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ACRIGEN BIOSCIENCES, INC.
SBIR Phase II: Development of a safe gene editing system via CRISPR-Cas and Cas inhibitor co-delivery
Contact
202 STANFORD AVE
Kensington, CA 94708--1104
NSF Award
2136335 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,000,000
Start / end date
03/01/2022 – 02/29/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will be the development of a curative therapy for spinal muscular atrophy using a novel and proprietary precision gene editing technology. The proposed technology will increase the safety and efficacy of gene editing by optimizing the precision of editing to correct the disease. This technology can be used to improve and even cure patients of genetic disease.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop and validate a curative therapy for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) using a novel and proprietary CRISPR-Cas precision gene editing system. Manipulation of the human genome using CRISPR-Cas gene editors has been validated in early clinical trials to correct genetic diseases. However, application of this technology has been limited by the high degree of unintended 'off-target' editing events. This problem is particularly acute for in vivo therapies where the editing system will be delivered systemically or directly to the target organs, eliminating the ability to screen cells for unwanted editing outcomes. High precision gene editing technology must be developed to ensure the safety and efficacy of in vivo gene editing therapies. This project will develop an engineered anti-CRISPR (ErAcr) protein to eliminate unintended off-target editing. The ErAcr protein will be paired with a novel CRISPR-Cas nuclease and developed into a therapy for SMA> The therapy will be packaged into an adeno-associated viral vector and tested for editing and SMA disease correction in patient-derived cells and in an SMA mouse model. Effective editing will lead to disease correction in both patient cells and mice with no observable off-target editing events.
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. -
ADVISORY AEROSPACE OSC LLC
SBIR Phase II: A robust production scheduling optimizer for aerospace manufacturers
Contact
4460 GAYWOOD DR
Minnetonka, MN 55345--3808
NSF Award
2208742 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$999,550
Start / end date
12/01/2022 – 11/30/2024 (Estimated)
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to increase the competitiveness of the US in manufacturing high value parts for shops with high product variety, low volumes, large lead times, and large set up times. The application addresses a need to find the optimal way of utilizing existing resources in order to maximize production rates. The proposed technology may provide an affordable and easy-to-use solution for target markets in aerospace and medical technologies industries. The technology may also help strengthen the national defense of the United States by facilitating onshoring of defense manufacturing by making domestic producers more cost competitive.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project involves the development of a new technology that enables high value manufacturers in optimizing the flow of materials in their shops. For shops with high product variety, low volume, large lead times, and large set up times, there is a need to find the optimal way to utilize existing resources in order to maximize production rate. Most scheduling optimizers are unable to handle this problem reliably or affordably. The newly proposed methods, algorithms, and software may solve this challenge. The business model for delivering this software solution is designed for small and medium size businesses in terms of both cost and usability perspectives. The solution demonstrates double digit improvements in all Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), such as on-time delivery (OTD), inventory turns, and profitability. Phase II work will mature shop optimization software through demonstration in a real aerospace parts factory.
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. -
AEROSHIELD MATERIALS, INC.
SBIR Phase II: Ultra-Clear and Insulating Aerogel for Energy-Efficient Windows
Contact
1 WESTINGHOUSE PLZ STE D157
Hyde Park, MA 02136--2196
NSF Award
2155248 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,000,000
Start / end date
06/01/2022 – 05/31/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project develops a novel, double-pane window insulated with a sheet of the company?s proprietary super-insulating aerogel. This aerogel window can achieve a center-of-glass U-factor of 0.18 BTU/h/ft2/F (1.02 Watt per square meter per Kelvin) and could enable cost-effective energy savings of 1.2 quadrillion BTUs by 2030, reducing the $20 billion in energy lost each winter in the U.S. In addition to this $3-5 billion annual market for the aerogel, this work also extends to other markets, such as transparent doors for refrigeration and ovens, and solar thermal receivers for process heat (~180 °C), where each represent significant opportunities for energy savings and greenhouse gas reductions (a $3.3 billion opportunity in commercial freezer and refrigerator doors, and a $3.0 billion opportunity in industrial process heat for solar thermal). By 2050, this new material technology could offset over 1.5 billion tons per year of carbon dioxide emissions and enable revolutionary designs for more efficient transparent insulation.
The intellectual merit of this project addresses key technical barriers for inclusion of super-insulating aerogels in window insulated glass units, focusing on two main risks. This project will: (1) demonstrate scaling of aerogel sheets to window relevant sizes with adequate optical and thermal properties, focusing on producing the 14? x 20? standard test size in the window industry; (2) demonstrate the durability of the aerogel using materials with these same dimensions for windows, which require 20+ year product lifetimes. This award will explore key cost drivers for manufacturing aerogel, create aerogel-insulated window designs, and test a full-scale (greater than 4 square feet) window 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. -
AESIR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
SBIR Phase II: Aqueous Lithium and Zinc Ion Batteries for Stationary Energy Storage Applications
Contact
8125 E 26TH ST
Joplin, MO 64804--7921
NSF Award
2051693 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$847,543
Start / end date
05/01/2022 – 04/30/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project is the commercialization of an aqueous lithium and zinc ion battery that is a replacement for lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries in stationary energy storage applications. This battery has a nonflammable, environmentally-friendly, water-based electrolyte and does not utilize cobalt or nickel, reducing reliance on critical materials and helping to diversify battery material supply chains. The battery chemistry combines the high safety and low cost associated with zinc-based batteries with the long life of lithium-ion batteries. This aqueous battery may help to advance the adoption of beneficial energy technologies such as intermittent renewables and electric vehicles. The battery utilizes zinc that can be sourced domestically and does not introduce a dependency on foreign sources, promoting both national security and the creation of US-based jobs. The battery is also fully recyclable using existing methods.
This SBIR Phase II project proposes to develop the aqueous lithium and zinc ion battery technology by focusing on optimization of individual battery components to improve cycle life and power as well as scale up from pouch cells to larger-format prismatic cells. The research will include refining the intercalation electrode design to increase capacity retention during long life cycling, developing the zinc electrode design to suppress zinc dendrite growth, improving separator functionality to maintain high-rate capabilities and increase cycle life, and developing an electrolyte designed to stabilize zinc while also allowing for faster reactivity with the zinc and lithium ions. Larger format cells with optimized components will be built and tested to evaluate scaled real-world performance metrics compared to Lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries traditionally used in stationary energy storage 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. -
AFFECTIFI INC.
SBIR Phase II: Developing a Novel Platform for Teaching Emotional Literacy
Contact
462 CARROLL ST APT 10
Brooklyn, NY 11215--1028
NSF Award
2152882 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,000,000
Start / end date
09/01/2022 – 08/31/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to deliver an engaging, scalable, and effective social emotional learning platform by integrating soft skills training with major streaming media sites. By leveraging the reach and appeal of popular streaming media platforms with the latest emotion and learning science, the project may lead to improved academic performance, health, and quality of life for America?s youth. The product seeks to benefit mental health professionals and K-12 schools, with potential future areas of growth in corporate training and social emotional skills certification
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to improve social and emotional skills like emotional literacy, empathy, and resilience among children, adolescents, and young adults at scale. The project aims to deliver a solution that addresses some of the shortcomings of existing social emotional learning (SEL) offerings, namely content quality and diversity. The technology will do so through the development of a platform that integrates SEL directly with major media streaming platforms using a browser extension technology. This technology will make it possible to leverage the wide range of popular content available on those platforms to build critical skills like empathy and emotion regulation. The platform will be powered by a training engine based on established emotion science principles to enable flexibility and personalization. The platform will support user collaboration as well as detailed performance analytics and will be designed to facilitate eventual integration with streaming applications on mobile devices and smart televisions. Efficacy studies will be conducted to evaluate the platform?s impact on social emotional skills.
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. -
AKORN TECHNOLOGY, INC.
SBIR Phase II: 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
2150748 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$995,590
Start / end date
07/15/2022 – 06/30/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is in the reduction of food waste and improved nutrition. Each year, more than 30% of fresh produce is wasted. The value of this wasted produce is estimated at more than $60 billion globally. This project?s main goal is to extend the shelf life of perishable foods with an edible coating that regulates the rate of both transpiration to slow moisture loss and respiration to delay ripening. The project aims to enable produce growers and distributors to preserve the freshness and quality of fruits and vegetables. Consumers could benefit by having access to fresher, tastier, and more appealing produce. This technology may also promote healthier food choices, especially in currently underserved food deserts. Packers would benefit by being able to offer a high-quality product that will last longer and that can better withstand the rigors of various types of transport. Extended shelf life also extends the market reach of U.S. exports in global markets.
The core innovation underlying this project is the creation of stable Zein colloids that employ only edible, plant-based ingredients, are non-flammable, non-corrosive, and meet most global food regulations. These colloids will be initially developed as coatings for fresh whole or minimally processed foods, root crops, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. The coating will not impede the delivery of nutrients, flavors, and other functional ingredients that make foods appealing, improve their quality, and encourage consumption. The technology will also reduce food spoilage and improving food safety. Experimental work will be focused on further improving the stability of Zein dispersions and demonstrating the ability to adjust the film properties (water vapor, oxygen, and carbon dioxide permeances) to respond to the physiology of a broad range of crops. This technology will also be piloted at various packing plants to evaluate its operational fitness with existing operations. This research will also enable related applications, such as for compostable coatings on food packaging and pharmaceutical and nutraceutical 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. -
ALLOY ENTERPRISES INC.
SBIR Phase II: Automation of a Novel Low Cost Aluminum Additive Manufacturing Method
Contact
26 DARTMOUTH ST # 2
Somerville, MA 02145--3834
NSF Award
2127355 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,000,000
Start / end date
12/01/2021 – 11/30/2023 (Estimated)
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to improve aluminum additive manufacturing (AM). AM remains of great interest to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for its promise of producing parts on-demand; however, low throughput and high costs of aluminum powder limit adoption. The proposed technology produces consistent parts with established alloys, such as the commonly used 6061 aluminum alloy. These alloys have immediate commercial applications in servicing legacy equipment parts and for making vehicles more lightweight, thus improving efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. Further, this technology can support low-to-medium production volumes, allowing smaller manufacturers to take advantage of AM as a platform for innovation.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to deliver on-demand production at the unit cost of casting. The research objectives will optimize core processes for a novel aluminum metal-to-metal sheet bonding technology, and achieve process automation. This technology provides on-demand parts with high strength wrought alloy properties and the capability to design innovative components that could not be previously considered with traditional manufacturing processes. The anticipated results are improved material and mechanical properties, system integration, and increased throughput and part complexity.
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. -
ALTECT, INC.
SBIR Phase II: Thermal Runaway Protection and Suppression for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Contact
1509 PRINCETON AVE
Austin, TX 78757--1321
NSF Award
2126940 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,000,000
Start / end date
05/01/2022 – 04/30/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project is to address fire and explosion safety hazards associated with lithium ion (Li-ion) battery energy storage technologies. Fueled by growth in the energy storage and electric vehicle industries, the Li-ion battery market is expected to grow to a size of several hundred billion dollars by 2025. Future viability of these clean energy technologies are dependent on Li-ion battery technology. However, Li-ion batteries occasionally catastrophically fail, posing thermal hazards as serious as fires and explosions. The proposed technology has the potential to be an effective, low cost solution and accelerating adoption of transformative clean energy technologies.
This SBIR Phase I project proposes to improve the safety of Li-ion bateries. Under certain scenarios, Li-ion batteries can fail, resulting in an exothermic release of flammable and toxic gases. For applications including large multi-cell battery systems in energy storage and vehicle use, the risk of thermal runaway can result in catastrophic fires, explosions and toxic gas release that can damage nearby infrastructure and cause injury or death. Thermal runaway poses significant challenges for available suppression and mitigation systems because the hazardous gas release can continue despite suppression of the incipient fire. The proposed thermal runaway protection and suppression technology addresses the source of the hazards by exploiting a series of novel physio-chemical processes to reduce flammable and toxic gas species concentrations released during a thermal runaway event.
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. -
ALVA HEALTH, INC.
SBIR Phase II: Defining the Multimodal Signature of Stroke
Contact
3 WASHINGTON CT
Towaco, NJ 07082--0000
NSF Award
2039532 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,000,000
Start / end date
05/15/2021 – 04/30/2023 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II 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. 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. 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 tools to help patients 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 II project addresses the real-time detection of stroke. 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 consists of a cloud-based analysis system for real-time detection of stroke onset, enabled by body-worn sensors and a mobile app. Once deployed, the device is expected to dramatically improve stroke emergency response and increase the number of patients arriving in the hospital in time for IV tPA treatment 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. -
AMBOTS, INC.
SBIR Phase II: Swarm 3D Printing and Assembly for Autonomous Manufacturing
Contact
5112 VALHALLA ST
Springdale, AR 72764--5003
NSF Award
2112009 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,000,000
Start / end date
08/15/2021 – 07/31/2023 (Estimated)
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to enable a new manufacturing paradigm that can enable long-term autonomy of manufacturing via a proposed swarm 3D printing and assembly (SPA) platform, a method to coordinate robotic assembly. The first envisioned application is the architectural precast construction industry, which suffers from a shortage of skilled labor, long turnover time, and high cost of equipment and operation for making precast molds. This technology will further enable novel cooperative and autonomous manufacturing modalities.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project realizes the cooperation of multiple independent 3D printing and assembly robots. The technical objectives are to improve the current platform, with technical focus areas of: improving the printing speed of individual 3D printers, fully automating material refill and build plate placement, developing planning and scheduling algorithms to support large-scale SPA for multi-job printing, and creating a new calibration method to improve printing 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. -
AQUEDUCT FLUIDICS, LLC
SBIR Phase II: A Modular and Reconfigurable Liquid-handling Toolkit for Laboratory Research
Contact
2209 NAUDAIN ST
Philadelphia, PA 19146--1109
NSF Award
2126656 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,000,000
Start / end date
01/01/2022 – 12/31/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
This Small Business Innovation Research Phase (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a highly customizable, programmable system that allows researchers to program and run experiments across wide-ranging use cases. Physical- and life-science R&D personnel frequently conduct repetitive, long-duration experiments manually with unconnected benchtop equipment. A tailored flexible automation system would serve multiple industries, including chemicals, specialty polymers, and biotechnology. The goal is to optimize the flexibility that researchers need to complete their studies while minimizing the efforts they expend on equipment and development customization. This system will bring the benefits of automation found in large-scale manufacturing facilities to the laboratory benchtop-scale in terms of (1) decoupling researchers? time from their productivity and (2) enabling modern programmatic approaches for collaborating and building directly upon previously programmed protocols. This will accelerate the research and development enterprise.
