD
Evansville, IN 47714–2437
NSF Award
2025920 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
08/01/2020 – 07/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to provide a sustainable method to grow healthy produce for individuals at a residential consumer level independent of location, climate, or season of the year. This project will develop new systems to grow produce in spaces with a small footprint, reducing food waste and consumption of potable water and energy. This can provide the capability to enhance cost-effective production in a small space with limited resources. The intellectual merit of this SBIR Phase I project is a new plant cultivation technology, called rotary aeroponics. coupled with a tunable irradiance growth efficiency research light designed to examine how light wavelength and timing can impact plant photomorphogenesis. Rotary aeroponic cultivation is the method of growing plants on a rotating cylindrical tower that is affixed vertically within a controlled environmental chamber. The tower design provides a larger surface area for growing plants in comparison to traditional vertical farming methods, thereby increasing the number of plants grown in a smaller space with less power consumption. The goal of this project is to successfully grow a healthy polyculture assortment of leafy green vegetables in a food-safe environment. The multi-spectra light will be used to learn how to maximize plant yields, minimize food safety risks, and enhance the taste profiles of different plant types. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
HEN NOZZLES LLC
SBIR Phase I: High efficiency nozzles for fire fighting
Contact
3650 PINON CANYON CT
Castro Valley, CA 94552–5430
NSF Award
2014176 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
06/01/2020 – 05/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is advance the development of technologies for fire control. In recent years, California and other locations have experienced wildfires in millions of square acres of land, displacing thousands of people and forcing millions to breathe unhealthy air. Better fire control technologies, particularly fire hose nozzles, help address this need. The annual North America market for fire hose nozzles is $250 M. The proposed high efficiency nozzles would enable faster fire suppression, preventing billions in dollars of property damage, reducing risk to first responders, and conserving water. This SBIR Phase I project will advance the development of a fire hose nozzle to enable higher fire suppression rates. Enhancing capabilities of fire hose nozzles without changing operational protocols requires development of non-conventional transition regions in the flow pathway to simultaneously allow increasing flow rate, range and surface area. In this project, the nozzle flow pathway will be optimized to eliminate features causing backflow and non-uniformities. A flow modulation mechanism will be developed for the optimized nozzle to allow changing stream width without sacrificing range or fire-control rates. Fire suppression rates of the optimized nozzles will be measured and compared to the existing state-of-the-art nozzles. An empirical model will be created to estimate both the duration and potential water savings. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
HERA GLOBAL TECH INC.
SBIR Phase I: Volition With An App
Contact
1120 SAVANNAH AVE
Pittsburgh, PA 15218–1319
NSF Award
2026010 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,880
Start / end date
08/01/2020 – 04/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to decrease the number of overdose deaths in the U.S. by making an AI-driven mobile app to those suffering from substance use disorder (SUD). There were more than 67,000 drug overdose deaths in the U.S. in 2018. This project will potentially alter the existing behavioral health marketplace through its ability to save lives and reduce the $740 billion spent annually treating SUDs. The app, freely available to anyone with a mobile phone, uses an expert artificial intelligence (AI) system to suggest an appropriate evidence-based recovery plan to those in need. Medically recognized contingency-based therapy processes are incorporated to help individuals follow their recovery plans. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop an expert system to develop an evidence-based personalized recovery program to individuals affected with SUD. To do this, the company is developing SUD self-directed recovery while enhancing compliance and motivation through a novel, salient reward system. Increasing recovery plan compliance is a major addition to current healthcare industry functions. The project will utilize a positive feedback loop via the novel use of value-based payment for individuals with substance use disorder with or without clinician oversight. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
HERMES LIFE SCIENCES LTD
SBIR Phase I: Pre-diagnostic Blood-Plasma Separation at the Point-of-Care
Contact
124 HOY RD
Ithaca, NY 14850–9378
NSF Award
1938096 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$269,996
Start / end date
01/01/2020 – 06/30/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this project will explore the development the High Efficiency Rapid Magnetic Erythrocyte Separator (H.E.R.M.E.S), a highly translational blood-plasma separation system enabling the decentralization of commercial blood testing. Blood testing is currently limited to centralized testing labs due to the requirements of centrifugation, a key first step in the majority of diagnostic testing. However, centrifuges are not suitable for use at the point-of-care and have created a bottleneck in the translation of bench-to-bedside testing. H.E.R.M.E.S is a unique magnetic bead-based separation method to quickly obtain plasma free of red blood cells. The technology is a low-cost and standalone platform with the potential to augment the testing efficiency and translational ability of existing blood-based diagnostic tests. Specifically, this effort will examine the potential for H.E.R.M.E.S to augment Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) diagnostic and viral load quantification testing in finger-stick and whole blood, when used with standard lab-based and rapid diagnostic assays. Access to higher quality HIV tests will have a major impact for public health and improved diagnostic outcomes. H.E.R.M.E.S will address the lack of availability of low-cost and efficient sample processing technologies and help introduce the next generation of robust point-of-care blood tests. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will enable the implementation of a magnetic-bead based separation assay to achieve low-complexity and rapid blood-plasma separation in point-of-care testing environments. The technology will enhance current blood-testing capabilities at the point-of-care and has the potential to enable the development of highly robust diagnostic tests. This Phase I effort will demonstrate the feasibility of the underlying technology for companion use with commercially existing laboratory-based and rapid diagnostic HIV assays. The compatibility of the separation assay will be verified by comparing the performance of the diagnostic assay with different sample types: blood, centrifuged plasma and H.E.R.M.E.S plasma. This proposal will explore the potential to use the unique sample type generated by H.E.R.M.E.S to enhance HIV diagnostic testing outcomes by providing earlier detection. The end result is a device that can process blood into a sample that will augment the performance of blood-based diagnostic testing. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
HEROWEAR, LLC
SBIR Phase I: Mechanized clothing to enhance productivity and low back health in the logistics industry
Contact
600 ANDREW RUCKER LANE
Nashville, TN 37211–7322
NSF Award
1913763 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
07/01/2019 – 06/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project is to develop mechanized clothing technology to reduce physical disability, healthcare costs and missed work for material and package-handlers in the logistics industry. Workers in this industry are at high risk of developing low back pain (LBP) due to the physical demands of repeated leaning and lifting. There are currently no solutions for this occupation that are effective, affordable, practical and unobtrusive. This project is focused on mechanized clothing, a game-changing new device to reduce fatigue and incidence of low back pain amongst material/package-handlers and other occupations that involve repetitive lifting and leaning. For employers, mechanized clothing creates the potential for a happier, healthier and more productive workforce with reduced employee turnover, medical costs and understaffing issues. For workers, mechanized clothing means the potential for less low back pain, fatigue and missed work. For society, it means the potential to improve well-being for millions of individuals worldwide and to reduce the burden on the healthcare system and reliance on painkillers. This SBIR Phase I project proposes to develop an exoskeleton that is able to integrate into the normal workflow of material/package-handlers. Mechanized clothing has been shown in lab tests to reduce loading on the low back. The key to demonstrating commercial feasibility is proving to logistics companies that their workers can be assisted in a real world environment without interfering with daily workflow. The SBIR project plan is to (i) design a multi-stage clutch to prepare for real-world testing; (ii) use a robotic emulator system in the lab to quantify optimal assistive spring stiffness for leaning and lifting biomechanics, to inform spring selection in the new mechanized clothing prototype; and (iii) demonstrate feasibility of device integration into a real-world package-handling environment by testing users with the mechanized clothing prototype and assessing the degree to which it can assist users without hindering workflow. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
HIGGINS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATES, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Research and Development for the A-Pod HAB Trap and Removal Process
Contact
19 ELIZABETH ST
Amesbury, MA 01913–5410
NSF Award
2025679 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$254,504
Start / end date
08/01/2020 – 07/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (Phase I) project is to reduce human and environmental health risks posed by Harmful Algae Bloom (HABs) impacts to water resources. Communities across the nation allocate substantial financial resources to address HABs in their water bodies as HABs can be extremely toxic. However, this ecological problem can be treated as an eco-mining opportunity because HABs are tiny eco-miners that scour, collect, and concentrate excess nutrients in water bodies. The proposed technology is an eco-sensitive mining technology designed to harvest, trap, and permanently remove these HABs, their toxins, and the often ore-grade concentration of nutrients they contain. This project will advance a technology to permanently and sustainably removing the HABs, their toxins and the excess nutrients they contain. As a fully scalable and rapidly deployable, cost-effective technology, it will rapidly resolve HAB impairments and related health risks. The intellectual merit of the proposed project is to target HABs, trap them through mechanical filtration, separate them through flotation, and monitor and test the effluent water for toxins. The proposed research is focused on development of remote and automatic operation capabilities to further minimize potential contact with HABs. The process can be deployed in less than one day to surround and control small or very large areas of HABs, does not require a land-based treatment area, and does not need electricity or high capacity pumping systems to work. It can trap and remove HABs actively or passively. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
HIKARI LABS, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Illuminating dark web electronic commerce
Contact
4620 HENRY ST
Pittsburgh, PA 15213–3715
NSF Award
1938323 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
12/01/2019 – 11/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will be to combat online trade in counterfeit and illicit goods. The project will integrate the results of a decade of academic research on anonymous online ("dark net") marketplaces and modeling of counterfeit pharmaceutical online sales with novel monitoring solutions for traditional e-commerce marketplaces. It will allow for the development and validation through pilot customer tests of an integrated platform for automated continuous data collection and analysis of the major players in the counterfeit and illicit goods online business. Through automation, the proposed technology should considerably reduce costs to brand protection managers (and law enforcement), allowing them to use their limited resources more effectively. This work should also help address some pressing economic and public health issues linked to the proliferation of counterfeits, such as counterfeit drugs. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate automation of many manual online counterfeiting monitoring activities. The project will also show that intuitive visual interfaces can help customers (law enforcement agencies, brand protection managers) have immediate access to higher-level objects more useful for investigative purposes. These higher-level objects include metrics on the amount of sales conducted by a specific entity, deduplication between vendors, or inventory clustering. To do so, the project will further develop automated classification and analysis using techniques that were prototyped in the research lab, scale these techniques up to a production environment to further minimize human intervention, and combine these techniques with novel algorithms developed for slightly different application cases (traditional e-commerce marketplaces). This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
HOUR 72, INC.