The intellectual merit of this project is the development and commercialization of a system that makes laboratory protocol automation accessible to researchers. The system will make automation accessible by addressing the most difficult elements of system integration (communication timing, command timing, a user-interface, data persistence) so that researchers need only focus on the protocols. The system hardware unifies the disparate types of input and output (I/O) for multiple types of benchtop lab equipment. The software front-end provides an accessible Python application programming interface (API) for the network of connected equipment. The software application handles command queuing and execution for a user?s customized script. Used in combination, these capabilities result in a flexible network of plug-and-play laboratory devices that seamlessly communicate with each other to execute complex protocols. The research objectives are to 1) establish a robust and scalable software and hardware architecture, and 2) develop, test, and implement assets to accelerate user adoption. The anticipated result is a system that enables a researcher to select any combination of benchtop lab equipment from the device library, configure the equipment into a custom setup, select and modify template protocols, and execute specialized protocols in a matter of minutes.
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. -
ARACARI BIOSCIENCES, INC.
SBIR Phase II: Vasoreactive Perfused in Vitro Vascular Network
Contact
226 JASMINE AVE
Corona Del Mar, CA 92625--3034
NSF Award
2127102 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$988,018
Start / end date
09/15/2021 – 08/31/2023 (Estimated)
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
This award is funded in whole or in part under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-2).
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to improve clinical outcomes related to cardiovascular side effects of various treatments. It is currently not possible to test this activity on cells in a petri dish, and mice are not an accurate model for predicting these outcomes in human clinical trials. Rodent lifespans, metabolism and responses to drugs are often very different from those of humans. This project advances a pre-clinical drug screening platform, leading to the development of better and safer drugs.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project improves accurate pre-clinical screening of new pharmaceutical compounds that may trigger unwanted effects on vascular tone and blood pressure. Both hypertension and hypotension can have immediate and long-term life-threatening effects on patients, and are almost always disqualifying for further development of a new drug. As a result, there is a need for improved, human cell-based models to screen vasoactive drugs for human patients. This project advances a platform to accurately mimic physiologically-relevant vasoactivity.
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. -
ARTIMUS ROBOTICS INC
SBIR Phase II: A study of the electromechanical failure modes in hydraulically amplified aelf-healing electrostatic (HASEL) actuators
Contact
2985 STERLING CT STE B
Boulder, CO 80301--2321
NSF Award
2136844 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$955,030
Start / end date
07/15/2022 – 06/30/2024 (Estimated)
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is the novel scientific knowledge gained by understanding the effects of high electrostatic fields on composite dielectrics, the translation of experimental materials to robust and high performance HASEL (Hydraulically Amplified Self-healing ELectrostatic) actuators, and, more generally, the impact of HASEL actuation technology within real-world applications. This knowledge contributes to many highly interdisciplinary fields of science, ranging from electrostatics, materials science, mechanical engineering, computer science, and electrical engineering. The advancements of HASEL actuators achieved during this project may have broad impacts on commercial, research, education, and defense sectors. These actuators may be an enabling component for a variety of industries including automation, automotive, medical devices, robotics, and defense applications. Key features of HASEL actuators include: analog motion, mechanical compliance, high speed, high strain, silent operation, customization, and self-sensing. By bringing forward actuator technologies, industries may adopt robotic technologies, strengthening the economic competitive advantage of these industries. The team will continue to leverage academic partnerships to contribute to and train a highly capable technical workforce of scientists and engineers.
This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project seeks to advance the performance of HASEL (Hydraulically Amplified Self-healing ELectrostatic) actuators. HASEL actuators harness electrostatic forces to drive shape-change in a soft hydraulic structure, providing a variety of muscle-like actuation modes and the ability to self-sense their deformation state. HASEL actuators address critical problems in existing soft actuator technologies. For example, soft pneumatic actuators must be tethered to a system of valves and pumps for high performance actuation, whereas HASEL actuators are electrically controlled and can be operated with battery-powered portable power supplies. The team will develop and validate approaches to advance the performance and ease of use of HASEL actuators. These advances of the technology will be realized through material optimization, fabrication improvements, and a more fundamental understanding of solid-liquid composite dielectric structures under high electrostatic fields. Performance improvements will be applied to actuators well-suited for industrial, consumer, defense, and experimental 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. -
ASPERO MEDICAL, INC.
SBIR Phase II: Advanced Balloon Endoscopy Overtube
Contact
4690 OSAGE DR
Boulder, CO 80303--3903
NSF Award
2129152 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$999,934
Start / end date
11/01/2021 – 10/31/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is in addressing an unmet need in incomplete colonoscopy procedures. Incomplete colonoscopy procedures can result in missed colorectal cancer and ultimately increased healthcare expenditures related to follow-up procedures. Use of current balloon overtubes during colonoscopy can significantly improve cecal intubation rates and overall outcomes; However, operating in today?s healthcare economy, colonoscopies and small bowel endoscopy are modestly reimbursed placing considerable pressure on the endoscopist to maximize patient throughput in an endoscopy lab at minimal cost. Current balloon overtubes are not widely utilized except in challenging and highly tortuous conditions due to their troublesome slippage and inefficient application. This project will provide endoscopists with an intraoperative tool that can transition incomplete colonoscopies to completed procedures at a fraction of the cost.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to demonstrate the feasibility of an integrated balloon overtube that can be used intraoperatively. The technology represents a mid-procedure, time-efficient addition on the endoscope to aid in completing challenging colonoscopies and minimize the occurrence of incomplete colonoscopies. The goal of this project is to achieve a safe, effective, manufacturable device that exhibits a clinically acceptable user interface. The advanced balloon overtube directly addresses the need to maximize complete colonoscopies for better patient health, using a cost effective endoscopy accessory that is easy to use and time efficient. This novel approach provides a new way of converting incomplete procedures to completed procedures to minimize costs while improving patient outcomes and overall clinical experiences. The technological expertise that will be generated during this project will address a critical unmet need in the colonoscopy market, while future versions may be transferable to other fields of use in the medical procedure realm.
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. -
ATOLLA TECH LLC
SBIR Phase II: Smart Sensor for Precision Agriculture
Contact
184 MAPLE AVE
Rockville Centre, NY 11570--4373
NSF Award
2052213 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$999,617
Start / end date
04/15/2021 – 03/31/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
This SBIR Phase II project will deploy an innovative technology used in academia into a cost-effective solution for better precision and efficiency in agricultural practices. The envisioned product is a tool for ordinary farmers to increase their production and reduce unnecessary and unpredictable costs, reducing negative impacts on the environment and leading to higher quality food on the table. By converting once complicated, slow, inaccurate practices of insect identification to automated and highly accurate and in real time, this technology will be a part of the automation and data driven industrialization wave transforming the agricultural sector. The quick reaction to pest infestation will allow farmers to better target their response, ultimately making farming more efficient and sustainable.
Effective pest control in agriculture is imperative for growers to prevent major crop loss. Certain insect pests are responsible for such significant crop damage which provokes growers to invest in expensive and time-consuming measures to minimize pest effects. The reaction of the grower to the pest is time-sensitive; the timing of the treatment application will directly determine its effectiveness. The proposed technology is an innovative ground-based sensor system that detects plurality of airborne pests in real-time along with their geolocation information. It has capabilities for differentiation and identification of different insect species detected in flight. The instantaneous knowledge of the location of the pest allows for a targeted spray rather than spraying an entire field. Targeted sprays reduce unnecessary spraying and promote more sustainable pest treatment practices. The low-cost sensor that is adequately accurate finally places growers a few steps ahead of the problem, leading them to make wiser treatment decisions such as choosing the time of day to avoid harming beneficial pests and for mitigating drift. The sensor replaces and completely automates the current methods for monitoring insect activity in the crop field, with much better 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. -
ATOM BIOWORKS INC
SBIR Phase II: COVID-19 Rapid Sensing Using Structural DNA Biosensors
Contact
1201 RIGGINS MILL RD
Cary, NC 27519--8117
NSF Award
2127436 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$998,507
Start / end date
08/01/2022 – 07/31/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will be the development of a platform technology for creating rapid virus diagnostics that directly recognizes the virus surface protein pattern from a patient sample and generates accurate results within minutes. Current standards for high-fidelity viral pathogen diagnostics require complex instruments, technical expertise to run the instruments, and hours to produce and interpret results. The proposed platform creates a virus-specific biosensor that selectively binds to the target virus and produces visible results without time-consuming pre-processing or expensive instruments. Lower cost tests and faster sample-to-result turnovers could result in more effective control of disease spread.
This project seeks to develop a highly functional, sensitive, and specific diagnostic for the detection of coronavirus. This technology is based on the company?s Pattern-Recognition Enhanced Sensing and Therapeutics (PEST) concept. The solution is a first-in-class diagnostics that uses algorithmically-designed structural DNA to form a trap that may detect and selectively bind a signature pattern of the pathogen. This recognition and binding may generate visual signals without the need of DNA/RNA preprocessing or amplification associated with the current generation of molecular tests (polymerase chain reactions, PCRs). This project will involve building a preclinical prototype of PEST-enabled lateral flow based COVID-19 rapid diagnostics with a goal of providing results for each sample within 5 minutes. This fast test result will be followed by preclinical validation to determine the test?s specificity, limits of detection, and implement mechanism to improve the assay specificity and to avoid cross-reaction to other virus 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. -
AVICENATECH, CORP.
SBIR Phase II: Ultra-high Throughput Parallel Optical Links for Chip-to-Chip Interconnects
Contact
1130 INDEPENDENCE AVE
Mountain View, CA 94043--1604
NSF Award
2151747 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$989,153
Start / end date
09/01/2022 – 08/31/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to create very low power and very high capacity optical interconnects for general computer applications. Computer performance is limited by the speed, power, and latency of connections between chips and memory. The limitations of electrical interconnects are well known, and optical interconnects overcome the limitations and offer 100-1000 times performance improvements. While historically optical interconnects have been hampered by high cost and high power, recent developments show that the promise of optical interconnects can be practically realized. Optical interconnects will dramatically improve overall performance of enterprise and cloud computing services, especially when used in data center computers, while reducing electrical power consumption. This will in turn permit a vast improvement in resource utilization and dramatic reduction in the cost of computation across all segments of society
The proposed project will develop an optical peripheral component interconnect expreess (PCIe)-compatible transparent bridge for general computer interconnects. PCIe is the most prevalent interconnect used today in computers. The technology developed in this proposal, based on light emitting diode (LED)-based transmitters, multicore optical fibers, and complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS)-compatible photodetectors, seeks to reduce electrical power consumption from ~10 pJ/bit for electrical solutions to ~100-200 fJ/bit. The use of LEDs leverages investments already made for cost and power effective LED lighting and displays. The small size of the LEDs and multicore fibers allows for data densities of >1 Pbps/cm2. Electrical interconnects and other optical interconnect technologies cannot compare with the performance of these LED based optical interconnects. These advantages enable physical disaggregation of the compute, storage, and memory functions, improving system performance and resource utilization. This Phase II effort is focused on the development of a PCIe-compliant transparent bridge for applications in chip to chip and chip to memory interconnects.
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. -
Abram Scientific, Inc.
SBIR Phase II: CoagCare-A POC Blood Coagulation Diagnostic Platform That Utilizes A Hand-held Meter and Mechanically Sensitive Test Strips for Broad Spectrum Hemostasis Monitoring
Contact
2337 SHARON RD
Menlo Park, CA 94025--6807
NSF Award
2050272 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$968,825
Start / end date
03/15/2021 – 02/28/2023
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will be to develop and commercialize a new technology for accurate, portable, and inexpensive measurement of multiple blood clotting parameters. Common tests are routinely performed on patients who suffer from conditions like atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, or have had heart valve replacement. These conditions affect millions of patients in the US alone and represent $2 B of spending annually. However, many current solutions cannot accurately or conveniently perform multiple blood clotting tests on the same system or sample, causing clinically significant problems for end-users and raising the cost and inconvenience of performing these tests routinely. The technology in this project will enable various blood clotting tests to be performed in a single portable system. This will potentially lead to cheaper and more convenient blood coagulation testing for medical professionals and improve medical outcomes by bringing accurate and multiple tests to a single portable devices.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a technology that will enable the first-of-its-kind implementation of a point of care (POC) direct, mechanical test in a meter and single-use disposable card format, to more closely replicate the mechanical methods that underpin blood clotting tests in the clinical laboratory. As a mechanical measurement, the card will measure physical properties of a clotting whole blood sample and account for confounding factors, such as hematocrit. Specifically, the objective of the project will be to develop a POC, hand-held, battery-operated system that can enable the generation of a viscoelastic curve and associated thromboelastography parameters in less than 10 minutes, a significant improvement over current bulky and labor-intensive solutions with turnaround times of up to 30 minutes or more. Beyond addressing the thromboelastography needs, the proposed broad-spectrum portable hemostasis platform can be extended to other coagulation tests based on fluid mechanical characterization of a blood sample, including prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, and activated clotting time. This project will demonstrate the implementation of a blood coagulation test in a portable POC 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. -
Accelerate Wind, Inc.
SBIR Phase II: Integrated Solution for Low Cost Distributed Wind Energy Generation
Contact
911 WASHINGTON AVE STE 501
St. Louis, MO 63101--1272
NSF Award
2036552 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,016,000
Start / end date
05/15/2021 – 04/30/2023 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is in its strong potential to disrupt the small wind market, which to date has lagged behind solar counterparts. Through dual installation with solar on commercial buildings, the proposed roof-edge wind turbines will be able to deliver enhanced energy capture systems to buildings, with a shorter payback period, thus improving cost-efficiency and power potential, and attracting a broader body of adopters. By improving product offerings in the renewable energy sector, this technology has the potential to promote sustainable infrastructure, reducing reliance on and consumption of fossil fuels.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project develops a roof-edge wind capture technology with commercial viability. The proposed distributed wind technology reduces costs by harnessing elevated wind speeds at the roof edge, optimizing powertrain architecture, and mitigating soft costs through sale to solar installers, who have already achieved significant market penetration yet would benefit from a diversified portfolio. The project aims to: 1) Prove the feasibility of integrating a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine into the system 2) Design for additional stakeholders, with respect to aesthetics, structural integration, ease of installation, and code compliance, while maintaining cost targets needed for scaleup 3) Design and test full powertrain architecture using components intended for commercial scaleup and 4) Build and test the full turbine for reliability and certification testing. These efforts will inform critical needs to address prior to large-scale commercial rollout, providing a strong foundation for translation as a reliable and cost-efficient distributed wind 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. -
ActivSignal, LLC
SBIR Phase II: Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer using Multiplex Protein Profiling
Contact
142 MARSH STREET
Belmont, MA 02478--2133
NSF Award
2026113 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,399,998
Start / end date
09/15/2020 – 02/28/2023
Errata
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This phase II award received additional funding to mitigate the COVID-19 crisis.Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to improve clinical outcomes and quality-of-life for pancreatic cancer patients. Only 10% of pancreatic cancer survive five years after diagnosis because most cases are detected at later stages when clinical interventions are relatively ineffective. Earlier detection improves interventions, prevents unnecessary procedures arising from uncertain diagnosis, and leads to health system cost savings. Roughly 5 million individuals in the US are at higher risk, but there is no screening test available today for earlier stages, a surveillance market estimated at $3 B. This project will develop a diagnostic test for surveillance of people at high risk for developing pancreatic cancer, with methods potentially applicable to other types of cancer and other diseases.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will advance a technology using a small blood sample to detect the functional state of multiple biological signaling pathways known to participate in cancer inception and progression. This technology can analyze these low abundance proteins at a low cost suitable for a widely adopted surveillance test. A purpose-built bioinformatic system analyses and compares the bio-signature identified by the assay across many individuals. This Phase II project will optimize the panel of protein targets in the assay to detect high-performing differential bio-signatures for early stages of the disease, and it will enhance the machine-learning-based matching methodology.