SBIR Phase I: A multi-armed and customizable polymer adhesive for expending lifetimes of active ingredients in topical products
Contact
325 E 72ND ST
New York, NY 10021–4685
NSF Award
2014765 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
05/15/2020 – 08/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project will develop a new solution to help prevent insect-borne diseases, such as malaria, Zika, dengue, and chikungunya. Over half the world’s population is at risk of contracting an insect-borne disease, and the global mosquito repellent market is expected to grow to $11 billion by 2021. Use of personal repellents is a promising solution to prevent insect-borne diseases, but challenges include adherence because products may only be effective for a few hours (and less when rubbed or washed off). The proposed technology is a material to serve as a platform for insect repellents in a costly and effective fashion. The proposed material enables ultra-long-lasting efficacy and will be customizable, waterproof, not absorbed into the bloodstream, and imperceptible to the touch when applied to the skin. The technology could be extended to other applications, such as antimicrobial use and sunscreen. This SBIR Phase I project proposes to develop a platform technology to extend the life of functional skin products. Phase I aims are to: 1) Optimize a skin formulation for repelling insects with performance goals: 99%+ efficacy for at least 3 days, waterproof, not absorbed into the bloodstream, containing zero synthetic repellents, and imperceptible to touch when applied to skin; 2) Explore the parameter space for manufacturing the polymer and insect repellent formulation at scale; 3) Conduct testing to determine efficacy of the insect repellent formulation compared to a reference formulation; 4) Demonstrate extended life of a variety of active ingredients for utilization in topical sunscreen and antimicrobial products. Phase I work will establish feasibility of the proposed platform, while meeting a recognized need in the area of protection from vector-borne illnesses. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
HUMANGO INC
SBIR Phase I: HumanGo, the Artificial Intelligence based Health Coach Assistant
Contact
210 CACTUS CT
Boulder, CO 80304–1001
NSF Award
2014828 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$223,525
Start / end date
08/01/2020 – 04/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will result from helping individuals achieve higher levels of wellness. The proposed system will collect data from a user’s wearables and other devices (smart watch, wifi scale, sleep tracker…) for a novel solution. The proposed project will develop an artificial intelligence (AI) coach monitoring fatigue and fitness to continuously optimize an integrated fitness, diet, and sleep plan. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will use advanced AI and Deep Reinforcement Learning methods to develop a system that automatically builds and updates a training plan integrating workouts, diet and recovery subject to real-life conditions such as work, sickness, etc. Through advanced data preparation leveraging deep learning techniques, the system will cleanse the data to ensure high quality input data to the digital avatar. This avatar uses Reinforcement Learning to learn by exploration the best individualized courses of action for pre-specified goals. This system will form a novel personalized, predictive, proactive solution for monitoring health in real time at scale. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
HUXLEY MEDICAL, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Single wearable patch for cost-effective, reliable, and accurate home sleep apnea testing
Contact
3344 PEACHTREE RD NE UNIT 3005
Atlanta, GA 30326–4815
NSF Award
2016158 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,998
Start / end date
06/01/2020 – 05/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the feasibility of novel wearable sensor techniques to provide a complete diagnostic assessment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with a single wireless patch worn on the chest. An estimated 25-30 M adults in the United States have OSA, but 80% of OSA-positive patients are undiagnosed while the highest volume clinics can only conduct around 5,000 sleep tests annually. Low diagnosis rates result partly from the challenge of sleep clinics managing an inventory of expensive and complex home sleep testing devices. To date, all home sleep tests require patients to wear bulky sensors that attach to multiple (3-5) regions of their body via a network of wires, tubes, and probes. This project will explore novel, unobtrusive, cost-effective sensors to reliably detect apnea and hypopnea during sleep. The project outcomes will strengthen fundamental understanding of how physiological signals are altered during sleep apnea and how to reliably measure these signals using simple wearable patches. The proposed SBR Phase I project will advance the development of a sensor platform for a wireless device to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea. The project will explore the feasibility of new sensing modalities to provide sufficient diagnostic information with a single wireless patch. The innovation stems from: (1) use of novel cardiorespiratory sensing modalities and machine learning to determine respiratory events and arousals from disordered breathing, and (2) integration of multiple sensing modalities into a chest-worn patch to provide a complete assessment of sleep apnea severity according to established clinical guidelines. This project will: conduct functional tests of sensor modalities relative to the clinical standard wired technologies; identify digital signatures of disordered breathing using advanced digital signal processing techniques; and assess the diagnostic capability of the complete single patch sensor relative to the clinical gold standard sleep tests. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
HYQ RESEARCH SOLUTIONS, LLC
SBIR Phase I: Incorporating High Dielectric Constant Materials into clinical imaging: A Novel Approach for Accelerating 1.5T MRI
Contact
2151 Harvey Mitchell Pkwy S
College Station, TX 77840–5241
NSF Award
2015016 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$249,966
Start / end date
05/15/2020 – 09/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 1 project will target clinical Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners where there is limited MRI access to a larger patient population. Enhanced spatial resolution and reduced scan time are in urgent demand for investigating a comprehensive range of biological systems from single cells to humans. Long scan times reduce the efficiency of radiology department processes and increase the overall cost to clinics and patients. In the research community, high-resolution MRI is a powerful tool for understanding metabolic activity. This project will pioneer an entirely different solution to the fundamental problem of long scan times by introducing special materials into the clinical MRI scanners most commonly used to address the challenge of signal strength versus patient safety, which ultimately limits the throughput for research studies and clinical tests. The proposed materials developed under this SBIR program will have an immediate impact on animal and human health studies where neuroscientists are using MRI techniques to monitor brain activity and cognition. The proposed SBIR Phase 1 project will advance the development of a new approach to MRI, an indispensable clinical imaging modality for radiology and one of the most powerful research instruments for life science. However, it has an inherently low signal-to-noise ratio, limiting both imaging resolution and scan speed. Development efforts will focus on incorporation of high permittivity dielectric materials into MRI scanners to increase the signal-to-noise ratio by over 40%, thereby cutting the scan time by half. The dielectric materials would be placed near the patient to increase the MRI signal through stronger electromagnetic coupling. Materials with dielectric constant values between 4,000 and 6,000 will be synthesized and incorporated into clinical 1.5 Tesla MRI scanners. Oxide materials with the optimized dielectric properties will be synthesized and characterized before fabricating the final device. The project will pursue an integrated systems approach including electromagnetic simulation, ceramic processing and testing. The magnetic field strengths will be optimized by simulating a range of dielectric materials in the MRI scanner and ultimately tested in clinical scanners with a phantom. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Heliobiosys, Inc.