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. -
Active Energy Systems, Inc.
SBIR Phase II: Grid-scale electricity storage from waste heat
Contact
1011 HAMILTON RIDGE LN
Knoxville, TN 37922--3672
NSF Award
2052019 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$999,444
Start / end date
05/01/2021 – 04/30/2023 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project is to unleash the potential of water as a thermal energy storage medium for building air conditioning. Today?s commercial ice storage systems, based on Ice-on-Coil (IOC) technology, fails to capture this potential because efficiently moving thermal energy into and out of water as it freezes and melts is challenging. The proposed Icephobic Heat Exchange (IHEX) technology eliminates the adhesion of freezing water to cold surfaces, preventing ice buildup on the coil and realizing the power of water for low-cost, high efficiency, resilient building cooling. IHEX based thermal storage removes the primary barriers to product adoption: high cost and spatial constraint limitations. It helps building owners lower their cooling costs, strengthen their cooling resiliency, and reduce their carbon emissions through affordable and spatially adaptable solutions. From a broader perspective, storing energy is imperative to a sustainable electric grid. Globally, an estimated potential for up to 2.8% of worldwide GHG emissions can be offset through full scale deployment of IHEX technology in building cooling. Beyond reliable access to power from intermittent renewable sources, cost-effective thermal storage can increase cooling resiliency by meeting cooling demand when the electric grid is down.
This SBIR Phase II project proposes to catalyze development of IHEX technology by demonstrating high reliability for IHEX materials and establish high energy density, efficiency, and cooling resiliency for commercial-scale IHEX systems. IOC systems use miles of tubing to generate the necessary amount of surface area for heat transfer, which is costly and energy intensive, and their modular systems require significant space. This project will demonstrate that IHEX technology meets all the existing strengths of IOC technology, such as durability, while addressing potential economic concerns. First, materials testing will be completed after a year?s worth of freeze/melt cycling on a prototype-scale system to indicate long IHEX system life. Second, the ability to use customizable storage tanks with high energy density will be demonstrated. Customizable, space-filling tanks will help IHEX technology eliminate the physical space constraints that have thwarted so many commercial projects. Third, a commercial-scale IHEX system will be used to derive a 20% energy efficiency improvement compared to IOC solutions and a low, $28/ton-hr cost. And finally, by working with our product end-users and industry, a 67% reduction in total cost of ownership compared to conventional cooling systems will be shown.
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. -
Adnoviv, Inc.
STTR Phase II: Occupancy Estimation and Energy Savings with True Presence Sensors
Contact
2800 WOODLAWN DR STE 297
Honolulu, HI 96822--1862
NSF Award
1831303 – STTR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,191,970
Start / end date
09/15/2018 – 02/28/2023
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this project will extend to a number of applications, including smart buildings, home automation, and security. The development of this new technology for efficient indoor sensing, and development of new algorithms for occupancy sensing and counting techniques, will have immediate implications in the building automation and home construction industries, where improved occupancy sensing is necessary to achieve the promise of Smart Buildings that adjust environmental conditions such as lighting and air conditioning automatically to suit the needs of the occupants. Implementing this false-alarm free technology will realize millions of dollars in cost savings from reduced energy use. Such energy savings would impact the US energy independence while helping to cut greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to "smart building"/energy efficiency applications there are also significant opportunities to apply these highly-reliable and difficult-to-defeat sensors to facility security, military, law-enforcement/correctional facilities and in-home care monitoring. This project represents Broadening Participation: As a woman-owned minority business in an underrepresented geographical location (Hawaii), the success of Adnoviv will bring opportunity for graduate students through our relationship with the University of Hawaii and encourage young girls to enter Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related fields.
This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase II project will result in a revolutionary advance in occupancy sensing for smart buildings and energy-use reduction by providing a low-cost sensor capable of real human presence detection and occupant count and eliminating the issues that have limited the utility of occupancy sensors in many applications. The feasibility of using radio frequency Doppler radar to detect human cardiopulmonary activity and estimate number of occupants using a low power system-on-chip (SoC) platform will be demonstrated. In particular, reliable occupant detection without false alarms, and occupant count estimation will be investigated to further enhance energy savings potential, especially in conjunction with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) loads. The significant commercial potential of such True Presence Occupancy Detection Sensors in energy-saving applications will be demonstrated in partnership with one of the largest building automation companies in the world.
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. -
Advaita Corporation
SBIR Phase II: A multi-omics data integration approach for precision medicine and improved clinical trial success
Contact
3250 PLYMOUTH RD STE 303
Ann Arbor, MI 48105--2552
NSF Award
1853207 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$714,707
Start / end date
03/01/2019 – 02/28/2023
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will be the development of an analysis method and software package to identify human disease subtypes using omics data. This technology will enable the ability to provide personalized treatment for patients, and more successful and cost-effective clinical trials, bring drugs to market more rapidly. The goal is identification of disease subtypes and patient subgroups, a prerequisite to the ability to distinguish between patients who are in danger and need the most aggressive treatments, and those who are less suited to treatment because they will never progress or recur or they will develop resistance. Currently, 70% of drugs entering Phase III clinical trials fail, leading to a loss of more than $1 trillion per year. This may be avoided by refining trial inclusion criteria and administering the drug only to the patients most likely to respond. The technology is designed to identify patient subgroups most likely to respond or not respond to a given treatment. This technology also may reduce the cost of prophylactic clinical trials by reducing the number of subjects and/or duration necessary to achieve sufficient power. The technology will significantly reduce drug development costs while simultaneously improving patient care by selecting the correct treatment for each patient.
The intellectual merit of this SBIR Phase II project is to develop a novel analysis method and software package that is able to identify subtypes of disease based on the integration of multiple types of omics data. Many drug candidates fail and many patients receive inappropriate treatment because of the current inability to distinguish between subgroups of patients (respondents vs. non-respondents) and/or subtypes of disease (aggressive vs. non-aggressive). The current unmet challenge is to discover the molecular subtypes of disease and subgroups of patients. Attempts to achieve this based solely on gene expression signatures have been undertaken but yielded only modest success (very few gene expression tests are FDA-approved to date). The technology proposed here may be used to discover clinically relevant disease subtypes by integrating multiple types of high-throughput data. In addition, the Phase I results obtained on real patient data demonstrated that the technology is able to distinguish between more and less aggressive types of cancer based on their molecular profiles alone. This Phase II project proposes to extend this technology to integrate genomic and clinical 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. -
Advanced Hydrogen Technologies Corporation
SBIR Phase II: Impact Bonding of Near Net-Shaped Ceramics to Metals Driven by Hydrogen Produced from Rapid Oxidation of Aluminum
Contact
1160 CAL CT
Morganton, NC 28655--3464
NSF Award
1758638 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,122,499
Start / end date
03/01/2018 – 03/31/2023 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
This SBIR Phase II project will create an industrial process for bonding ceramics to metals at the molecular level. Attempts thus far have not been successful in creating robust bonds due to incongruities of the materials being bonded. The objective of this project is to develop a sophisticated, computer controlled, automated bonding machine that will rapidly and safely impact-bond net-shaped ceramic carbides to tool steel in configurations that were previously not available. An automated bonding machine will allow for a cost-effective way to rapidly produce high quality near-net or net-shaped parts. It is expected that as this simple method is popularized, new opportunities for design configurations will be realized in multiple industries; as single parts can take advantage of the properties multiple material, such as the strength and wear resistance of ceramics, with the properties of another, such as the light weight properties of aluminum. Engineers may incorporate cheaper, lighter, stronger, and multipurpose material parts into new product designs. For instance, many new ceramic and metal bonded parts may be fabricated for the automotive, aerospace, chemical, defense, excavation, and nuclear industries. This project will ultimately result in the creation of U.S. manufacturing, sales, and engineering jobs as the mass production of ceramic and metal bonded parts become commercially available.
The impact-bonding occurs within a bonding machine and uses a portable and very powerful cartridge technology recently developed by the PI, an expert in aluminum/water reactions. The cartridges are initiated in an enclosed chamber with a low voltage, which causes the disassociation of water molecules and rapid oxidization of aluminum that generates very high-pressure hydrogen in a safe and controlled manner and without the use of high voltage, explosives or flammable gun propellants. Key technological subjects of this research include the impact-energy, generated hydrogen propulsion, and the post-bond impact-energy absorption. The goal is a manufacturing process that will produce dissimilar material composite parts with superior joint strength that will survive impact-fatigue-cycles in harsh environments such as mining, demolition, excavation, construction, oil gas drilling, and many more potential industries. Other mechanical methods of joining ceramics and metals, such as brazing and adhesives, have not sustained impact fatigue cycling. The superior products are wear resistant and will benefit several industries to include the cutting tool market, electrical and thermally insulated components, ballistic armor, and others. This project aims to produce pioneering publications on impact bonding ceramics and metals and will also further enhance the knowledge of high-velocity impact bonding 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. -
AgroSpheres, Inc.
SBIR Phase II: Bioparticle delivery of dsRNA: A novel pest management solution for control of fall armyworm
Contact
1180 SEMINOLE TRAIL, SUITE 100
Charlottesville, VA 22901--9596
NSF Award
2051833 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$999,653
Start / end date
09/01/2021 – 08/31/2023 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
This award is funded in whole or in part under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-2).
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will be the development of a platform for delivering targeted, safe, and effective biological pesticides to the growing population, yet the combined effects of globalization, monoculture, and climate change have increased the threat of insect pests and phytopathogens. While synthetic pesticides offer a relatively effective means of crop protection, there are many detrimental health effects from pesticide use and several billion dollars worth of crops are lost each year due to damage caused by pests that have developed resistance to chemical pesticides. Widespread adoption of an alternative to synthetic pesticides may drastically reduce the indirect economic costs of pesticide use, estimated in one study at $10 billion in environmental and societal costs in the United States each year.
This project seeks to develop the first RNAi-based biocide for control of the fall armyworm, an economically devastating invasive pest that threatens the global food supply and that is developing resistance to the main form of genetically modified corn in the Americas. Candidate double stranded ribonucleic acids will be designed and tested, and a panel of fall armyworm biocide prototypes will be analyzed with feeding assays to identify the five best performing prototypes. These five prototypes will then be tested in the greenhouse for their ability to reduce damage in corn plants caused by seeded fall armyworm infestations. The top two prototypes identified via greenhouse testing will then advance to small-plot field testing on both inoculated and naturally occurring infestations in corn. Three different application formulations will be field-tested per prototype and the results will be compared to non-treated plants and three commonly used insecticides. This work will be performed in collaboration with the University of Tennessee. Successful completion of Phase II will demonstrate the ability of this novel biocide to control fall army worms in the field, inform application approach, and identify one or two final candidates for further development and progression to large scale field 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. -
Akabotics LLC
SBIR Phase II: Novel, Noninvasive Comprehensive Aquatic TOol (CATO) for Sediment Management in Waterways
Contact
55-319 OLD HALAULA MILL RD
Kapaau, HI 96755--0000
NSF Award
1927090 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$750,000
Start / end date
08/15/2019 – 02/28/2023
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this project represents a major paradigm shift in the methodology by which waterways can be maintained for optimum usage and water quality. Instead of the status quo in which water quality is only periodically tested and sediment buildups are only removed in massive quantities that can shock sensitive aquatic ecosystems, the system under development offers regular water quality monitoring and regular sediment removal at volumes less impacting to aquatic habitat. Shifting the paradigm of waterway maintenance into a more regular process will allow for reduced pollutant levels in waterways as pollutants are promptly removed instead of continuing to accumulate toxins which, in turn, will increase property values, utilization, and income within the marina industry. Additionally, embedded sensor intelligence and continuous waterway monitoring will grant the dredging regulatory agencies increased visibility and understanding of the health of the marine life in the waterway and allow them to more closely monitor environmental violations. With widespread adoption, the innovation could impact the technology area of water robotics and potentially have far reaching benefits that assist with water and energy security by keeping the inlet canal's reservoirs that comprise our society's infrastructure clean and running at peak efficiency.
This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project aims to continue development of an intelligent suction tip via a robotic platform for use in year-round sediment removal in waterways while minimizing harm to marine species. The research seeks to contribute to the knowledge base of marine life behavior and water-pollutant interactions through addressing the need for waterway technologies designed specifically to satisfy the requirements of waterway owners while being sensitive to marine life needs. The project activities include continued technical development and refinement of the environmental niche modeling and suction tip systems whose proof of concept was developed during Phase I activities, refinement and ruggedization of supporting subsystems in preparation for pilot testing, conducting closed environment testing, conducting pilot testing in a local operational waterway, determining a feasible manufacturing roadmap, and conducting pilot testing in an operational waterway in San Francisco Bay while closely documenting its performance and dredged material to determine marine species impact for report to the regulatory agencies. Akabotics expects to prove that its innovative approach has only a minimal impact to marine organisms while providing regulatory agencies with increased oversight and will lay the groundwork for approval to work outside of currently prescribed environmental work windows.
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. -
Allegro 3D, Inc
SBIR Phase II: A novel 3D bioprinting system for rapid high-throughput tissue fabrication
Contact
6868 NANCY RIDGE DR.
San Diego, CA 92121--2217
NSF Award
2035835 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$997,692
Start / end date
05/01/2021 – 04/30/2023 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to provide a high-throughput biofabrication platform that can create physiologically relevant in vitro tissue models for diverse applications including drug testing, assay development, therapeutics, and biomedical research. The current drug development process is lengthy, inefficient, and expensive. It costs about $1.8 billion and takes 12-15 years to launch a single drug. Approximately 92% of the drugs that passed preclinical testing failed in subsequent human trials, highlighting the lack of adequate preclinical testing tools to generate predictive data. Failure to detect the drug-induced toxicity to the vital human organs in clinical trials often leads to market withdrawal of the drug after launch, which causes enormous financial losses to the drug manufacturer and also negative physical and mental effects for patients. The proposed technology will significantly improve drug safety, increase the efficiency and lower the cost of drug development by providing more reliable and clinically relevant drug testing results in a high-throughput fashion. This technology can also provide patient-specific tissues for critical biomedical research (e.g. disease modeling) and in vivo therapeutic applications, providing a viable solution to diseases without no cures or effective treatment yet.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will support the development of a high-throughput biofabrication platform that is compatible with the high-throughput screening (HTS) systems widely used for drug screening and assay development. Currently, the key bottleneck for traditional microfabrication strategies and mainstream nozzle-based bioprinters is the lack of scalability and throughput to accommodate scalable manufacturing necessary in HTS systems. With the growing adoption of 3D biomimetic human tissue models in the pharmaceutical industry, there is a critical need for advanced manufacturing systems that enable rapid and streamlined tissue fabrication methods that are compatible with already established HTS platforms for preclinical toxicity testing of potential drug candidates. The proposed project will develop a parallel optical projection-based 3D bioprinting platform for direct manufacturing of 3D tissues within multiwell plates commonly used in the HTS systems. Implementation of the proposed 3D bioprinting system will permit subsequent in situ drug screening or assay testing directly within the wells and drastically improve biofabrication workflow efficiencies for the pharmaceutical industry and biomedical research community. This bioprinter will serve as a powerful instrument for the mass production of 3D tissue models at the industrial scale to advance drug discovery and assay development.
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. -
Amber Agriculture
SBIR Phase II: Low-Power, Wireless Crop Quality Sensors for Grain Quality Preservation and Storage Automation
Contact
3033 E STILLWATER LANDING
Urbana, IL 61802--7632
NSF Award
2037941 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$990,804
Start / end date
07/01/2021 – 06/30/2023 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to reduce postharvest loss due to toxins and insect damage while increasing the returns for farmers. In the US, an annual $3-5 billion dollars of crop value is lost due to toxin, insect and moisture mismanagement that could have been prevented through the introduction of affordable and accessible monitoring technology during product storage. Additionally, rising carbon dioxide levels in production agriculture create 14% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This project will validate the feasibility of low-power, wireless sensors that can detect grain storage conditions. The project will also enable buyers in the grain marketplace to ensure that the grain they are purchasing is, in fact, from fields where sustainable practices are implemented. This technology will help validate the feasibility of tracking grain across the supply chain to create trust and new business models around sustainability-verified grain.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to advance internet of things automation and wireless sensor applications as applied to production agriculture and the postharvest supply chain. There are certain manual processes of farm production that are strenuous due to time burdens and the lack of information available to make decisions. One such process is monitoring grain assets in farm bins, commercial storage, and barges, though this is important for the safety of the global food supply. This technology is focused on sensing for loss and spoilage risks and connecting and turning the data into automation opportunities. Cable-based monitoring solutions currently exist, but adoption is restricted due to physical installation limitations, electricity/power constraints, and investment costs. This project will validate the feasibility of low-power, wireless sensors that can detect grain conditions and last a full postharvest cycle (18 months). Such a device will create opportunities to track grain qualities across the agriculture value chain, advancing its current use in on-farm grain bins. By characterizing and testing smart kernel sensors this project will provide business model applications of tracking mechanisms in the grain supply chain.
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. -
Amberstone Biosciences, Inc.
SBIR Phase II: A single-cell-interaction platform for accelerating discovery of bispecific antibodies
Contact
23181 VERDUGO DRIVE, SUITE 106
Laguna Hills, CA 92653--1367
NSF Award
2051931 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,050,000
Start / end date
04/15/2021 – 03/31/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to accelerate development of immunotherapeutics and make them broadly available and affordable to patients in need. Immunotherapeutics, which work by engaging the immune system to tackle diseases, have demonstrated tremendous potential to cure, or improve quality-of-life of patients with cancer, autoimmunity, or other disorders. Unfortunately, only a handful of these treatments are currently available. Furthermore, immunotherapeutics are costly and unaffordable for the healthcare system and patients including the disadvantaged populations. These challenges can be attributed to the costly and inefficient therapeutic discovery processes with conventional drug screening platforms. This project aims to develop a high-throughput, single-cell based functional screening technology that can enable rapid discovery of many immunotherapeutics, specifically bispecific antibodies (?BsAbs?), to treat a broad range of debilitating diseases, and therefore can make significant and broad societal impact. Meanwhile, the BsAb market is in its early exponential growth phase and will reach $10 billion global sales in the next few years. The proposed technology will be quickly deployed to enable pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients to identify their therapeutic leads with unprecedentedly rapid turnaround and high success rate (commercial value).
The proposed project aims to further develop, optimize and launch the first dedicated commercial platform for functional discovery of bispecific antibodies (?BsAbs?). The conventional trial-and-error approach, in which BsAbs are empirically designed and then must be evaluated individually for their functionality, is tedious, time-consuming, and expensive. The proposed technology represents a new paradigm in BsAb discovery by employing an ultra-high throughput, single cell-based functional screening, enabling efficient discovery of rare functional BsAbs with differentiable properties. The objectives of this project are to develop, optimize and quality control (QC) the entire platform workflow including upstream BsAb library and reporter cell preparations, midstream droplet assay and sorting, and downstream target validation and characterization. By the conclusion of this study, a robust and streamlined system will be ready for commercial launch, enabling pharmaceutical company partners to discover new BsAb immunotherapeutics. This project will result in new tools and methods in single-cell therapeutic discovery and make significant intellectual contributions including complex cell library construction, multiplexed reporters, and potentially new therapeutic candidates. Furthermore, the unique ability to interrogate many variables in a combinatory and high throughput fashion can lead to new insights of the modes of action and inform future design of immunotherapeutics.
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. -
Ambi Robotics, Inc.
SBIR Phase II: Advanced Artificial Intelligence for Robotic E-Commerce Pick-and-Pack Automation
Contact
1610 5TH ST
Berkeley, CA 94710--1715
NSF Award
2111915 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$972,586
Start / end date
02/01/2022 – 01/31/2024 (Estimated)
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to improve the resiliency of the supply chain by implementing flexible robotic systems for materials handling. The robotic systems that are controlled by artificial intelligence. E-commerce sales are increasing 20% year over year. During the COVID-19 pandemic additional retail volume shifted online and many customers became accustomed to sourcing essentials using e-commerce. This shift has put a greater burden on asupply chain infrastructure that has traditionally relied on human labor to pick, sort, pack, and process items for delivery. These manual processes are monotonous, error-prone, and sometimes dangerous, have extremely high worker turnover. The automation of these processes elevates worker roles and brings greater consistency to the processes. The innovation developed during this Phase II project may enable broader automation of complex materials handling processes by creating novel training systems for artificial intelligence-enabled robotic systems that are configured specifically for individual customer needs. This innovation may increase US supply chain resilience, enabling citizens to rapidly and reliably obtain necessities such as food, medicine, and health supplies without needing to leave their homes. The commercial opportunity is large, with over $20B spent on US pick and pack wages annually.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to develop new methods for rapidly training artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled robotic systems built for object identification and manipulation. Warehouse object manipulation tasks are variable and automating them often requires custom solutions for each customer and facility. These custom solutions are often prohibitively expensive. To solve these problems, an industrial operating system that can be deployed across many configurations of materials handling processes is required. This project aims to develop modules critical to scaling commercial deployments, such as quality control vision systems, automated assessments of item pickability, and enhanced AI systems for robotic picking. The anticipated result of this project is an industrial AI-enabled robotic operating system that allows rapid configuration of robotic systems to implement highly-optimized processes for picking and packing individual items in e-commerce logistics.
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. -
Anaflash Inc.
SBIR Phase II: Logic compatible non-volatile neural network accelerator using analog compute-in-memory architecture
Contact
1290B REAMWOOD AVE OFC E
Sunnyvale, CA 94089--2233
NSF Award
1951113 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$806,000
Start / end date
05/01/2020 – 04/30/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to enable energy efficient smart internet of things (IoT) devices capable of running a neural network locally. The proposed energy-efficient neural network accelerator solution uses circuit architecture that allows for chips with a small area, a key enabler for cost-effective adoption and inclusion in space-constrained systems such as mobile devices. The solution is energy-efficient compared to the existing digital logic-based accelerator solutions, which will enable edge implementation for systems with power constraints. The manufacturing process is fully scalable in advanced standard logic processes at almost all manufacturing foundries, thus allowing for widespread adoption of the architecture. The outcome of this project will be an energy-efficient system on a chip (SoC) solution that offers artificial intelligence integration in smart IoT devices without cloud access, while enabling security and privacy enhancements.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to further develop an energy efficient analog circuit topology and variation tolerable system solution. To enable analog compute-in-memory architecture based neural network accelerator solution in an advanced semiconductor process technology, significant design challenges need to be solved with reduced supply voltage and noise margin. Along with the newly proposed area efficient and performance efficient analog compute-in-memory architecture solution, the logic compatible non-volatile neural network accelerator intellectual property core will be designed, fabricated, and validated in the advanced process technology through the project. Once verified successfully from the fabricated silicon in this project, the proposed neural network IP will be ready to be integrated as a key building block of future artificial intelligence systems on a chip and enable energy-efficient smart edge IoT 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. -
Andluca Technologies Inc.
SBIR Phase II: Development of a transparent, near-ultraviolet power source for wireless operation of smart windows and IoT devices
Contact
100 OVERLOOK CTR FL 2
Princeton, NJ 08540--4605
NSF Award
2112279 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$995,038
Start / end date
08/15/2021 – 07/31/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project entails the reduction of US energy demand via accelerated adoption of wireless smart glass technologies in buildings. Smart window technologies could save 2.19 gigatons of carbon by 2050, resulting in $321.5 B in energy savings. The proposed project will advance a transparent power source for wireless operation of smart windows and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The envisioned system will be stable, efficient, and scalable, and will meet window aesthetic requirements.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will explore a photovoltaic technology that selectively absorbs near-ultraviolet (NUV) light - energy that is otherwise wasted - and efficiently converts it into high-voltage power. Solar cells harvesting NUV photons could satisfy the unmet need of powering smart windows over the same spatial footprint without competing for visible or infrared photons that the windows seek to regulate. Scientific broader impacts from this project include contributions to the understanding of structure-property relationships governing organic photovoltaic (OPV) active layer composition and resulting visible light transmittance. Phase II technical deliverables will include demonstration of a NUV solar module with world-leading visible transparency.
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. -
Ansa Biotechnologies, Inc.
SBIR Phase II: Reagent Development for a Rapid Enzymatic DNA Synthesis Platform
Contact
1198 65TH ST STE 250
Berkeley, CA 94710--2262
NSF Award
2036532 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$994,682
Start / end date
04/15/2021 – 03/31/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to optimize a system to rapidly synthesize long, user-defined sequences of DNA as a commercial service. The process will be capable of producing error-free DNA fragments, each long enough to encode multiple genes, in 1-2 weeks, at a price that will be affordable even to university research labs. Researchers currently can purchase short DNA fragments that must be stitched together to make functional genes ? which is labor-intensive and sometimes impossible ? or pay vendors to do it. The ability to buy an intact group of genes on one piece of DNA will help deepen the understanding of all biological systems, from animals and plants to the bacteria and viruses that infect them. Easy access to long DNAs will also allow synthetic biologists to build completely novel biological devices, such as bacteria that manufacture vitamins or medicines, cells that detect and destroy cancer, or new sustainable food ingredients and novel biomaterials.
The proposed project is focused on developing an enzymatic method for DNA synthesis that will alleviate several problems inherent to chemical DNA synthesis, the only method currently available commercially. Chemical synthesis works well for short DNA fragments, but high-quality synthesis is limited to <200 bases. Longer fragments often are created by stitching together many short fragments, but this process is unreliable for sequences that contain repeats or high AT or GC content. In the proposed enzymatic DNA synthesis method, a single deoxynucleoside triphosphate (dNTP) is conjugated to the template-independent polymerase Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase (TdT) by a cleavable linker. When presented with a DNA primer, the dNTP-TdT conjugate adds its tethered nucleotide and remains attached, blocking further elongation by other conjugates. Cleavage of the linker releases the TdT, to be washed away with unreacted conjugates, and exposes the oligo for extension with the next dNTP-TdT conjugate. These two steps of ?extension? and ?deprotection? are iterated to synthesize a defined sequence. The accuracy of the resulting DNA strand depends on the stability and cleavage efficiency of the linker. A variety of linkages and cleavage enzymes will be tested to yield >99.9% stability and cleavage in rapid, 30-second reactions.
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. -
Antithesis Foods Inc.
SBIR Phase II: Cost-effective manufacturing of a novel nutrient-dense chickpea dough platform for mass-market processed foods
Contact
950 DANBY RD STE 135
Ithaca, NY 14850--5731
NSF Award
2136719 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$998,717
Start / end date
03/01/2022 – 02/29/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact of this SBIR Phase II project is in providing an alternative to the calorically dense and nutritionally poor processed foods that have proliferated in the American diet due to their price, convenience, palatability, and shelf-stability. This project advances a nutrient-dense crunchy ingredient platform based on legumes and having the ability to customize shape, texture, and nutritional profile to meet a broad variety of crunchy applications in disparate categories. Due to their neutral flavor, these crunchy ingredients can be flavored with various flavor systems, providing a low-calorie, high-fiber, and high-protein alternative to consumer favorites such as graham crackers, cereals, chips, granola, and cookies. Providing healthier alternatives to traditionally unhealthy consumer products has the potential to beneficially impact public health, preventing diet-related chronic diseases such as obesity, type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other related co-morbidities.
This SBIR Phase II project focuses on the formulation and processing development necessary to expand a legume-based ingredient platform and overcome the significant technical hurdles in scaled manufacturing. The primary innovation lies in a novel method of structuring fibers and proteins into a crunchy and aerated matrix through both formulation and downstream processing. This project addresses the variation in product behavior and quality caused by batch size and manufacturing line configuration. The dough on which these ingredients are based differs highly in its rheological properties in comparison to the gluten-based doughs for which most manufacturing lines are configured. To compete with commodities, a variety of manufacturing lines with different drying technologies must be evaluated in their ability to maximize throughput while minimizing input costs and meeting product quality requirements. The major technical objectives of this Phase II project are: 1) Expand ingredient platform variants to achieve specific product characteristics to support customer claims, ingredient labeling, physiological impact, and costs; 2) Evaluate various manufacturing lines and their technoeconomic potential to scale ingredient production; 3) Develop ingredients to meet requirements necessary to respond to physical and environmental stressors in the supply chain.
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. -
Antora Energy, Inc.
SBIR Phase II: Research and development of production-scale high-efficiency Thermal Photovoltaic (TPV) cells to enable ultra-low cost energy storage.