STTR Phase I: Purification of Mycosporine-like Amino Acids using Aptamers
Contact
112 Foxwood Road
Portola Valley, CA 94028–8113
NSF Award
1940352 – STTR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
02/01/2020 – 07/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact of this STTR Phase I project is to harvest a natural sunscreen for broader distribution. This project will use a group of fast-growing microorganisms that make these ingredients. The challenge will be to harvest enough of the material to make effective and affordable sunscreens. The problem is akin to trying to collect all the "needles in a haystack". New tools that incorporate reusable analogues to "magnets" for capturing and releasing the sunscreen compound will provide a novel way to get the material out of a complex mixture of broken open cells and into the sunscreens. There is a lack of genuinely non-toxic, environmentally safe sunscreens in the U.S. market today. Melanoma, the most common cancer in the U.S., is a deadly form of skin cancer directly attributable to sun damage to skin, and conventional sunscreens are under pressure because of human health concerns and possible impacts on coral reefs. This work will provide a new class of sunscreens safer for people and marine life. Unlocking the potential of this nature-designed sunscreen will improve human health and the environment. This STTR Phase I project will evaluate the technical feasibility of using aptamers (small nucleic acids) to isolate mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) from a complex mixture of compounds derived from cyanobacteria. Small molecules present challenges for aptamer development because they can be: difficult to immobilize, have multiple three-dimensional conformations, and few chemically distinguishing features. MAAs present unique challenges due to the similarity of their chemical structure with other cell lysate materials and wide variety of amino acid substitutions. This innovation entails the isolation and identification of the specific MAAs being produced, isolation of aptamers that are highly specific, and assessing process scalability. MAAs are not commercially available so reference standards will be derived from the culture broth. These materials will be utilized as targets in aptamer selection using a proprietary single-stranded DNA library of aptamer sequences to identify suitable candidates by next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. Those aptamer candidates will then be screened and evaluated using an affinity purification workflow and absorbance-based microplate assay. The end result of this work will be to establish if this is a robust and scalable affinity purification method for MAAs. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
IASO THERAPEUTICS, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Development of Bacteriophage Qbeta and Mutants as Carriers for Next Generation Vaccines
Contact
325 E GRAND RIVER AVE STE 300
East Lansing, MI 48824–4384
NSF Award
1913654 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
06/01/2019 – 05/31/2021
Abstract
This SBIR Phase I project aims to develop an anti-cancer vaccine. A successful vaccine against cancer can potentially revolutionize cancer treatment and prevention by providing durable protection to patients and preventing relapse, without the harmful side effects commonly associated with chemo- and radiation- therapies. One of the major challenges in anti-cancer vaccine development is the low immunogenicity of cancer antigens, in particular tumor associated carbohydrate antigens. In order to overcome this, in this project, a new carrier system based on bacteriophage Qbeta will be developed. A representative carbohydrate antigen GD2 will be linked with bacteriophage Qbeta, which can elicit superior titers of antibodies that can kill cancer cells. Successful commercial development of such vaccines will greatly benefit cancer patients not only in the US, but also throughout the world. In addition to cancer vaccines, the bacteriophage Qbeta based carrier is a new platform technology to elicit powerful antibody responses. Biotechnological companies interested in vaccine development can adapt Qbeta as the carrier to target infectious diseases and chronic diseases. Furthermore, the Qbeta platform can provide an excellent starting point for the generation of monoclonal antibodies, which are among the top agents developed for therapeutics and diagnostics. Thus, the availability of a superior carrier can potentially address a wide range of biomedical needs. This SBIR Phase I project proposes to design new bacteriophage Qbeta based carriers for next generation vaccines. Vaccines have had tremendous impacts on public health. Traditional vaccines commonly incorporate attenuated or killed bacteria or viruses as immunogens. With the enhanced requirements on safety, the field is focusing more on well-defined subunits as epitopes for vaccine design. As subunits tend to have lower immunogenicity, immunogenic carriers are critical to deliver the desired antigen to the immune system and to enhance the immune responses. However, there are only a few carriers available that have been validated in clinical studies. The limited choices of carriers can significantly reduce vaccine efficacy due to interferences from anti- carrier antibodies. This project develops a new class of immunogenic carrier based on bacteriophage Qbeta capable of eliciting superior levels of IgG antibodies to the target antigen compared to gold standard carrier proteins. Novel mutants of Qbeta will become available to elicit high levels of IgG antibodies against the target antigen. The utility of the new Qbeta carrier will be demonstrated in delivering a tumor associated carbohydrate antigen, i.e., ganglioside GD2 derivative, to induce potent anti-cancer IgG antibodies. When successful, the GD2 based vaccine will be a quantum leap for the field as it will be the first ever carbohydrate based anticancer vaccine. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
ICTERO MEDICAL, INC.
SBIR Phase I: High Surface Area (HSA) Intraluminal Cryoablation for the Treatment of High-risk Patients with Gallstone Disease
Contact
2450 Holcombe Blvd Suite 88
Houston, TX 77021–2039
NSF Award
1938608 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$223,729
Start / end date
01/15/2020 – 12/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to develop a safer alternative to gallbladder surgery for elderly patients at higher risks of complications due to the effects of general anesthesia. Approximately 200,000 Medicare patients undergo surgery to remove their gallbladders every year. Unfortunately, 24% of these patients will experience a perioperative complication due to the effects of general anesthesia, totaling $500 M in cost annually to the US healthcare system. As the population ages and management of chronic disease improves, the need for alternatives to gallbladder surgery increases. This project will develop a process to affect the entire surface of the gallbladder ("ablation"), inducing a healing response that will defunctionalize the gallbladder and obviate the need to remove it. This is the first technology designed to conduct this process within a tube via a minimally invasive approach. Ultimately, this technology could be adapted to create more effective devices for other high surface area tissue targets. The proposed project is a significant improvement over current state-of-practice ablation devices due to its ability to deliver high-surface area ablation within a closed lumen or organ, such as the gallbladder. Existing conductive devices are designed for targeted ablation of discrete lesions rather than therapeutic delivery to large tissue targets, such as the gallbladder. The aim of this project is to develop a new process using open lumen instillation of cryogen to achieve high surface area cryoablation of tissues. This raises several unique engineering challenges, including the design of a delivery mechanism for the uniform distribution of cryogen across a closed lumen and development of a pressure management system to properly evacuate the cryogen gas and prevent an increase in intraluminal pressure. Initial optimization of the cryogen distribution and pressure management system will be conducted using a benchtop thermal load model of the gallbladder to approximate the in vivo thermodynamics. Optimized designs will then be tested in acute and chronic animal models to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of open lumen instillation of cryogen for high surface area intraluminal cryoablation of the gallbladder. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
IGNEOUS IP HOLDINGS, LLC
SBIR Phase I: 3-D printing of high strength-to-weight closed-cell polymer foam with gyroid lattices
Contact
53 FULTON STREET STE 1
Boston, MA 02109–1415
NSF Award
1938466 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
10/15/2019 – 09/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to advance the state of the art of additive manufacturing, through development of a novel foam resin technology for rapid 3-D printing of ultra low-density parts with high strength-to-weight ratios. The demand for lightweight, high-strength printed parts is growing across all sectors of the manufacturing industry. The additive manufacturing market is expected to more than double by 2026, with high resolution vat photopolymerization as its largest market segment (>$1 B). By accelerating production speeds and overcoming size limitations that have limited manufacturing output to small products, the technology also opens the doors for general manufacturing. Within the automotive, aviation and shipping industries, for example, the technology will support lightweighted designs, thus increasing efficiency, while lowering energy consumption, material consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in lightweight printed parts. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a novel method to modify the high resolution vat photopolymerization process, to enable 3D printing with resin that is foamed using a patent-pending process. Because the proposed technology can be adapted for use on most vat photopolymerization systems, industries can apply it to their existing resins, machines, and processes. The technology will allow for the manufacture of lightweight parts with up to 75% gas fractions, translating to parts that are 75% lighter and less expensive to produce compared to traditional additive manufacturing processes. In order to establish proof-of-concept and progress the technology toward commercialization, several critical objectives must be met. Materials that can produce strong, lightweighted products using this technology will be identified. Different types of materials will be investigated in experiments designed to vary the gas fraction in the cured foam, and at least 3 resin formulations will be selected to generate foams for further evaluation of their mechanical properties. The results of three types of tests (compression, impact, and 3-point bending) on foams printed using the proprietary PrintFoam process will be compared to other materials to demonstrate that the technology delivers materials with improved strength-to-weight ratios. In addition, plans for scale-up of the machine and technology will be generated. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
IKONA, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Using Immersive Virtual Reality For High-Quality Training to Caregivers Working With Seniors