Contact
4385 SEDGE ST
Fremont, CA 94555--1159
NSF Award
1951284 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,234,779
Start / end date
06/01/2020 – 11/30/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to generate inexpensive, reliable electricity through solar cells. As renewables such as wind and solar provide a new low-cost means of generating power domestically, energy storage systems capable of transforming these intermittent sources into dispatchable ones are increasingly commercially attractive. However, conventional energy storage technologies, such as advanced batteries, cannot provide the needed resiliency of on the length scale of days. Ultra-low-cost storage technologies, such as those based on thermal energy storage in earth-abundant materials, have the potential to address this large commercial opportunity. The proposed project will advance the development of a new type of heat engine to convert heat into electricity.
The proposed project aims to move this thermophotovoltaic (TPV) heat engine from the lab to the market. The goal of this project is to develop large-scale and high-yield manufacturing of these cells with industrial equipment and large-area substrates. The proposed project will explore the cost-performance trade space toward the goal of high-volume production of PV material.
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. -
Astrileux Corporation
SBIR Phase II: Next Generation High Performance EUV Photomasks.
Contact
3137 TIGER RUN CT STE 107
La Jolla, CA 92037--8411
NSF Award
1927546 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$899,999
Start / end date
10/01/2019 – 09/30/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to drive the next generation of advanced computing power and performance by manufacturing integrated circuits (ICs) at 7 nm and smaller. Today's central processing units (CPUs) contain 7.2 B chips and over 1.2 sextillion chips are manufactured per year. Next generation technology is expected to enable artificial intelligence and machine learning through both conventional computing and potentially new paradigms for transformative applications such as self-driving cars and smart buildings, but new ways are needed to make appropriate chips. The proposed project will develop a technology to address this need as chipmakers meet their desired goals.
The proposed project addresses challenges related to high volume manufacturing at the 7 nm node for lithography tools and their components. An EUV photomask, a high commodity component, patterns and replicates integrated circuit design into silicon wafers. Current EUV photomasks have a sub-optimal manufacturing yield of ~65% and suffer from defectivity during fabrication of its architecture. During operational use the photomask sustains damage from the debris generated by the EUV plasma light source that implants in the mask and inevitably replicates in the wafer, destroying the integrated chip pattern. In high volume manufacturing, these issues manifest in the wafer yield, the reusability of a mask, and drive the need for high cost real-time inspection and metrology. We propose a new EUV photomask which promises a higher robustness to defects, a higher manufacturing yield, better uniformity and more reusability of masks in operations and longer lifetime. The goals of the project are to evaluate new integrated architecture for the EUV mask design, develop a higher yield fabrication process and characterize their EUV performance. More robust architectures reduce capital outlay requirements for in-situ metrology and inspection and ultimately bring down the cost of next generation electronics.
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. -
Autonomous Healthcare Inc
SBIR Phase II: A Clinical Decision Support System for Fluid Resuscitation of Intensive Care Unit Patients
Contact
132 WASHINGTON ST STE 305
Hoboken, NJ 07030--4692
NSF Award
1831225 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$962,001
Start / end date
09/15/2018 – 05/31/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project involves addressing complexities in fluid management, one of the most important issues in critical care. Suboptimal fluid management results in many complications such as pulmonary edema. Studies show that fluid overload is associated with higher rates of morbidity and mortality. Recent studies also show that restrictive fluid resuscitation protocols result in a reduction of mechanical ventilation days and hospital length of stay. The clinical literature provides ample evidence of optimized fluid therapy benefits for different patient populations including those with sepsis and post-operative patients. However, implementation of fluid therapy is highly subjective. Specifically, the most critical unanswered questions involve the timing and the volume of fluid infusions.
This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project proposes to develop a system which uses continuous measurements from a standard intensive care unit hemodynamic monitoring device to provide actionable feedback for clinicians to optimize fluid and vasoactive drug management. In the proposed Phase II work, we will further develop the clinical decision support system developed in Phase I. This includes further development of the underlying technology and also performing preliminary clinical studies.
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. -
Avium, LLC
SBIR Phase II: Dual Element Matrix (DEM) Water Electrolyzer
Contact
1714 W 26TH ST
Lawrence, KS 66046--4206
NSF Award
1951216 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$750,000
Start / end date
04/15/2020 – 05/31/2023 (Estimated)
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to make on-site hydrogen generation convenient and economically viable. Hydrogen is a chemical used widely in industry and serves an alternative fuel source for electric vehicles, increasing drive range and shortening refueling time, but adoption has been limited by the needs for refueling infrastructure. One method to address this is to create hydrogen by splitting water, alleviating the safety, logistical, and reliability issues associated with the delivery and storage of hydrogen, but existing technology has been associated with high capital and operating costs. The objective of this proposal is to advance water splitting technology, enabling a non-polluting, zero-emission hydrogen solution.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop an advanced electrolyzer. The project will (1) synthesize the catalysts and fabricate these electrodes on an industrial scale; (2) characterize the relationship between electrode architecture and kinetic and mass-transfer limitations; and (3) identify the electrode architecture, stack compression, and flow rates required to translate the performance of these electrodes to an industrial-sized prototype. The project will utilize mathematical modeling to guide electrode architecture development and a three cell industrial-sized test stack for experimental testing before employing electrodes in a full 4 kg/day stack. Furthermore, the project will employ the electrodes in a 4 kg/day pressurized stack and integrate these components to produce hydrogen at 20 bar to the SAE J2719 standard of 99.998% purity. The projected targets for stack and system efficiency for the final system are 43 kWh/kg and 55 kWh/kg.
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. -
AwareAbility Technologies LLC
SBIR Phase II: Wide Bandgap Semiconductor Betavoltaic Powered Sensor Controller
Contact
1275 KINNEAR RD STE 258
Columbus, OH 43212--0000
NSF Award
1853115 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$962,043
Start / end date
04/15/2019 – 03/31/2023 (Estimated)
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is a breakthrough power source for small electronic devices that will move the reality of smart cities and smart rural areas closer to the vision. The center piece of the innovation is the wide bandgap semiconductor betavoltaic power source, essentially an innovative nuclear-based micro-battery. The energy storage density of this power source is estimated to be three orders of magnitude greater than conventional NiMH battery technology. This power innovation will be combined with the very latest in ultra low power electronics and energy harvesting circuitry to realize sensors that are effectively self-powered for the useful life of device. The betavoltaic power source will enable the realization of the 'Internet-of-Things' vision by solving the power challenge, supporting the public good through enhanced safety and security, improved mobility and support for new and disruptive business ventures.
The proposed project will attempt to solve a portion of the power challenge that today limits the implementation and scale of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. Experts predict billions and possibly trillions of "things" connected by IoT technologies. This requires transformative advances in the science, technology, and engineering. The proposed betavoltaic power source will achieve advancements in all three areas, focused on the power challenge. Although research papers have been published on micro nuclear batteries, the power levels of the previous implementations are insufficient for broad market application. Through the use of novel fabrication techniques and optimal material selection and placement, the proposed power source will achieve at least an order of magnitude improvement in power efficiency over any previous result achieved, with target power efficiency level in excess of 30%. This surpasses the breakout power level required for mass adoption of the new power source. Work on this power source will result in new technology development for enhancing the efficiency of nuclear micro-battery. New semiconductor material processing and fabrication techniques related to the incorporation of radioactive materials will be developed as well as greater understanding of wide band gap semiconductor material behavior under irradiation as applied to radiation-hardened electronics.
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. -
BENANOVA Inc
SBIR Phase II: Lignin-Based Formulations for Efficient and Sustainable Control of Plant Pathogens
Contact
840 MAIN CAMPUS DR. #3550
Raleigh, NC 27606--5221
NSF Award
1950915 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$800,000
Start / end date
04/15/2020 – 02/28/2023
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project focuses on addressing environmental challenges associated with extensive use of synthetic agrochemicals by developing novel sustainable nanoformulations for efficient management of bacterial and fungal pathogens. The broader impacts of this research and development effort are important on several levels; the sustainable agricultural treatments developed in this project could help protect natural resources, enhance security of the national food supply by reducing crop losses, and improve public health. While the initial focus is on efficient delivery of anti-microbial and anti-fungal crop protection chemicals, this platform can be applied for actives and biologicals with other functionalities. Thus, in addition to agricultural crop protection products, the environmentally benign nanoparticle delivery system developed in the project may find future applications in many products targeted to the consumer market, construction, personal care and healthcare.
This SBIR Phase II project will advance the development of a novel platform where engineered nanoparticles made from sustainable materials will replace harmful and persistent synthetic chemical agents used presently. The research objective is to utilize the widely available bio-renewable resource lignin as a natural non-persistent bio-degradable delivery system for agricultural actives. Colloidal particles made of technical lignin will be fabricated in large amounts by non-solvent precipitation in a continuous, green, low-cost method and then functionalized for stability and improved targeted attachment to the plant foliage. A multi-disciplinary approach is proposed to characterize thoroughly the new formulations and correlate their material characteristics and agronomic performance. This new knowledge will make possible to develop physico-chemical means of enhancing their field efficacy. In addition, research will focus on safety evaluation via human health risk assessment.
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. -
BERD LLC
SBIR Phase II: Advanced Manufacturing of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene and Metal Hybrid Structures for Bicycle Spokes
Contact
401 11TH AVE S STE 300
Hopkins, MN 55343--7838
NSF Award
1951193 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$800,000
Start / end date
05/01/2020 – 03/31/2023 (Estimated)
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is the replacement of steel with synthetic materials that are stronger and lighter. The beachhead market for this technology is the performance bicycle spoke market, which is a $180M global market. The potential benefits of this technology go beyond cycling because the polymer-to-metal interface has other potential applications. Cable assemblies are used in a wide variety of applications and industries such as industrial, aerospace, construction, and consumer goods. Advances in the termination of synthetic cable assemblies will enable the creation of higher strength-to-weight ratio cables and thereby increase efficiencies in transportation applications and improve the safety of tension based systems. An application of particular societal benefit is wheelchair wheels, where weight reduction increases portability for those with physical disabilities. Investment in termination technologies for high performance polymers will also help bridge the gap between polymer research and industry, helping society benefit from developments in polymer science occurring in academia. Finally, the ability to produce low-cost rope terminations will increase US manufacturing competitiveness because the majority of high-volume production is outsourced to low-cost labor markets.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop an advanced manufacturing process for ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and metal hybrid structures for bicycle spokes. UHMWPE has a strength-to-weight ratio of fifteen times that of steel, but it cannot be utilized in many applications because of the difficulty in manufacturing high-strength bonds to metal. The primary objectives of this research are to automate the insertion and bonding of stainless steel rods inside the hollow cavity of braided fibers, and to automate the creation of eye splices. These operations require delicate manipulation of fibers in a confined space, and are typically performed manually. Instead, we will develop novel automatic machinery that will create these bonds, inspect the final product, and validate the strength with 100% in-process inspection. Another objective of this research is to develop a black surface coating process for braided UHMWPE fibers. To achieve this, we will identify a surface pretreatment procedure to add functionality to the non-polar backbone of UHMWPE, develop the coating chemistry, and create an in-line coating system that integrates with our manufacturing 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. -
BEYOND THE DOME INC
SBIR Phase II: Energy-Efficient Supercritical Water Oxidation
Contact
611 S VAN NESS AVE
San Francisco, CA 94110--1305
NSF Award
2126869 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$999,757
Start / end date
11/15/2021 – 10/31/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact of this SBIR Phase II project is in the creation of a much-needed alternative to biosolids disposal. Biosolids are a by-product of wastewater treatment; their formation and disposal contribute to significant air, water, and soil pollution. In particular, biosolids contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and the release of over 350 organic contaminants, including high concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Biosolids disposal challenges are expected to grow due to population increases and stricter environmental regulations. Current biosolids disposal options have shortfalls and disposal costs are increasing. This project develops a breakthrough technology that cleanly and affordably destroys the organic contaminants present in biosolids. Air, water and soil pollution will be reduced, and, importantly, wastewater treatment plants will be able to meet new regulatory standards for sustainability. Volume of final by-product, and therefore transport cost and associated emissions, will be decreased by over 85%.
The proposed project turns supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) into an energy-efficient technology by recovering compressive energy. SCWO rapidly and completely destroys organics. To date, the technology has been used in few applications, including chemical weapons dismantling. Recovery of compression energy saves 30-40% of total treatment cost, opening new markets, such as wastewater treatment. Recovery of compression energy during SCWO has been demonstrated previously. This project's goals are to further optimize, scale-up and iterate on compression energy recovery equipment for added capacity and reliability, and long-term field test these updated/new pieces of equipment by adding them to an existing supercritical water oxidation pilot system. The goal for the system is to achieve reliability on par with industrial high-pressure compressors, which can operate over 24,000 hours between major services.
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. -
BEZWADA BIOMEDICAL LLC
SBIR Phase II: Development of a bioabsorbable tissue adhesive
Contact
15-1 ILENE CT
Hillsborough, NJ 08844--1920
NSF Award
2221790 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$962,735
Start / end date
01/15/2023 – 12/31/2025 (Estimated)
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is advancement in the development of an effective wound closure product for internal gastrointestinal (GI) surgical applications. Anastomotic leaks resulting from ineffective GI surgical wound closures are associated with significant healthcare and economic costs. Effective closure of wounds decreases the likelihood of complications that significantly impact patient outcomes and increases the cost of care. Development of an enhanced tissue adhesive to address the limitations of current products has the potential to offer a reliable wound closure product to support improved patient outcomes. Successful development and commercialization of the enhanced GI wound closure product will provide surgeons with an effective tissue adhesive that is easy to use and can be safe for the closure of internal GI wounds, thus ensuring safe and reliable closure, decreasing anastomotic leaks, and allowing for enhanced patient outcomes. Additionally, this project has the potential to support additional product development to generate improved tissue adhesives/sealants for a wide range of surgical applications that will have the potential to decrease surgical complications related to ineffective wound closure.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will advance the development of an enhanced tissue adhesive to improve surgical wound care specific to gastrointestinal (GI) tract surgeries. Gastrointestinal tract surgical wounds have a high rate of anastomotic leaks resulting from incomplete and sub-optimal surgical closures. These leaks put the patients at an increased risk of infection and creates an estimated $28.6 million in hospitalization and readmission costs per 1000 patients. Current tissue adhesives for GI applications are biologically derived, which are amenable for internal use but pose a risk of infection. The technology being developed is a polyurethane-based adhesive that is biodegradable, easy to use, and biocompatible. The overall goal of this SBIR Phase II project is to demonstrate in vivo efficacy for the use of the surgical adhesive in GI surgical wound care. To meet this goal, the surgical adhesive formulation developed from Phase I will be refined to identify the ideal formulation for GI use and a lead formulation will be assessed for in vivo performance. The results from this project have the potential to identify a safe, easy-to-use, and effective lead tissue adhesive for implementation in GI surgical applications to prevent anastomotic leaks and improve GI surgical wound closures.