Contact
50 W 34TH STREET APT 17C6
New York, NY 10001–3089
NSF Award
2026134 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,901
Start / end date
09/01/2020 – 08/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will be significant for helping senior caregivers optimally understand and respond to cognitive changes in older adults through a new Virtual Reality (VR) The project will result in a high-quality, effective training module for helping senior caregivers optimally understand and respond to cognitive changes in older adults. This will enhance the competence, confidence, and motivation of their nursing staff, and help reduce staff turnover. The solution will empower caregivers to effectively attend to the needs of the elderly in a way that enhances seniors’ quality-of-life and facilitates ‘aging in place,’ hence contributing towards increasing well-being among the elderly population and alleviating the societal costs of aging. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the technical challenge of developing VR content that effectively promotes caregiver knowledge acquisition, skill development, and motivation increases, while keeping the training experience relatively brief and efficient. Unlike simple memorization of information, positive psychological outcomes like enhanced motivation are challenging to generate. This project will strategically employ cinematic directing techniques at key points in the VR training - a new approach to VR training. The solution leverages principles from the cognitive neuroscience of learning to deliver innovations in VR content design, analysis and delivery. Research objectives include: (1) building an engaging VR training module centered around teaching empathy and communication skills, which is enhanced with cinematic directing elements, (2) assessing the usability and feasibility of the developed content for achieving the desired outcomes in the short- and long-term, (3) building and assessing a VR training module centered around teaching observation and behavioral skills to senior caregivers, which includes embedded interactive testing elements. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
IMAGINAG TECH, LLC
SBIR Phase I: COWculator: Automated Cattle Counting and Bovine Temperature Screening from Aerial Feedlot Images
Contact
2495 DEBORAH DR
Beachwood, OH 44122–1664
NSF Award
1913609 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
07/01/2019 – 02/28/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will result from the development of a quick, easy, and accurate way to count cattle and detect bovine illnesses on feedlots and ranches via Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Current methods for counting cattle are extremely time-consuming or inaccurate, and sometimes both. Additionally, bovine illnesses are often diagnosed too late, leading to 50% of cattle mortalities on feedlots and yielding a $1.9 billion economic loss to the cattle industry. The proposed technology will leverage aerial images to (a) count cattle accurately and efficiently and (b) identify ill cows up to one week before clinical symptoms appear without the need to install expensive health-monitoring equipment on each cow. Ultimately, the proposed technology promises to more broadly impact the way wildlife and endangered species are tracked by automating wildlife counting on aerial images. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop an imaging-based solution for feedlot accountants, nutritionists, and auditors to monitor cattle. The project will leverage aerial photos of feedlot pens to automatically count all cattle breeds - regardless of season and ground conditions - using a combination of deep learning and traditional image processing tools. Additionally, this project will leverage aerial thermography to measure bovine temperatures; machine learning tools will be developed to differentiate between elevated body temperatures associated with illness and those associated with normal confounding factors. The goals of this Phase I project are to develop and fully validate the technology for cattle counting on feedlots and to establish the technical feasibility of leveraging aerial thermographic imaging for prediction of cattle health. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
IMPRESSIO INC
SBIR Phase I: Mimicking Metatarsophalangeal Joints Using Tailored Ultra-Dissipative Liquid-Crystalline Elastomers to Treat Hallux Rigidus
Contact
12635 E Montview Blvd, Ste 214
Aurora, CO 80045–7335
NSF Award
2014661 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$249,999
Start / end date
06/01/2020 – 05/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to treat arthritis in joints. This project will advance the use of special materials for joint repair, which permit devices to mimic the naturally soft tissues of the body and provide anatomically correct support. These materials also offer the advantages of minimally invasive surgery, development of patient-specific devices. It will offer the ability to arthritis in joints in the foot, hand, knee (e.g. total knee replacement), spine (e.g. total disc replacement), and repair of any load-bearing orthopedic tissue, such as meniscus. The proposed project focuses on advancing the translation of Liquid-Crystalline Elastomers (LCE) as a cartilage replacement device for the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint to treat hallux rigidus. Hallux rigidus is a joint disorder at the base of the big toe. This project will be the first to investigate LCEs for orthopedic applications and develop an MTP joint repair using LCEs. LCEs have vastly superior energy dissipation properties relative to traditional elastomers, such as silicone or hydrogels. This project will demonstrate LCEs for treatment of degenerated joints by drawing from the disciplines of liquid-crystal elastomer science, viscoelasticity, and bioengineering. LCEs are known for behavior that is similar to biological tissues. This proposed project will accomplish: 1) synthesizing an LCE to mimic mechanical properties of natural joint to minimize wear rate under simulated physiological conditions; and 2) validation of biomechanical performance and biocompatibility of LCEs in comparison to the state of practice. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
IN CONTEXT REPORTING INC
SBIR Phase I: Development of a fully annotated corpus for the training of a Clinical Question Answering System for critical results delivery at the Point of Care
Contact
6540 SEWANEE AVE
Houston, TX 77005–3748
NSF Award
2014686 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,961
Start / end date
06/01/2020 – 08/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will result from improving the quality of healthcare and streamlining its delivery. The accumulation of clinical data has become a potentially valuable resource for clinical practice, as Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) contain information on day-to-day patient care. Latest Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques applied to EMR data enable the development of health Intelligent Virtual Assistants (hIVAs) to assist healthcare professionals in incorporating evidence-based decision support, reducing errors and improving efficiency. Current most promising NLP approaches are underdeveloped for the clinical domain given the lack of high-quality annotated clinical data required for training, testing and validating the machine learning algorithms. As most EMR data is available as unstructured free text, software developers in Artificial Intelligence (AI) struggle to find these annotated texts. The proposed project will inform the production of high-quality hIVAs - from voice-based clinical AI chatbots for assisting physicians at the point of care to Question-Answering systems for clinical decision-making. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the technical challenge of exploiting different combinations of Deep Learning (DL) structures for developing a novel set of annotation tools and an expert adjudication methodology to optimize the development of annotated corpora, specifically tailored for the clinical domain. The lack of these standard and annotated data sets is a major bottleneck preventing progress in clinical Information Extraction. Without these corpora, individual Natural Language Processing applications abound without the ability to train different algorithms, share and integrate modules, or compare performance. The company is leveraging the latest DL techniques to develop a unique architecture, able to identify a comprehensive set of context modifiers within unstructured clinical texts. This approach will boost the semi-automatic annotation of clinical corpora; produce accurate and robust annotated corpora; and reduce corpora production time and cost. The project objectives include: (1) adapting the existing in-house algorithm for automatic clinical text pre-annotation; (2) integrating a hybrid algorithm into a multi-user operable software platform for obtaining a minimum viable semi-automatic annotation product; (3) conducting a small pilot study to validate the performance of the resulting software platform and a Minimum Viable Product of an annotated corpus for diagnostic imaging reports. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
INCHFAB INC.
SBIR Phase I: An Agile Microfabrication Platform for High-Mix, Low-Volume Microchip Production
Contact
255 9TH AVE APT 539
Oakland, CA 94606–5134
NSF Award
2036272 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
02/01/2021 – 01/31/2022
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to create a rapid manufacturing and on-demand microchip microfabrication capability. This is enabled by a rapid-manufacturing platform that is targeted at serving the needs of micro-electromechanical system (MEMS), Internet of Things (IoT), and MEMS in biological applications (bioMEMS) developers. The innovation will enable IoT developers to create new MEMS-based products at a fraction of the cost and time typical today. This will enable development of high-value, mass-customized IoT devices that will further stimulate growth in manufacturing, security, and a multitude of other areas. This project will enable for the first time, a true low-cost rapid manufacturing capability for the MEMS community, thus addressing a long standing challenge in the industry. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will address key technical questions related to the feasibility and scalability of microelectronics manufacturing to tabletop form factors. A capability required for the manufacturing platform is a wafer bonding system. Development of this key capability on a tabletop scale requires precise engineering of a complex system including precision motion controllers, cameras, kinematic fixtures, actuators, and heaters into compact modules. Furthermore, these complex modules must support and maintain sensitive environments with requirements like vacuum pressures and vibration isolation. Key questions remain such as how to maintain wafer alignment while moving between system modules, how to preserve precise registration of wafer positions through multi-axis movements, and how to attain micron-level optical resolution of alignment marks with edge-mounted optics rather than bottom-up or top-down optics. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
INFORMAI LLC
STTR Phase I: Artificial Intelligence Tool to Optimize Organ Transplantation Outcomes (Transplant-AI)