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. -
BLOCKY INC.
SBIR Phase II: A Provable Data Lineage System for Scaling the Data-Sharing Economy
Contact
321 E MAIN ST STE 206
Bozeman, MT 59715--4633
NSF Award
2052375 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,000,000
Start / end date
12/01/2021 – 11/30/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) is to increase the quality of consumer products and services by scaling the data sharing economy. Data sharing and reuse increases revenue streams and allows companies to realize a 8-15x return on investment in improved products and services. Despite these benefits, growth in data sharing is stymied because approximately 60% of companies are unable to access needed data, and only about 30% have taken first steps towards data sharing to realize its potential returns. The major challenges of widespread sharing are ?messy" data and the legal issues surrounding ownership and utilization. Some organizations have addressed these challenges internally with ?feature stores,? which support data processing pipelines that extract insights. While the current generation of feature stores works well for a single organization, their centralized design assumes a level of trust absent across multiple organizations. This proposed work will develop a feature store that supports the trust requirements needed for inter-organizational workflows to enable realizing the significant returns from data sharing.
This SBIR Phase II project proposes to implement a decentralized feature store (DeFS) by solving two primary technical challenges. First, a DeFS requires fast, reliable, and provably correct data storage. While layer-1 blockchain storage is provably correct, it does not provide the required write speed nor long-term availability if miners abandon it. This project's proposed approach will meet the reliability requirement by signing data on a virtual blockchain that can span and migrate between layer-1 blockchains. The continuity of the virtual blockchain allows it to survive as layer-1 chains fail and improve as new chains come online. Moreover, the virtual blockchain meets speed requirements by creating virtual blocks quickly on a private blockchain and periodically migrating to layer-1. Second, a DeFS requires integrating multiple data sources and pipeline code without leaking either. While interactive proof techniques satisfy privacy, they do not scale to large data sets. This project will support data processing pipelines, such as data wrangling and model fitting, by developing a scalable and secure computing framework. The framework preserves the privacy of both data and pipeline code evaluated on virtualized trusted execution environments and controlled by a trustless distributed protocol built around a virtual blockchain commitment scheme.
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. -
BRILLIANTMD, LLC
SBIR Phase II: Reducing Claims Denials in Healthcare Through Blockchain and Machine Learning
Contact
2607 EUCLID AVE
Austin, TX 78704--5418
NSF Award
2126982 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,000,000
Start / end date
05/15/2022 – 04/30/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project is focused on improving healthcare reimbursement and revenue cycle management. Two key concerns are that errors in healthcare claims result in frequent payment denials, and failure to obtain prior authorization can make those services non-reimbursable. These issues can lead to inappropriate direct billing to patients and/or a write-off by the healthcare provider and cost-shifting to cover losses. In addition, complexity within the rules for payment and prior authorization require considerable administrative overhead for claim submission, reconciliation, and rework, inflating administrative costs. The proposed project addresses these inefficiencies in the health care reimbursement system.
This SBIR Phase II project proposes to use advanced analytics, machine learning, and blockchain technologies to address the following research objectives: (1) analyze and predict healthcare claim risk for denial of payment; (2) predict the likelihood of a prior authorization requirement before a clinical intervention is undertaken; and (3) incentivize accuracy in the claim submission process and decrease associated administrative burden and cost. The research will conduct advanced claims parsing, data extraction, modeling, and machine learning to define specific patterns of risk, and build reproducible, efficient, and accurate predictive algorithms. These approaches will be applied to both claim denials and to clinical data predictive of prior authorization. Blockchain technology will be utilized to incentivize demographic and clinical data collection and claims processing workflows for improvements in data accuracy, efficiency of collection, and predictive quality. The technical result will be an accurate, predictive, continually learning, highly efficient machine learning toolset integrated with a productivity engine.
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. -
Bansen Labs LLC
SBIR Phase II: Open Hardware and Software Platform to Enable Control of IoT Devices for People with Disabilities
Contact
1234 FOREST GREEN DR
Coraopolis, PA 15108--2771
NSF Award
2136794 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,000,000
Start / end date
03/15/2022 – 02/29/2024 (Estimated)
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project improves assistive devices for people with disabilities (PwD). The assistive technology industry is projected to reach $2.4 billion in 2022, and the home rehabilitation market is expected to exceed $225 billion globally by 2027. This project advances a novel hardware and software platform to give PwD full control of consumer products, including game consoles, smart home devices, drones, and business and design software. The system builds on a novel end-user development (EUD) architecture which supports applications in accessibility, IoT, gaming, physical therapy, industrial automation, and other domains involving user-controlled electronic systems. The initial application will be for children with cerebral palsy (CP) ages 5-18, but later applications include adults with physical disabilities, and the aging population. This will reduce time and resources needed for PwD to overcome access barriers, thus creating new opportunities for socialization, education, entertainment, employment, and independence.
The intellectual merit of this project is to advance a system to support plug-and-play device compatibility, with developer feedback indicating over an order of magnitude improvement on the state-of-the-art (45 times faster) for implementing accessibility use cases. This project will support the research and design of a visual user interface for non-technical users to enable them to easily configure their devices for everyday applications, as well as a visual editor to allow hobbyists and engineers to implement more demanding accessibility use cases, under guidance from user feedback at a school for children with CP in collaboration with clinical and user experience (UX) researchers. The system is anticipated to achieve over two orders of magnitude improvement in development time (up to 250 times faster) for accessibility use cases compared to existing alternatives.
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. -
Belmont Scientific Inc.
SBIR Phase II: Development of Safe, Energy Dense, High Performance Lithium Ion Batteries
Contact
2 PARK RD
Belmont, MA 02478--3631
NSF Award
2112154 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,000,000
Start / end date
04/15/2022 – 03/31/2024 (Estimated)
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is improved safety of lithium (Li) ion batteries (LIBs) for power intensive applications ranging from lawnmowers to aircraft. The nature of chemicals used in LIB construction, combined with the large amount of stored energy, makes the batteries vulnerable to various failure modes including thermal runaway and fire. LIB fires have captured the headlines several times in recent years including ~25,000 fire incidents in more than 400 consumer products between 2012 and 2017. Current battery safety mechanisms contribute to 5 ? 10% of the overall battery cost but are ineffective as evidenced by the continued occurrence of LIB fires. Improved safety with the proposed technology may save lives and property and help the industry migrate towards less expensive and more energy dense batteries.
This SBIR Phase II project seeks to develop and demonstrate a cell- and chemistry-agnostic device to prevent thermal runaway in Li ion cells and batteries. By preventing thermal runaway, this technology may improve the safety of LIBs, protecting nearby lives and property. The Phase I research has successfully demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed innovation in individual cylindrical cells of various sizes and chemistries subjected to a specific type of abuse. The Phase II technical effort shall expand the research to cover additional cell chemistries, sizes, formats, and abuses, integrating the proposed technology into a commercial battery pack and performing tests to demonstrate that this safety technology helps battery systems meet regulatory standards (such as UL 9540A for BESS battery 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. -
Berkeley Brewing Science Inc.
SBIR Phase II: Engineering brewer's yeast for enhanced flavor production during fermentation
Contact
2451 PERALTA ST
Oakland, CA 94607--1703
NSF Award
1831242 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,449,999
Start / end date
08/15/2018 – 01/31/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to develop engineered brewer's yeast to produce hop flavor compounds during beer fermentation, so as to replace the need for agriculturally produced hops. Using agriculturally produced hops as a flavor component poses several challenges: 1) hops farming is natural resource intensive, 2) flavors imparted by hops are inconsistent from batch-to-batch, 3) lengthy agriculture timelines decouple demand from supply, and 4) new flavor varieties are restricted by slow and capital intensive hops breeding programs. This project establishes a product development framework for engineering brewer's yeast to produce flavor compounds during fermentation that are matched to consumer preferences. The technology developed during this project will allow for sustainable, consistent, on-demand production of hop flavors, and, in addition, may be extended to additional flavors and other fermentable products.
This SBIR Phase II project will develop engineered brewer's yeast for production of flavor compounds that are ordinarily derived from hops. At present, the beer industry relies on agriculturally produced hops to impart organoleptically rich flavors and character to beer. Engineered yeast strains will serve as a drop-in replacement for conventional brewing strains, in that they both ferment beer and produce flavor compounds at concentrations desired in the finished beer. By applying an agile development framework towards yeast strain development, new brewer's yeast strains will be generated that produce flavor bouquets preferred by brewers and consumers. Genes that encode biosynthetic pathways for production of flavor compounds will be incorporated into brewer's yeast, and various gene regulatory programs will be tested that give rise to myriad flavor bouquets in finished beer. Strains will be initially evaluated in small-scale micro-aerobic fermentations and analyzed by GC/MS to screen for relevant flavor compound concentrations. Based on screening results, strains with desired target flavor compound concentrations will be used to produce beer at industrial pilot scale for evaluation by sensory analysis panels as a means of generating consumer feedback. This workflow will be deployed in an iterative fashion to optimize the performance of the hops flavor-producing brewer's yeast.
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. -
BioAmp Diagnostics, Inc.
SBIR Phase II: Development of a urine dipstick test that can guide immediate and appropriate antibiotic therapy for treatment of complicated urinary tract infections
Contact
845 SUTTER ST APT 103
San Francisco, CA 94109--6109
NSF Award
2213034 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,000,000
Start / end date
01/15/2023 – 12/31/2025 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to improve the clinical outcomes and quality of life for patients suffering from complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI). Today, cUTIs account for 400,000 hospitalizations annually in the United States. Unfortunately, multidrug resistant pathogens are a common cause of cUTI. Many are resistant to the first-line antibiotic (Ceftriaxone), which is used as the empiric treatment of this condition. However, the high incidence of multidrug resistant pathogens causing cUTI delays the time until patients receive more appropriate treatment. Delayed time to appropriate therapy in cUTI has been attributed to extended hospital stays and an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. The current standard test for diagnosing a drug-resistant cUTI takes 2-3 days from obtaining a patient sample. Therefore, diagnostic tests that can rapidly inform the initial treatment of UTIs are urgently needed to improve patient care.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to develop a rapid urinary diagnostic test that will enable the detection of ceftriaxone-resistant uropathogens. Early detection of resistance to first-line therapies would enable antibiotic prescribing to be informed, reducing the risk of disease progression in patients. In the case of UTIs, disease progression can lead to severely invasive infections, predominately sepsis. Therefore, diagnostics that can detect resistance to first-line antibiotics enable early treatment interventions, reducing the time to appropriate treatment and reducing the risk of disease progression. Decreased treatment time also lowers the healthcare costs associated with drug-resistant cUTI, as disease progression is associated with increased lengths of hospital stays compared to susceptible infections. The completion of the Phase II project will yield the development of a prototype test that can provide actionable information regarding ceftriaxone susceptibility in less than 5 minutes. This project?s success will provide clinicians with a diagnostic solution for cUTIs that can be acted on immediately to improve patient outcomes and aid antibiotic stewardship by preventing the unnecessary use of inappropriate antibiotics.
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. -
Bioxytech Retina, Inc.
SBIR Phase II: Non-Invasive Retinal Oximetry for Detecting Diabetic Retinopathy prior to Structural Damage
Contact
2600 HILLTOP DR BLDG B STE 132
Belmont, CA 94002--2011
NSF Award
1853245 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$981,539
Start / end date
03/01/2019 – 03/31/2023 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
This SBIR Phase II project demonstrates and clinically validates a novel, non-invasive imaging technology to detect diabetic retinopathy before structural damage occurs. Diabetic retinopathy is among the leading causes of vision loss in the world. This devastating complication of both type I and II diabetes results in structural damage to the sensitive vasculature of the retina. Once structural damage is inflicted, it is difficult, if not impossible, to ameliorate it. Small changes in the retinal vasculature's oxygen saturation have been shown to be a reliable indicator of diabetic retinopathy before structural damage occurs. Since there is no clinical non-invasive technology capable of detecting these small functional changes, a major need exists for new retinal oximetry technologies. Diabetic retinopathy affects 200 million people worldwide. The American Diabetes Association reports that the cost of diabetes in the US in 2012 was $245 billion, including $69 billion in reduced productivity and $176 billion in medical costs. Since 40% of diabetics are anticipated to develop diabetic retinopathy, the estimated economic cost of diabetic retinopathy is $98 billion annually. By mitigating the occurrence of diabetic retinopathy, this technology will help reduce the cost of diabetic retinopathy treatment, its overall economic burden, and help save the vision of millions of people around the world.
The primary technical innovation behind the proposed technology is its use of a novel physics-based model to overcome the challenges of high-resolution retinal imaging. These challenges include the multi-layered structure of the retina, absorbance dynamics, and the need to produce an image in one snapshot to reduce motion artifacts. Compared with existing methods based on structural imaging, the successful outcome of this project will become a commercial technology-of-choice for ophthalmologists around the world, enabling cost-effective detection of early stage diabetic retinopathy or pre-retinopathy. The development of the technology proceeds through iterative optimization between laboratory and real-use environments to generate robust, validated data. Specifically, in Phase II, the research objectives of the project are pursued in two parallel tracks: 1) refinement of the core imaging system, and 2) validation using model and human subjects in a clinical environment. The outcome of this project will be an easy-to-use, reliable diagnostic imaging and monitoring technology with proven clinical utility in detecting the onset of diabetic retinopathy based on functional properties, before structural damage has occurred 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. -
CATHBUDDY, INC.
SBIR Phase II: Development and Design Verification of a Reusable, No-Touch Catheter System
Contact
841 E FAYETTE ST
Syracuse, NY 13210--1521
NSF Award
2147852 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,000,000
Start / end date
03/01/2022 – 02/29/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will be to advance a novel, reusable, intermittent, urinary catheterization system from a functional prototype to the final production-equivalent device. By progressing the system through additional design improvements and FDA submission, the goal of this project is to enable the product to reach the hands of individuals who require intermittent catheters to urinate. Current intermittent urinary catheter use is fraught with complications including frequent urinary tract infections, expensive supplies, and large material footprints, as well as the generation of a significant amount of plastic waste. This project seeks to improve the current catheter landscape by allowing for commercialization of a reusable catheter system that will reduce contact contamination during insertion, reduce plastic waste, and enable widespread use of high-quality urinary catheters by decreasing the per-use cost. Through these improvements, healthcare costs associated with intermittent catheterization can be dramatically decreased. Additionally, based on frequent interactions with individuals who catheterize and suffer from impaired dexterity, the design of the system will incorporate the needs and ideas of people who are often ignored during innovation within the current catheterization space.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will finalize the design of a novel, reusable, intermittent urinary catheterization system and portable reprocessing device as well as advance the system towards commercialization. Intermittent urinary catheterization is a technologically static field that has not changed significantly since the 1970s, with minimal improvements in urinary tract infection risk, supply cost, and environmental waste reduction. While the associated SBIR Phase I project established proof-of-concept catheter reprocessing, the Phase II project will include optimization and more advanced microbiologic efficacy testing. This assessment will focus on specifically addressing concerns regarding lubrication and compactness brought up during SBIR Phase I customer discovery activities, as well as multiple reuse reprocessing.