Contact
2450 Holcombe Blvd.
Houston, TX 77021–0000
NSF Award
2014827 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
08/15/2020 – 07/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will be to improve solid organ transplantation outcomes. Few significant clinical or technological advancements have been made within the last two decades to improve organ matching success, and the accuracies of current models predicting survival outcomes are diminishing. There is a great need for clinicians to have better decision-making support tools. Every 12 minutes, a new person is added to the organ transplant waiting list, a number growing by about five percent each year. Within a single day, 21 people die waiting for a kidney, liver, or other organ match. Although 36,500 kidney and liver transplants are performed each year, the patient demand for donor organs far outweighs supply by four to one, so the need to improve donor-recipient matching is urgent. Optimizing the donor organ-patient match is a key determining factor for improving transplant success and patient survival. This project's artificial intelligence (AI) model will guide transplant surgeons, physicians, and other healthcare professionals will deliver precise, accurate, quantitative information for real-time predictions. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project proposes artificial intelligence to predict outcomes after solid organ transplantation procedures. Clinicians currently consider several factors when determining organ allocation and candidate patient ranking on the recipient waitlist, including extent of disease pathology, functional status of the recipient, and intrinsic donor and recipient compatibility factors. Measures, indices and functional status scores have been designed to predict specific outcomes but are not easily combined into one optimized decision to guide organ allocation decisions. To date, no organ-matching predictive outcome model has comprehensively synthesized all available patient- and donor-specific variables at the time of transplantation. This project will train an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm to comprehensively integrate all information available at the time of transplantation procedures (hundreds of variables) into a predictive model. An AI model of this nature would be a substantial improvement from linear models able to synthesize only a modest number of parameters (approximately 15) to date. It is expected that the proposed technology will predict both pre- and post-transplant survival more accurately than currently accepted models. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
INHERENT BIOSCIENCES, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Using patient specific DNA methylation to predict COVID-19 clinical prognosis
Contact
2725 E Parleys Way #100
Salt Lake City, UT 84109–1648
NSF Award
2034014 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,959
Start / end date
09/01/2020 – 05/31/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is the development of an onsite, clinical test to screen incoming patients potentially infected with COVID-19 and prioritize hospital resources and personnel based on a predicted infection severity and treatment response. The benefits of a test that can predict COVID-19 infection severity are enormous. In addition to the millions of infections and hundreds of thousands of dealths, it costs hospitals an average of roughly $2,500 per day per patient for inpatient care. This project will develop a test for COVID-19 screening to accurately identify patients at risk. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is establishing the use of DNA methylation patterns for personalized screening and treatment for COVID-19. The variation in symptoms and outcomes for COVID-19 progression make it challenging for healthcare workers to triage accurately. The development of a DNA methylation-based test to predict the severity of COVID-19 infection will help manage the pandemic. This project will: 1) generate a comprehensive dataset of white blood cell DNA methylation patterns, health history, and clinical data for patients infected with COVID-19; 2) generate a predictive model for COVID-19 infection severity and treatment response. The anticipated technical results of this project are a testing method and a computer algorithm for predicting infection severity and treatment response based on a patient’s unique DNA methylation pattern. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
INITIUM AI INC.
SBIR Phase I: Natural Language Processing for Enhanced Sales Communication
Contact
245 HUNTERS TRL
Ann Arbor, MI 48103–9525
NSF Award
1938438 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,847
Start / end date
11/01/2019 – 10/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will result from revolutionizing the way businesses approach sales, by directly and positively impacting sales communication. This, in turn, will lead to increased sales efficiency and increased customer satisfaction, while facilitating the acquisition of new customers and the retention of existing ones. These aspects will directly impact a company's bottom line and improve profitability. While the focus of this project is to build AI technology that can assist sales representatives in their communication, the lessons learnt here and the methods developed will be applicable to other areas where communication is essential, including the medical domain, counseling, or interviews. Furthermore, the goal of this project is to maintain significant involvement of women and under-represented minorities in this woman-owned company. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on building an intelligent sales platform expected to positively transform the sales process in business-to-business interactions. This will be achieved by creating technology that assists sales agents by increasing the effectiveness of their communication. Building on recent advances in Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning, novel methods and tools will be developed to measure and ensure sales agent responsiveness, accuracy, professionalism, and empathy in relation to customer communication. This project will leverage a proprietary large-scale dataset of sales emails and associated outcomes as a basis for the machine learning process. By the end of the Phase I project, this research will enable a direct and data-driven understanding of outcome-oriented sales communication and a quantified assessment of potential leads. This will be paramount to the future development of the project and to its impact and success in the marketplace. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
INITIUM AI INC.
SBIR Phase I (COVID-19): Identifying Medical Supply Shortages on Social Media for Fast and Effective Disaster Response
Contact
245 HUNTERS TRL
Ann Arbor, MI 48103–9525
NSF Award
2030482 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,207
Start / end date
08/01/2020 – 07/31/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project consists of providing immediate help during the COVID-19 crisis by identifying the needs of medical providers and compiling reports for government agencies and medical equipment suppliers and manufacturers. The proposed Natural Language Processing methodology will help (1) hospitals and clinics seeking medical supplies, personal protective equipment, and testing supplies to meet their needs; (2) the government coordinating response; (3) manufacturers and suppliers seeking information regarding needs. Additionally, it can be used to identify other non-medical supply shortages and can be adapted to provide an efficient response for other disasters or outbreaks. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will leverage recent advances in natural language processing and machine learning to identify at scale needs in medical equipment and supplies, based on insights derived from free text in social media, and convert these needs into a centralized, easily accessible structured data format. The technology will identify expressions of needs on social media; identify users, their specific needs, and locations; and generate geographically sorted actionable formatted lists. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
INNATRIX, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Directed protein evolution: Creating high affinity protein ligands for controlling economically detrimental plant pathogens and pests
Contact
250 BELL TOWER DR
Chapel Hill, NC 27599–0001
NSF Award
2014621 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$249,594
Start / end date
06/01/2020 – 05/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to create next generation crop products. Crop loss due to pathogens has been estimated to be approximately 20-40% of total possible yield. The proposed technology is an environmentally-friendly way to combat pests, even if they evolve to be resistant to conventional methods. This technology can be used for other life sciences applications, including special cancer treatments. The proposed project is to generate new and durable resistant crops by producing ligands that can bind to virulence factors of plant pathogens to make them malfunction. The novel protein evolution technology is a rapid and automated platform for developing high-affinity protein ligands. It comprises a self-sustaining, iterative bacterial culture system that drives the emergence of new protein and peptide sequences expressed by the M13 bacteriophage. Once pathogens or pest develop resistance for the ligands we generate, new and stronger binding ligands could be quickly evolved to control them. The technology is broadly applicable to developing optimized protein sequences for virtually any affinity interaction. Other applications include protein purification, antibody optimization as well as engineering novel receptors for cancer immunotherapy. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
INOON, LLC
STTR Phase I: Multiple Eye Disease Detection Using a Smartphone
Contact
2104 MAIN ST APT 7
Lubbock, TX 79401–5920
NSF Award
2015102 – STTR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
08/15/2020 – 07/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial impact of this Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project is to proactively manage eye health. Approximately 285 million people and 39 million people suffer respectively from visual impairment and blindness. Monitoring of eye disease in early stages is critical to slowing its progression, but currently this assessment requires specialized equipment in ophthalmology practices or optometry offices. Smartphone-based disease detection is customizable, portable, easy-to-access, and multi-functional. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project aims to design and develop an eye disease diagnostic tool using a smartphone. This project will develop and validate novel data acquisition, image processing and machine learning techniques for keratoconus, glaucoma, and cataract detection, including new algorithms for detection of motion and noise artifacts to reduce image corruption. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
INSIGHT SENSING CORPORATION
STTR Phase I: A Novel Approach to Manage Nitrogen Fertilizer for Potato Production using Remote Sensing
Contact
1000 WESTGATE DR
Saint Paul, MN 55114–1416
NSF Award
1913435 – STTR Phase I
Award amount to date
$245,000
Start / end date
07/01/2019 – 04/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial impact of this Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) project is to reduce the environmental impact of agricultural production while optimizing net income to producers. Over-application of nitrogen fertilizer contributes to groundwater contamination via nitrate-nitrogen leaching, and puts substantial financial burden on rural municipalities and private well owners who are required to install and pay for treatment of their drinking water. An estimated 1% of global energy consumption is attributed to the production of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer. Producers operate under tight margins, and face pressure to maximize crop yields to remain profitable and sustain their business. The proposed technology aims to optimize nitrogen application and minimize the susceptibility of loss to the environment, while accounting for the year to year weather variability that poses the largest production challenge. The technology not only determines the optimum nitrogen rate for achieving maximum profit, but it also provides transparency in nitrogen management and can serve as a means for demonstrating compliance with incentive or regulatory programs. This STTR Phase I project proposes to refine and test a novel algorithm for making real-time nitrogen fertilizer recommendations during the growing season using remote sensing. The need for this technology is rooted in the issue that producers are not satisfied with current methods for in-season nitrogen management because of lack of accuracy and poor temporal and spatial resolution. The research objectives of this project are to: (i) predict crop nitrogen concentration using multispectral information, (ii) compare the algorithm to conventional methods, (iii) calibrate and validate a crop growth model for prediction of above-ground biomass, (iv) develop predictive algorithms for radiation use efficiency, and (v) optimize the algorithm and develop a software application suitable for use by producers. The algorithm needs to account for yearly variability in crop growth dynamics caused by climatic conditions, crop variety, and nitrogen management practices. A field experiment will be conducted to collect data necessary to evaluate these objectives. It is anticipated that this technology will perform with reasonable accuracy and have similar or superior performance to existing N management methods, making it a vast improvement over current practices because of its ability to consider spatial and temporal variability in a scalable manner. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
INSILICA, LLC
SBIR Phase I: Advanced Cancer Analytics Platform for Highly Accurate and Scalable Survival Models to Personalize Oncology Strategies
Contact
2736 QUARRY HEIGHTS WAY
Baltimore, MD 21209–1069
NSF Award
2012214 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,454
Start / end date
08/15/2020 – 07/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop personalized clinical decision-making in cancer care. An estimated 17 million cases of cancer are diagnosed globally each year. Over $90 billion per year is spent in total on cancer-related health care in the U.S., and cancer patients pay over $4 billion out of pocket for health care. Therapeutic strategy selection and clinical trial research targeted to oncology become exponentially complex when unique types of cancer are considered, as well as how they may uniquely impact gender, race, ethnicity, and age of affected populations. The proposed technology will develop advanced bioinformatics models and visualization tools to guide decision-making by oncologists. It will develop and use advanced survival models targeting cancer types, other biological and chemical factors, and patient demographics. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will focus on three objectives. 1) We will develop and validate transfer learning models that leverage large data sets from high-incidence cancer types to improve results of cancer types with sparse data. 2) We will leverage these data in a disease-agnostic platform using a recurrent neural network to account for temporal variation to predict survivability. 3) We will develop visualization tools for clinicians to understand causal relationships. This system will use several innovations: a) Transfer Learning to Scale Available Data: Since cancer survival modeling is limited in many cancer types due to lack of data, we will demonstrate the feasibility of transfer learning in this context. b) Single Recurrent Neural Network: We will implement a recurrent neural network to improve performance and allow a single network to be trained across all cancer types and patient population characteristics. c) Control Feature Mediation Analysis: We will develop accurate survival models with an understanding of the sensitivity to inputs. d) Clinician-Driven Interpretation and Visualization Tools: The framework needs interpretation and visualization features to reduce data into reports easily digestible for clinical decision-making. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
INTACT THERAPEUTICS
SBIR Phase I: A thermogel-based drug delivery platform for the upper gastrointestinal bleeding treatment
Contact
3944 TRUST WAY
Hayward, CA 94545–3716
NSF Award
2014730 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,999
Start / end date
08/15/2020 – 04/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to develop an innovative method to treat upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). UGIB results in more than 550,000 hospitalizations per year in the US alone with a mortality rate of up to 20%. The gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding market is projected to be nearly USD 1 billion by 2026, with the overall hemostatic agents market reaching over USD 5 billion. Current solutions require endoscopy performed by a specialist or hospital admission. The proposed approach is a drinkable formulation to stop bleeding after ingestion, eliminating the need for endoscopic intervention or hospitalization. The technology developed in this project could then be applied to other bleeding scenarios, including field/combat medicine or rapid treatment of hemorrhage during surgical complications. The gel can also be used as a drug delivery vehicle for a variety of disorders of the upper GI tract. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate a new approach to achieve hemostasis in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB), based on a novel thermosensitive gel (thermogel) formulation. The drinkable formulation is liquid at ambient temperature and becomes a mucoadhesive gel when warmed to body temperature, thereby treating hemorrhage in the upper GI tract without the need for endoscopic intervention. Its action is based on two synergistic effects: (1) The in situ gelation of the mucoadhesive thermogel provides a mechanical barrier against blood flow, and (2) the slow release of drugs from the thermogel at the hemorrhage site enables more rapid healing. Initial efforts will be dedicated to formulation development wherein compatibility of the thermogel with different drug candidates will be evaluated, and optimization of the gelation temperature will be performed. The best formulations will then be tested in vitro for stability, drug release kinetics, and mucoadhesion. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed approach will be assessed in preclinical models of bleeding, demonstrating its superior ability to reach hemostasis. This is expected to apply to disorders including gastroesophageal reflux disease, eosinophilic esophagitis, and oral mucositis. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
INTELLIGENT DOTS LLC
STTR Phase I: BedDot: A Contactless Sensor Device for Sleep Activity Monitoring
Contact
3425 RIVER FERRY DR
Johns Creek, GA 30022–5936
NSF Award
1940864 – STTR Phase I
Award amount to date
$225,000
Start / end date
01/01/2020 – 08/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impacts of this Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project include the technology advancement of smart sensing and the improvement of the quality of life and care of seniors, by providing real-time safety, activity and health monitoring during sleep; and sending alerts, reports and analysis to their loved ones and caregivers. The growth of this demographic segment, the reduction of family size, and increased mobility bring significant challenges to senior care. According to U.S. Census Bureau projections, the number of Americans 65 and older will increase to 55 million in 2022, and to 70 million by 2030; of this group, the population over 85 years of age is the fastest growing segment. Seniors and caregivers will benefit from the new sensor technology developed in this project, whether they live in their own homes or in assisted-living facilities, contributing to healthcare quality improvement and cost reduction. The advanced signal processing and machine learning techniques developed in this project will advance the field of data analytics and smart sensing. The proposed project is the first to develop a real-time contactless sleep monitoring device based on vibration sensing. The sensor will provide reliable monitoring of sleep activities and vital signs while placed under mattresses in various building environments. This project will mark the first attempt to develop a contactless blood pressure monitoring function. The advanced signal processing and machine learning algorithms will be refined and validated regarding vital sign estimation (heart rate, respiration rate, and blood pressure) and sleep activity recognition (entry/exit of the bed, movement, posture change). A key challenge of data analytics algorithm development is to self-adapt to changes in the physical and noise environment. Various algorithms and functions will be integrated into one device with a user-friendly graphic interface; then the product's advantages and limitations will be evaluated systematically in different relevant environments and compared with other devices. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
INTELLIGENT FINANCIAL MACHINES LLC
SBIR Phase I: Predictive and Computational Technologies for the Mortgage Industry
Contact
1 Franklin Parkway
San Mateo, CA 94403–0000
NSF Award
2015154 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$223,820
Start / end date
07/01/2020 – 06/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will result from providing mortgage market participants such as lenders, servicers, insurers, investors, rating agencies, government sponsored enterprises, and regulators with integrated deep learning systems that offer actionable predictions of borrower, portfolio, security, and market behavior of unprecedentedly high accuracy and low latency at scale. The systems will enable these organizations to identify valuable opportunities, reduce losses, and improve staff utilization while dramatically lowering compute costs in a $2 billion annual mortgage decision and risk analytics market. Wide adoption will boost the performance of the American housing-finance system, benefiting homeowners and the broader population through lowering borrowing costs, expanding access to credit, and reducing the risk of future financial crises. The Phase I project focuses on developing transformative computational algorithms that make comprehensive deep learning predictions available in real time, at a fraction of the cost of existing computational technologies. It yields new insights into how computational algorithms can significantly enhance the benefits of AI prediction systems. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to address the core technical challenge associated with the development of powerful deep learning systems for measuring risk and identifying opportunities in the mortgage industry. This challenge is the construction of novel and transformative asymptotic-approximation algorithms to run in real time, rather than the hours or days prior technology requires. Examples of such applications include measuring the risks of large pools of mortgages over long horizons and the risks of mortgage securities backed by such pools. The dramatic running time gains offered by these algorithms are the key to harnessing the unprecedented predictive accuracy of deep learning models of individual borrower behavior. The key objectives of the proposed project are to develop a large-pool asymptotic approximation approach that offers run-time guarantees for deep learning models, and to construct efficient numerical schemes for implementing the resulting algorithms in a cloud environment. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
INTHEPENDANT, INC.
SBIR Phase I: Early Detection and Prediction of Mobility and Cognitive Decline
Contact
20 MASON ST
Lexington, MA 02421–6328
NSF Award
2013985 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$244,988
Start / end date
07/01/2020 – 06/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to improve early detection of cognitive decline and fall risk, particularly in the elderly. The proposed project will develop an artificial intelligence system to assess cognitive issues and estimate how likely a subject is to fall, enabling a new level of security for a vulnerable population. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project advances early detection of mobility problems and cognitive decline. This will be accomplished through the development of machine learning algorithms assessing gait dynamics (with dual-task information) in habitual settings. Research objectives include: (1) Developing a machine learning algorithm for fall prediction, (2) Developing preliminary mobility and fall prediction scoring system, (3) Estimating the cognitive state, and (4) Developing an accurate automatic fall detection system. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
INTRINSYX BIO INC.