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. -
CEREVU MEDICAL, INC.
SBIR Phase II: Remote Monitoring of Patients in Respiratory Distress
Contact
688 MISSOURI ST
San Francisco, CA 94107--2839
NSF Award
2136554 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,000,000
Start / end date
01/01/2022 – 12/31/2024 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to advance a real-time assessment system for patients at risk of respiratory distress. The goal is to monitor these patients and avoid hospital admissions or re-admissions for previously discharged patients. The first envisioned application is monitoring of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), for which there is no cure - but the disease can be managed with diligent surveillance. The envisioned remote patient monitoring system will enhance patient care and outcomes by providing early warning of COPD flare-ups, thus reducing the need for emergency hospital visits and admissions. This system will provide healthcare workers and caregivers added time to implement protocols, such as inhaler-based drug delivery, thus reducing critical events for COPD, as well as COVID-19, asthma, pneumonia, and other respiratory illnesses.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to develop a reusable device monitoring biomarkers of nociceptive pain, dyspnea, and coughing dynamics, along with traditional vital sign measurements. The project will develop a reusable device with a rechargeable battery and replaceable adhesives for prolonged use during the duration of the monitoring period. Additionally, the user interface will be optimized for the display of pertinent symptoms to the patient, caregivers, and medical personnel providing remote care from a centralized monitoring center. The efficient sharing of continuous changes in patient status will allow for the most effective personalized treatment. The project will develop a system with appropriate cybersecurity protocols.
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. -
CLARIA MEDICAL, INC.
SBIR Phase II: A Safe, Fast, and Cost-Effective System for Tissue Removal in Laparoscopic Transabdominal Hysterectomy and Myomectomy
Contact
2586 WYANDOTTE ST UNIT 2
Mountain View, CA 94043--2315
NSF Award
2210308 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,000,000
Start / end date
06/15/2022 – 05/31/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to make minimally invasive surgeries involving tissue removal safer, faster, simpler, and more cost-effective through the introduction of a novel tissue containment and removal system. The initial target market will focus on improving procedures for hysterectomy or uterus removal, usually because of enlargement due to uterine fibroids. Gynecologic surgeons perform approximately 500,000 hysterectomies per year in the United States and there is an urgent need for improved solutions for tissue removal. The proposed system: (1) lowers the risks of morbidity and mortality during minimally invasive surgery; (2) saves substantial time; and (3) enables conversion of open hysterectomies to minimally invasive with faster and safer tools, reducing healthcare costs by thousands of dollars per patient.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to provide a hysterectomy and myomectomy tissue containment and surgical extraction system. This project has three main objectives: First, demonstrate that a novel laparoscopic system is an effective barrier in preventing potential upstaging of occult cancers, passes electrical safety testing, passes sterilization validation, and passes biocompatibility testing. Second, develop an appropriate training program for surgeon users. Third, demonstrate that the laparoscopic system is intuitive to use, safe, and effective.
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. -
CODON LEARNING, INC.
SBIR Phase II: Developing a courseware platform that helps students develop self-regulated learning skills
Contact
607 10TH ST STE 307
Golden, CO 80401--5829
NSF Award
2127314 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$999,724
Start / end date
01/15/2022 – 12/31/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to develop courseware that will catalyze the use of inclusive, evidence-based teaching and learning practices. Such practices have been empirically shown to improve learning outcomes and retention rates for postsecondary Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) students, particularly those from historically underserved groups: first-generation college attendees, students from racial and ethnic minorities, and students from low-income families. These practices have not been widely adopted because instructors lack the time and resources needed to shift from a lecture-based course to one grounded in evidence-based practices and students struggle to use the evidence-based study strategies that are more effective for college courses. This project helps instructors design and teach inclusive, high-structure courses and helps students develop stronger metacognition and self-regulated learning skills, both of which will lead to more equitable outcomes for students from historically underserved communities.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to create novel courseware that helps students develop self-regulated learning skills and guides instructors to design and teach aligned, high-structure courses. Both of these practices are supported by empirical research. However, these practices are underutilized, not because of a lack of understanding or evidence of their efficacy, but because instructors lack time to design a high-structure course and work one-on-one with students to develop their learning skills. Instructors need a courseware tool to help students effectively reap the known benefits of these practices. Using this courseware platform, instructors and students will benefit from rich sets of actionable learning data that help them adjust their teaching and learning. Research will be conducted ? with results disaggregated by race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, and first-generation status ? to determine whether the courseware improves students? self-regulated learning skills and instructors? use of evidence-based teaching 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. -
COLLAMEDIX INC.
SBIR Phase II: Biofabrication of a collagen fabric by scaled-up electrochemical compaction
Contact
11000 CEDAR AVE STE 270C
Cleveland, OH 44120--2539
NSF Award
2126531 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$987,918
Start / end date
09/01/2021 – 08/31/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader societal impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to improve clinical care through the use of new materials to support biological functions. This project will develop a material for a variety of surgical implants for soft tissue repair and support. This project specifically develops a sling implant for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in women. These conditions cause significant loss of function and quality of life. The current solution, polypropylene mesh implants, can cause adverse events such as pain and mesh exposure. Collagen is more biocompatible than polypropylene and should produce equivalent outcomes with fewer adverse events. In the longer term, other applications for this biofabric include implants for orthopedic repairs, hernia treatment, nerve regeneration, and general surgery.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to scale up the manufacturing process for producing a novel biofabric made from electrocompacted collagen threads. This biofabric is highly biocompatible, induces a positive tissue response, and resorbs slowly. The technical advances proposed include the development of higher speed and throughput equipment and processes to manufacture the thread and biofabric. This project advances the manufacturing process associated with scaled production, as well as creating the verification and validation procedures.
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. -
COMPLETIONAI LLC
SBIR Phase II: Simplifying the use of recycled plastics in film extrusion
Contact
20 HIGH ST
Marblehead, MA 01945--3408
NSF Award
2212917 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$981,780
Start / end date
02/01/2023 – 01/31/2025 (Estimated)
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will be to allow recycled plastics to be used more efficiently and affordably than is currently possible. Regulatory and societal pressures are forcing reconsideration of single use plastics, and manufacturers of plastic film must use recycled plastic at higher quantities. However, it is difficult for the manufacturers to affordably reincorporate single-use plastics due to the low quality and unpredictable content of the material. Increasing yield of usable plastics through use of the proposed technology is expected to reduce waste, offering the potential to annually save 6.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions in the US and Canada, and 28 million metric tons globally. Also, the greater use of artificial intelligence in manufacturing is of strategic advantage to the US, with the proposed technology also applicable to metals, paper, or advanced materials. Furthermore, skills shortages are impacting manufacturing and are likely to worsen due to a rapidly aging workforce. A great deal of on-the-job expertise will be lost in the coming years as a generation of experienced operators retires. The proposed solution can ease this transition, acting as an expert decision system to carry the intelligence forward and help maintain US manufacturing competitiveness.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will apply artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and process control methods to plastic film extrusion, and subsequently to other types of manufacturing. Currently hardware solutions exist for manufacturers, though they can be expensive, difficult to use and maintain, and can require specialized skills to use. By contrast, the proposed technology is a software-based approach to the control of complex plastic film extrusion processes, particularly in the context of widely variable input materials such as recycled plastics. The AI software will be robust to changes in the production environment and will account for process drift over time. These technology capabilities are industrially novel and not known in the academic literature. Phase I outcomes suggest that the technology can automatically control extrusion processes to achieve optimal steady state production faster than is the currently possible via human control. The AI-based expert system effectively recreates the knowledge tacitly held by long-experienced factory operators. This type of industrial automation has the potential to be value-generating for the wider manufacturing sector. The proposed technology may be applicable to a wider range of extrusion manufacturing processes, such as extrusion of metals, paper or 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. -
CONCHA INC.
SBIR Phase II: Software Technology for Improved Perception of Speech/Audio to Self Personalize Hearing Aids/Devices
Contact
855 SOMERSET CT
San Carlos, CA 94070--3516
NSF Award
2154649 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$996,723
Start / end date
08/01/2022 – 07/31/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to potentially provide personalized hearing health care for those with hearing loss. Providing a customized amplification device and app solution that allows the user to understand speech more clearly may avoid audiologist appointments and allow the user to take control of their hearing right from their phone. Hearing loss is often associated with decreased employment and potentially lower income. An effective amplification device may enable those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss to improve their employment and earnings. Additionally, this technology may remove the discomfort that certain populations experience within the medical system and provide individualized empowerment in relation to their hearing.
This SBIR Phase II project seeks to deliver personalized sound profiles from the comfort of the user?s home at a fraction of the cost of traditional hearing aid solutions. This self-fitting technology differentiates is differentiaed from the majority of over-the-counter or direct-to-consumer hearing solutions as the new technology allow the hearing aid enable personalize sound profiles in a variety of different listening environments. The technological goals are to allow users to optimize sound profiles in situ for live sound environments, and to standardize the software platform to enable partnerships with any hardware manufacturer in order to expand the suite of products that can help people hear clearly. The proposed project will continue the development of the technology including: increasing the range of frequencies that are adjusted during the self-fitting process, including the adjustment of non-linear gain parameters in the self-fitting process, an allowing users to obtain profiles for different listening environments.
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. -
CONOVATE, INC.
SBIR Phase II: Domestically produced, novel carbon-based active anode materials for rechargeable lithium ion batteries
Contact
1408 E OLIVE ST
Shorewood, WI 53211--1828
NSF Award
2132769 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,000,000
Start / end date
09/15/2022 – 08/31/2024 (Estimated)
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project is both to provide novel, domestically produced raw materials to the US battery supply chain and to generate affordable, safer, fast-charging, long-lasting lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) for electronics. With these raw materials, the US can manufacture lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) using its own resources; US battery manufacturers need no longer depend on foreign suppliers. The manufacturing process will employ readily available US manufacturing capabilities to generate domestically produced, value-added materials and thus strengthen the high-tech US economy that critically needs new materials for more effective energy storage. Further, the proposed materials will improve battery performance and safety, such as in wireless, battery-powered medical devices (e.g., implants and sensors) that use phone apps to monitor people's health and welfare. These apps need improved LIBs made from novel, lighter, and safer anode materials that can charge faster and store more energy than current versions.
This SBIR Phase II project proposes to introduce a value-added active anode material with high-quality performance to the battery supply chain. The anode material aims to reduce the quantity of expensive?but critical?cathode materials (Ni, Co, and others) required for successful battery designs. Funding will enable upgraded production methods to produce anode material at scale, thus demonstrating how to produce a lithiated version of the anode material which will increase its desirability for battery manufacturers. The main R&D activities will improve both key desirable performance value propositions through engineering optimization approaches to synthesis and scaleup, and improve upon the currently low initial coulombic efficiency for the first charging cycle through introducing pre-lithiation and full-lithiation methodologies. Research outcomes include: (1) a value-added active anode material?with higher capacity than graphite mid potential between lithium titanate and graphite, low irreversible lithium capacity loss, and potentially increased lithium availability?to reduce the size and cost of the overall battery system per kWh, (2) a third-party demonstration of minimum viable product 200mAh batteries with superior performance, and (3) a roadmap for battery manufacturers to effectively incorporate additive amounts of the novel, lithiated material (even to completely replacing graphite) in existing battery designs.
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. -
CORDANCE MEDICAL INC.
SBIR Phase II: Transcranial Dynamic Focused Ultrasound for the Non-Invasive Opening of the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)
Contact
2483 OLD MIDDLEFIELD WAY STE 205
Mountain View, CA 94043--2330
NSF Award
2111810 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$998,501
Start / end date
07/15/2021 – 06/30/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to enable new therapeutic strategies to treat brain diseases such a brain cancer. Treating brain diseases is challenging partly because of the existence of an anatomical structure called the blood-brain barrier. This barrier prevents the entry of almost all therapeutic molecules into the brain tissue from the blood. This has led to a devastating impact on the patients and society as a whole. As an example, for glioblastoma, the most common form of primary malignant brain tumors, the five-year survival rate is only 6.8%. Impact and commercial potential include increased treatment options where few or none are available and improved patient outcomes, all with a system that is patient-friendly and designed to cause minimal disruption to the existing treatment workflows. Additionally, the advancement of this project will provide a convenient tool for drug developers to study and develop new drugs without the need to develop a special carrier to transport drugs into the brain.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project involves designing and building a prototype version of a system that can deliver therapies to the brain in a non-invasive and non-intrusive manner. The performance of this system to accurately deliver to regions of interest within the brain will be measured and characterized in a test environment mimicking that of a human head. This project will advance a prototype for use in both clinical and research settings.
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. -
CORELESS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
SBIR Phase II: Large-Scale Synthesis of Hollow Metal Nanospheres: Conversion of Batch Synthesis to Continuous Flow
Contact
2125 DELAWARE AVE STE D
Santa Cruz, CA 95060--4942
NSF Award
2127133 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$991,478
Start / end date
01/01/2022 – 12/31/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is based upon establishing a consistent, reliable source of high-quality hollow metal nanoparticles, thus enabling their commercial adoption in applications where they markedly outperform their conventional counterparts. One such application is point-of-use testing: by switching to hollow metal nanoparticles, lateral flow assays will reach higher levels of sensitivity and lower limits of detection, improving field testing for environmental contamination; detection of toxins and pathogens in agriculture; and early disease identification in clinical and veterinary care. Integration into rapid antibody and antigen tests for highly contagious diseases such as COVID-19 should prove particularly impactful, as the resulting higher sensitivity would reduce the occurrence of false negative results, thereby improving the performance (and public perception) of rapid testing. Critically, it would also improve baseline testing availability for rural and under-served populations who do not have access to PCR-equipped clinical laboratories. They can be applied to many other industries as well.
This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will advance the state of the art of continuous flow synthesis of plasmonic nanomaterials. Nanoparticle synthesis is a highly sensitive process, and obtaining high quality samples of advanced architectures has previously required labor-intensive, small-batch processes incompatible with large-scale production. Simply scaling traditional batch techniques has led to product with poor quality and prohibitive costs. This project advances a prototype reactor that has demonstrated high-throughput production of hollow plasmonic nanoparticles with control over size and color, while maintaining structural uniformity (<15% CV). Importantly, it reduced the cost of labor per liter of product by 950% from that of small batch synthesis. The proposed project will increase fidelity, further scale production volume, post-process and stabilize the final product, and benchmark its optical performance. The resulting production-scale reactor will have the capacity necessary to supply LFA manufacturers with ready-to-use, advanced color labels. It will enable new research and new nano-enabled devices by creating a consistent commercial supply of high performance plasmonic nanostructures with well-controlled physical properties. The manufacture of hollow metal nanoparticles for point-of-use testing applications will also pave the way for their expansion into other industries that would also benefit from their advantageous optical and photothermal plasmonic properties, such as photocatalysis, water purification, and phototherapeutics.