SBIR Phase I: Microbiome for improving salt stress tolerance in crops
Contact
350 N AKRON RD BLDG 19 RM 1067
Moffett Field, CA 94035–1004
NSF Award
2035899 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$254,735
Start / end date
02/15/2021 – 01/31/2022
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to provide an innovative approach to improve crop tolerance using novel seed treatments. To feed the growing world population (estimated 9.8 billion by 2050), global food production must increase by 70%, while reducing impact on land use, the environment, and ecosystems. However, high salinity conditions and drought have reduced the potential yield of crops; furthermore, the excessive application of fertilizers is disrupting global nitrogen and phosphorus cycles, reducing biodiversity, and causing aquatic pollution. This project will develop a technology to promote crop growth through improved stress tolerance and nutrient acquisition. The adoption of more sustainable agricultural practices could help farmers in increasing their profitability and reduce costs. This project will offer an effective solution to 570 million farms around the world for food production. By improving crop yield, the project could help address the economic loss of more than $27 billion/year in the US due to unproductive farmland. The proposed project will generate innovative endophyte-based formulations for seed treatments to improve tolerance to abiotic stress. Seeds will be coated with a mixture of highly characterized safe (non-pathogenic) endophytic bacteria and yeast strains in formulation with selected osmoprotectants and prebiotics that improve the survivability and efficacy of the selected microbes. The bio-inoculants will improve crop tolerance to salinity stress while supporting nitrogen fixation and mineral nutrient acquisition. This project will validate the feasibility of this approach on treatments for selected vegetable seeds. First efforts will be dedicated to obtaining stable seed treatment formulations with a high shelf-life when used at scale in parallel with fungicide and insecticide treatments. The ability of bio-inoculant formulations to increase tolerance to salinity will be validated in the greenhouse. Finally, the performance of the most optimal formulation will be tested in a small field trial under high salinity conditions to validate its ability to increase crop yield and quality. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
IQ BIOTECH LLC
SBIR Phase I: Development of a novel bioprotectant with fungicidal and biostimulant properties
Contact
8208 NW 30TH TER
Miami, FL 33122–1914
NSF Award
1951282 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$219,075
Start / end date
02/01/2020 – 03/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact of this SBIR Phase I project will be in developing a crop protective agent that reduces negative environmental impacts and improves overall crop yield. Many common food crops, including tomatoes and peppers, are highly susceptible to fungal contamination; these organisms are rapidly developing resistance to the chemical pesticides widely used today. The objective of this project is to develop and test a new biofungicide consisting of beneficial fungi to protect plants from variety of diseases and plagues. This solution does not cause harm to the environment and offers a way to manage pesticide-resistant pathogens, which cost approximately $10 billion in the farming market. The proposed project will optimize the biofungicide for the many types of soils, crops and pathogens common across the country. A series of laboratory tests will be conducted to determine the optimal composition of the solution. The proposed project involves designing an effective bioprotectant and biostimulant, consisting of two different Trichoderma strains, to provide enhanced protective effects against harmful fungi and bacteria, with the added benefit of boosting plant health and improving overall crop yield. This project will develop new formulations of the blended strain biofungicide to provide maximum flexibility in their application, stability for storage and delivery, as well as testing and optimizing their efficacy in new and unproven combinations of plants, soils and growing conditions. The merits of the bioprotectant anti-fungal have already been demonstrated in preliminary experiments, but only for limited combinations of crops and soils. Relevant environments will be tested in this project. Additionally, previous tests have been conducted with dry formulations of Trichoderma, and thus the proposed research will focus on the two key objectives of (i) proving efficacy in new contexts and (ii) developing stable liquid formulations. To this end, a wide matrix of formulations will be tested with a variety of soils, crops and pathogens. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
IQinetics Technologies LLC
SBIR Phase I: An innovative calibration software to suppress torque ripple and improve performance of electric motors.
Contact
3401 Grays Ferry Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19146–2701
NSF Award
2036023 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,238
Start / end date
01/01/2021 – 08/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to improve the market by developing a software solution to intrinsic electric motors’ hardware problems. Inexpensive Brushless Direct Current (BLDC) motors have electromagnetic flaws that limit their adoption in industrial and service robotic applications. These industries require precise positioning, advanced trajectory control, and smooth operation which require high-end motors that minimize electromagnetic flaws using high-quality materials and complex hardware designs. Unfortunately, this increases production costs, making them prohibitively expensive for many applications. The proposed solution will make electric motors extremely precise, efficient, and easily controllable while keeping manufacturing costs low. The combination of low-cost hardware and performance-enhancing calibration software will bring high-end motor performance to a wide range of industries, which may be able to improve the performance of their devices while saving up to 90% on motor costs. The first target will be the Robotic Market, expected to reach $158 billion by 2025, in particular the drone and industrial segments, where many manufacturers must balance cost and performance. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to prove the technical feasibility of a new calibration approach to solving electromagnetic and hardware flaws in brushless direct current (BLDC) motors. The technology is based on 1) embedded position sensors in the motor to collect the position-dependent parameters necessary to generate maps of motors’ electromagnetic flaws; 2) proprietary algorithms that map cogging and mutual torque to vary the input voltage/current, eliminating the negative impact of the respective torque ripple; 3) encoder error correction to eliminate the discrepancies between the true and the measured angular positions of the motor magnets, improving motor calibration and position control. The research activities in this project may result in the generation and validation of a minimum viable calibration process that integrates all the described components. The ability of the calibration software to minimize the impact of the inherent electromagnetic flaws in low-end BLDC motors and enhance performance will be assessed together with the feasibility of generating an innovative hardware motor configuration specifically designed to reduce manufacturing costs. The successful outcome of this project will demonstrate the commercial feasibility of the calibration software. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
IREPROGRAM, LLC
STTR Phase I: Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Production to End Graft-Versus-Host Disease
Contact
1600 HURON PARKWAY BUILDING 520
Ann Arbor, MI 48109–5001
NSF Award
2035827 – STTR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
02/15/2021 – 10/31/2021
Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project is the potential elimination of Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD). GVHD is a devastating illness that afflicts transplant recipients who are recovering from chemotherapy and who suffer from suppression of their bone marrow function and immune system. GVHD associated illnesses lead to a very high rate of premature death in these patients. This project focuses on the development of a novel biocomputational platform to generate patient-derived stem cells to be subsequently reintroduced to the same cancer patient. This completely bypasses third-party bone marrow and blood donations, decreasing, and potentially eliminating, lethal GVHD and drastically improving outcomes. The use of cells derived directly from the same patient (e.g. skin cells) to reconstitute the blood system is considered one of the highest and most challenging goals of blood system regenerative biology research. This will advance bioinformatics and cell therapy research and will advance the state-of-the-art in cancer treatment and personalized medicine. The proposed project will use a high-fidelity prototype computational tool to generate transcription factor recipes for cellular transdifferentiation, test those predicted recipes through systematic and high-throughput wetlab validations, and demonstrate proof of concept for the autologous production of persistent HSCs that maintain long-term multilineage engraftment and self-renewal, potentially enabling recapitulation of the entire blood lineage. The project scope includes an effort to survey, identify, and procure appropriate initial cell types; determine cell type-specific predictions for reprogramming into HSCs; prioritize the most promising recipes and carry out appropriate viral transductions; create an in vitro analog of target HSCs and determine alignment with the human HSC phenotype; and perform reprogramming experiments for the top transcription factor recipes. Data analysis will include key comparisons of reprogrammed HSCs, in vitro analog HSCs, primary human HSCs, and data from prior published efforts to produce HSCs. HSCs are fundamentally different from the differentiated cell types previously targeted with the computational tool, as they retain proliferative potential and are therefore very difficult to generate. Proof of concept in this challenging system will not only address GVHD, but also further prove the efficacy of the overall biocomputational platform for use in numerous other biological systems and potential cures. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Inanovate, Inc.
SBIR Phase I: Ultra-High Throughput COVID-19 Serology Test Using a Novel Biomarker Multiplexing System
Contact
2329 North Career Ave, Room113
Sioux Falls, SD 57107–1363
NSF Award
2036316 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,851
Start / end date
12/15/2020 – 05/31/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to create a rapid, inexpensive, and ultra-high throughput test to screen patients for antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. The proposed test will facilitate population-wide screening for prior exposure, giving epidemiologists and policy-makers insight into the virus's spread and the frequency of asymptomatic cases. Individuals will understand their levels of risk (e.g., someone with strong immunity may be protected from re-infection in the near-term) to make informed decisions. The proposed technology will be a quantitative test, which may allow immunity level to be correlated with disease severity or other parameters. The proposed test can be adapted easily to query multiple antigens simultaneously to address more complex medical assessments. Beyond the current pandemic, this flexible technology will be useful for exposure testing for diverse pathogens and immunogens in applications ranging from epidemiology to vaccine development. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project explores a novel method for ultra-high throughput serology testing. Briefly, high density arrays of patient samples will be queried with fluorescently labeled COVID-19 antigens to identify patients with antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. For the proposed project: Sample preparation and arraying (printing) techniques and workflows will be optimized. Assay probes (Covid-19 antigens) and conditions will be optimized using spiked samples and commercially purchased sera from patients, purchased commercially and deidentified. The assay's sensitivity and specificity will be measured using anti-COVID (50 samples) and non-reactive (100 samples) sera. Finally, given that the SARS-CoV-2 virus is related to other coronaviruses––some of which regularly circulate in humans, the potential for assay probes to cross-react with antibodies raised against previous (i.e., non-COVID) infections will be determined. The results of the proposed work will provide proof-of-concept for massively parallel, population-level serology screening. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Indrio Technologies
SBIR Phase I: Laser-based in-exhaust NOx sensor for automotive applications
Contact
795 E Brokaw Rd
San Jose, CA 95112–1014
NSF Award
2036398 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$256,000
Start / end date
12/01/2020 – 11/30/2021
Abstract
The broader/commercial impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to develop a novel on-board sensor for detecting oxides of nitrogen (NOx) in diesel exhaust streams with a sensitivity and specificity unmet by existing technologies. Diesel engine manufacturers currently cannot accurately precisely control their exhaust systems due to the lack of appropriate cost-effective sensors capable of differentiating between NOx and other species in the exhaust stream. The proposed sensor can result in 10% fuel efficiency improvements. Use of this sensor at scale will lead to reduced carbon emissions and healthier air with lower amounts of NOx-induced smog, ground-level ozone, and acid rain. The intellectual merit of this project is based on a novel application of laser-absorption spectroscopy, which probes the unique spectral absorption fingerprint of NOx species to avoid cross-species interference. This sensor is projected to achieve tenfold lower detection thresholds than current widely deployed electrochemical sensors in the harsh high-temperature particulate-laden diesel exhaust environments in a form factor similar to those of existing diesel aftertreatment systems. This Phase I research will leverage novel manufacturing techniques to fabricate and demonstrate the performance of a high-sensitivity laser-based sensor capable of surviving high-temperature, oxidizing, intensely vibrating, and particulate-laden flows characteristic of vehicle exhaust gases. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Infecho Scientific LLC
STTR Phase I: Implementation of an ultrasound technology for continuous in-situ monitoring of lubricant viscosity
Contact
1340 Ashland Rd
Columbia, MO 65201–8213
NSF Award
2013639 – STTR Phase I
Award amount to date
$224,770
Start / end date
07/01/2020 – 06/30/2021
Abstract
The broader/commercial impact of this Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project is to advance development of an innovation in lubricant viscosity sensing to enable continuous oil condition monitoring. There are 285 million vehicles, aircrafts and vessels in the US, and more than one-half of the lubricant changes based on mileage and time are estimated to be premature and unnecessary. For the moving vehicles in the US alone, this technology could save over $1.3 billion in oil cost and prevent the requirement to dispose over 70 million gallons of used oil every year, with additional savings from reduced labor and vehicle downtime. The proposed technology will benefit consumers and industrial users with prolonged vehicle/machine life and reduced maintenance cost. Furthermore, it will reduce oil waste and the substantial cost of oil recycling, enabling greater sustainability. This SBIR project will advance a proposed ultrasound technology for in-situ oil viscosity monitoring inside engines using ultrasound wave behavior. The proposed project operates without delicate or motion-based sensing mechanisms, enabling use in a harsh environment with strong vibrations and noise. This unique method gives highly reliable measurement, making this technology advantageous for applications in-situ. This project will design sensing probes suitable for installation and use in engines; calibrate them under simulated conditions; and test them for continuous measurement of oil viscosity in a running engine in-situ. Data will be collected to refine new algorithms in anticipation of an advanced prototype. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Innovasonic
SBIR Phase I:Automatic Touch Screen Disinfection (COVID-19)
Contact
4292 Keegan Street
Dublin, CA 94568–7040
NSF Award
2033314 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,730
Start / end date
01/01/2021 – 12/31/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I is to equip any personal and public touch screen displays with self-disinfection capabilities. Touch-screen technology is an integral part of everyday life in applications such as personal smartphones, industrial and medical equipment, and public touch screen stations. These screens are convenient but become a hotspot for harmful germs and bacteria. The use of touch screens could mitigate the social distancing policies of the COVID-19 pandemic. This project will develop an ultrasonic disinfection method to mitigate the spread of pathogens across such surfaces. A wide array of applications could follow including: banks (ATMs), retail (groceries POS stations, vending machines, restaurant order stations), transportation (self-check kiosks, border control stations, plane’s infotainment systems, automotive dashboards), medical equipment, government buildings, museums and tourist attractions, art and entertainment (interactive kiosks), and consumer electronics (smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, laptops, touch screen equipped appliances). Primary benefits of the methods would include speed and ability to disinfect with high frequency, elimination of need for manual labor to disinfect by this method, and expected safety to the user. This SBIR Phase I project will demonstrate the efficiency of ultrasonic disinfection process using discrete piezoelectric transducers. Because these elements are not transparent, they could be integrated with touch screen only by attachment at the periphery of the display glass. This configuration will allow a basic feasibility study for a proposed disinfection method. The project will use a novel thin film piezoelectric technology where transducers are fabricated across an entire display glass surface using thin film deposition and patterning method. This configuration is beneficial since it would not require additional device area or thickness beyond the current display glass product dimensions. Moreover, this design is not limited to small display form-factors and could be scaled to a larger display size. A thin film piezoelectric system is energy efficient in operation. The disinfection process will be characterized at wide ranges of ultrasonic frequencies and powers, and illustrated for coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and bacterium (E. coli). This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Interphase Materials, Inc.
SBIR Phase I: Advanced fouling detection for district cooling facilities treated with a novel nano-engineered surface treatment
Contact
370 William Pitt Way
Pittsburgh, PA 15238–1329
NSF Award
2001669 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$249,675
Start / end date
05/15/2020 – 04/30/2021
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project will reduce the energy demands of district cooling (DC) plants via state-of-the-art monitoring and analysis of system operations. District cooling systems are a more efficient, cost-effective way to produce chilled water across campuses compared to traditional building air conditioning units. Fouling accumulation in DC systems is an inevitable byproduct of environment, water source, and operating conditions; it contributes to inefficiencies that lead to increased power costs. This project’s aim is to improve the understanding and analysis of fouling using a machine learning, algorithm-based system performance indicator (SPI) in conjunction with a nanomaterial that reduces fouling accumulation and improves heat transfer. The SPI will provide value to DC operators by enabling them to be proactive instead of reactive in their maintenance protocols, which will improve the efficiency of their cooling systems and reduce their operating costs. Together, this innovative technology package will optimize DC operations and contribute to reduced energy demand and emissions. An average size DC plant can realize an estimated savings of $300,000 annually. This SBIR Phase I project proposes to improve the efficiency of district cooling (DC) systems by increasing their system analysis capabilities through the following activities: 1) Integrate machine learning techniques into DC system data analysis to generate a system performance indicator (SPI). Instead of signaling that fouling has already occurred, the SPI will predict fouling onset to signal the need for retreatment with the nanomaterial and conduct other maintenance. 2) Optimize a system by integrating additional sensors for system performance diagnostics. The proposed project will conduct verification and validation for a system that could retrofit a single diagnostic sensor in the absence of a full sensor suite. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Ionica Sciences
SBIR Phase I: Rapid Antigen-based SERS assay for COVID-19 Detection (COVID-19)
Contact
414 Weill Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853–7202
NSF Award
2031056 – SBIR Phase I
Award amount to date
$255,468
Start / end date
12/01/2020 – 08/31/2021
This is a COVID-19 award.Abstract
The broader impact and commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to allow testing of potential COVID-19 patients using a rapid and highly accurate diagnostic test, particularly for patients who are asymptomatic. This will provide a significant advantage in “flattening the curve” of the number of cases by preventing these patients from inadvertently infecting their family and community members. Current protocols require days to return a result, creating problems for public health. This test, the first of many that can be produced using the underlying platform technology, would improve: 1) the ability to rapidly identify patients with active COVID-19 cases for expeditious clinical intervention, reducing transmission by that patient; and 2) outcomes because of the higher performance and accuracy. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the lack of rapid, accurate testing for COVID-19 in near patient settings. This effort will develop an infectious disease platform that combines: 1) DNA aptamers, a recognition element for target proteins; 2) surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), a vibrational spectroscopic detection method; 3) and orthogonal partial least squares differential analysis, a well-established statistical method often applied to vibrational spectroscopy-based analyses. By employing aptamers that target SARS-CoV-2 related proteins (e.g. the spike (S) protein), this assay is anticipated to identify the presence of this protein under 30 minutes after oro- or naso-pharyngeal sample is collected, and is ultimately expected to achieve >95% clinical sensitivity and specificity. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Addenda
If you're a member of this company, you may submit updates and supplemental company information via GitHub.
-
Isolere Bio, Inc
SBIR Phase I: N