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. -
CREATIVE BIOTHERAPEUTICS LLC
SBIR Phase II: Stress Pathway Inhibition To Prevent COVID-19 Infection (COVID-19)
Contact
4835 KINGS WAY W
Gurnee, IL 60031--3257
NSF Award
2150149 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$990,000
Start / end date
04/01/2022 – 03/31/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project advance the treatment of COVID-19. A viral infection like that leading to COVID-19 creates stress on cells similar to cancer, obesity, diabetes and aging. This project advances a single non-toxic injection for critical patients to reduce cellular stress, block virus infection, and increase survival. In addition, this biologic therapy is also effective against the SARS-CoV-2 mutations, Ebola, and Influenza A. This has the potential to transform treatment for virus infections and cancer therapy.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project advances a treatment to end COVID-19 by blocking the SARS-CoV-2 receptors on lung cells. The project advances discoveries that a survival protein, GRP78, is essential for virus infectivity and that an associated inhibitor can prevent infection. The project optimizes methods to use a lead GRP78 inhibitor to block spike proteins (SPs) of SARS-CoV-2 and mutations, as well as other virus receptor binding domains (RBDs) from binding to receptors and to lung cells. It is anticipated that the efficacy of the lead GRP78 inhibitor to block whole virus SARS-CoV-2, Ebola, and Influenza A viruses? infection on lung cells will exceed 99%.
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. -
CROSSLINK COMPOSITES, INC.
SBIR Phase II: Tailored Carbon Fiber Technology for High Volume Industrial Applications
Contact
1540 RIGGS CHAPEL RD
Harriman, TN 37748--0000
NSF Award
2126896 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$987,861
Start / end date
11/15/2021 – 10/31/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR ) Phase II project will be to address the customized needs of automotive applications with tailored high performance-low cost carbon fiber (HP-LCCF) products that are not currently commercially available. The broader impact of HP-LCCF technology is to enable hydrogen fuel cell vehicle technologies to help mitigate the climate change linked emissions caused by fossil fuel powered vehicles. Volume projections of HP-LCCF for this application are expected to ramp up significantly over the ten years. After successful entry into the automotive market, the focus will be expanded to address needs in the wind energy market and with a tailored HP-LCCF product to enable longer blades for larger and more efficient wind turbines. This technology will help spur global adoption of clean, renewable energy sources.
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project develops a process where heavy tow carbon fiber is subdivided using an electromechanical splitting process that can maintain an acceptable range of regular tow carbon fiber linear densities. Subsequent tailoring trials will verify the capability to achieve and maintain the linear density targets provided by the automotive industry partners who will, in turn, perform downstream manufacturability trials. Subdividing the heavy tows enables a seamless commercial entry into customers' downstream composite manufacturing processes without an inherent, potentially fatal heavy tow defect. Such defects are typically non-uniform intra-band tension caused by the transverse catenary forces across the tow band. Achieving high band linear density and variable intra-band tension are significant barriers for the commercial adoption of heavy tow high performance, low cost carbon fibers (HP-LCCF). The process developed here may eliminate such issues and achieve commercially relevant HP-LCCF.
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. -
CYPRIS MATERIALS, INC.
SBIR Phase II: Structural Color for Sustainable Printing
Contact
626 BANCROFT WAY STE A
Berkeley, CA 94710--2262
NSF Award
2111820 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$999,929
Start / end date
08/15/2021 – 07/31/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to commercialize a novel and sustainable approach to color in inks, paints and other colored coatings. The project develops a materials platform for structural color, a method of color generation that can be an environmentally safer alternative to current coloration techniques (such as organic dyes, inorganic pigments, and effect pigments) and also can eliminate many common formulation challenges. The technology developed here is a drop-in polymer binder that can replace or co-exist with commercial ink binders, providing coloration without pigments or dyes. The materials are designed from the same building blocks that constitute widely utilized polymers commonly found in food packaging.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project addresses key risks and technical challenges associated with commercializing brush block copolymer based photonic crystals. This advanced materials platform is ideal for large-area reflective materials due to the low cost of the raw materials and the simplicity of "bottom-up" fabrication by macromolecular self-assembly. To achieve real-world commercial use, both the chemistries used in production of the polymeric building blocks and the inkjet printing deposition methods of the resulting structural color inks will be further developed. The activities in this Phase II project will develop viable chemistries for commercial scaling, establish a large-scale deposition method with industrial inkjet processes, implement cross-linking strategies compatible on the time-scale of self-assembly, and characterize and improve upon the color gamut of the first tunable printable structural color ink 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. -
Camerad Technologies, LLC
SBIR Phase II: Point-of-Care Patient Photography Integrated with Medical Imaging
Contact
2098 SYLVANIA DRIVE
Decatur, GA 30033--2616
NSF Award
1853142 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$759,942
Start / end date
05/15/2019 – 04/30/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is the widespread adoption of an efficient and accessible technology to integrate patient photographs with radiology images to improve patient safety, increase healthcare efficiency, and reconnect radiologists with their patients. A successful commercialization outcome is this adoption leading to direct cost-savings in healthcare by improving patient safety and hospital quality; even a 10% improvement in radiologists' efficiency leads to healthcare savings of ~$900 million. The broader impact of this novel technology is that it can provide patient authentication for the digital data being generated by hundreds of new digital medical devices. Any of this digital data could end up in the wrong patient's medical record and authentication is crucial. Rapid advances in smart, telehealth systems present the danger that patients can turn into mere data, but these photographs can return the interpreting physician's focus to the patient, leading to improved outcomes through patient-centered care. The technology achieves this by allowing doctors to connect with the patient as a person before diving deep and exploring data at anatomic, physiologic and molecular levels.
This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will seamlessly and securely integrate a radiology patient identification system to improve patient safety, by avoiding preventable errors, and enhance throughput. This transformative approach overcomes the failure of existing patient identification methods while harnessing the power of an embedded camera system to improve patient care. Technology to automatically and simultaneously obtain and embed audio and video data of the patient during X-ray and CT acquisition will be developed under this award. Specifically, the following objectives will be completed: 1) develop a mature software framework for rapid system scalability to a large number of hospitals, 2) expand the system to CT scanners and stationary X-ray machines, 3) improve image quality by adding infrared stereoscopic image capture, to ensure photographs add value even when obtained in low light settings, 4) enhancing the cameras with video and audio capabilities, which will improve patient identification, while simultaneously gathering rich clinical information, and 5) refine the triggering method for photograph acquisition. The long-term objectives are to increase the detection rate of wrong-patient errors by embedding an intrinsic, externally visible biometric identifier with medical imaging studies; and increase interpreting physician throughput by decreasing interpretation 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. -
Capacitech Energy, Inc
SBIR Phase II: Self-Powering Textiles for Electronic Wearables
Contact
3251 PROGRESS DR STE 140A
Orlando, FL 32826--2931
NSF Award
2139803 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$936,667
Start / end date
09/15/2022 – 08/31/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project is to enable innovations in wireless Internet-of-Things (IoT), wearable sensors, and wearable products. Portable electric energy is a key component in many technological devices. This project advances a transformative technology that integrates energy capture, storage, and delivery into a single device to advance the portability and utility of small electronic devices.
This SBIR Phase II project proposes to overcome two key challenges faced in wireless IoT, wearable, and electronic products: battery life, and the costly inconvenience of frequently replacing batteries. The project integrates advanced solar cell, supercapacitor, and power electronic technologies into a single unit (Supercell) easily connected to electronic loads. Design priorities include physical flexibility, wide operating temperature range, heat management, ultra-low Equivalent Series Resistance and leakage, high energy storage capacity, and good operating efficiency. The approach pairs solar cell and supercapacitor technologies to work together, each complementing the other. Advantages include size, weight, and installed lifetime cost, when compared with single-use batteries, or with discrete solar cells. The proposed work will accelerate adoption of IoT, wearable, and electronic technologies by offering a better source of energy than field-replaceable batteries or discrete solar cells.
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. -
Central Inventions, Inc.
SBIR Phase II: A System for Enhancing Metacognitive and Problem-Solving Abilities in Engineers
Contact
1733 WOODSIDE RD STE 360
Redwood City, CA 94061--3400
NSF Award
2128721 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$999,978
Start / end date
09/01/2021 – 08/31/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project involves both reduced costs for technology companies as well as increased access to cutting-edge engineering jobs for people from all backgrounds. Commercializing this product will provide the market with an innovative, automated solution that reduces the time hiring managers spend on recruiting and growing the best candidates. Until now, metacognitive skill development has been the purview of in-person mentors ? a practice that provides fewer on-ramps into engineering careers for individuals from backgrounds historically underrepresented in technology as they often lack access to in-person engineer mentors. A scalable system which delivers metacognitive benefits to users in an automated way may create greater access to technology education by reducing the need for in-person mentorship. The product will also enable job seekers to enhance their engineering potential by strengthening the "hard to teach" practices which distinguish professional engineers from aspiring ones. Overall, the product commercialized during Phase II seeks to increase broader participation in engineering careers and a more equitable set of hiring practices in technology companies.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project brings cutting-edge Cognitive Science to bear on the problems of manual candidate screening and ongoing employee upskilling. For the first-time, it marries an Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS) with an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and opens the door to build talent pipelines for individuals whose metacognitive traits match closely with the needs of tech employers. The proposed project combines key advances in the field of Cognitive Science with best practices in software design in order to create novel user interactions inside a Computer-Based Learning Environment (CBLE). Objectives include: 1) collecting microdata (also called "trace data") from user interactions to make automated inferences about the user's metacognitive traits and 2) creating inputs designed to foster metacognitive growth. Correlating real-time trace data with metacognitive ability is a new area of research enabled only recently by the increased adoption of CBLEs. The proposed project contributes to the fields of Cognitive Science and Human-Computer Interaction by validating novel methods measuring metacognition against existing static look-back techniques. The project also pioneers new modes of delivering personalized metacognitive growth through CBLE interaction.
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. -
Charmtech Labs LLC
SBIR Phase II: PeTeS: Personalized Text Simplification For Struggling Readers (COVID-19)
Contact
77 GOODELL ST STE 441
Stony Brook, NY 11794--4600
NSF Award
2036502 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,000,000
Start / end date
06/15/2021 – 05/31/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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This phase II award received additional funding to mitigate the COVID-19 crisis.Abstract
This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project seeks to develop a Personalized Text Simplification (PeTeS) technology to be used as a Computer Assisted Tool for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Several automatic text simplification tools are available in the market. Unfortunately, the existing tools are one-size-fits-all solutions offering no personalization and not supporting the teacher?s instructional goals. The innovation of PeTeS is in the use of Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing algorithms to perform automatic text simplification customizing texts for each student, enabling him/her to understand the curriculum and improve vocabulary knowledge at the same time. PeTeS will be compatible with both independent use by students and teacher-driven data-driven instruction. PeTeS will be usable both in class and in remote education settings, which is a new critical demand in our schools caused by COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this Phase II Project is to fully develop the PeTeS product and evaluate its effectiveness in classroom and remote education settings.
The objective of this Phase II Project is to develop PeTeS a Personalized Text Simplification tool. PeTeS will enable teachers of material in courses such as education, reading, language, and literacy coaches to provide personalized reading accommodations and intervention to their students to improve their reading skills by automatically simplifying the text to match the individual student?s knowledge. PeTeS will be compatible with both independent use by students and teacher-driven data-driven instruction. PeTeS will be usable both in class and in remote education settings, which is a new critical demand in our schools caused by COVID-19 pandemic.
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. -
Circle Optics LLC
SBIR Phase II: Fast Panoramic Image Capture for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Contact
260 E MAIN ST STE 6408
Rochester, NY 14604--2100
NSF Award
2136737 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$999,499
Start / end date
03/15/2022 – 02/29/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact / commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to enable wider adoption of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) across industries such as real estate, agriculture, construction, energy, entertainment, oil & gas, and journalism. The project develops advanced UAV camera systems with seamless 360-degree imaging capabilities to increase flight time and the imaging capability. End users benefit from reduced labor demands and real-time high-fidelity images of remote areas otherwise inaccessible. Industrial inspections, crop management, field surveying, and site security are most often conducted by deploying humans into the field - often creating labor bottlenecks and potentially dangerous situations. Adoption of UAVs for these applications can be limited by image processing that consumes too much power for UAV use, delayed image presentation affecting navigation capabilities, or image artifacts that obscure the details pertinent to market needs. These limitations can all be overcome with the camera technologies developed here.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project develops a lightweight, parallax-free, 360-degree panoramic camera system with an innovative optical design based on a polyhedron-shaped configuration of adjacent cameras. Each camera's field of view closely abuts but does not overlap with the next, enabling seamless and computationally simplistic capture of images from 360-degree views, while limiting blind regions and lost content between cameras. This approach eliminates the stitching errors and image distortion associated with wide angle lenses and multi-camera systems, and reduces the computational demand for 360-degree image capture. As a result, low energy edge-computing presents images in real time with minimal impact on flight time or energy use in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) applications. Furthermore, this project advances system designs optimized for UAV weight and size, as well as improved concepts for kinematic space frames, in which the cameras can be integrated to form robust multi-camera 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. -
Clairways LLC
SBIR Phase II: Medical Device for Monitoring Respiratory Disease
Contact
16 CAVENDISH CT
Lebanon, NH 03766--1441
NSF Award
2132716 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$999,612
Start / end date
09/15/2021 – 08/31/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
This award is funded in whole or in part under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-2).
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II Project is to aid the development of new and better respiratory therapeutics. Over 1 billion individuals suffer from chronic respiratory diseases including conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic cough, and bronchiectasis. COPD is the third deadliest disease in the U.S. and globally. Due to the prevalence and impact of these diseases, $8.6 billion is invested in respiratory clinical trials annually. Currently, in respiratory therapy research and pharma clinical trials, participants? coughing and wheezing can be a primary or secondary endpoint for measuring drug efficacy. Current solutions for capturing daily fluctuations in cough or respiration are burdensome to use and often produce unreliable data that is less helpful for drawing reproducible conclusions. Additionally, these current solutions add significantly to the cost of respiratory therapy clinical trials. This SBIR Project seeks to address these challenges by producing a wearable device that passively captures accurate, remote data that is essential to unlocking scientific discoveries in respiratory care. This project serves an urgent, unmet need for a reliable, low-effort, low-cost way to measure daily fluctuations in clinical trial participant respiratory signs.
The proposed Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II Project employs advanced edge computing to address challenges in objectively monitoring respiratory signs. The proposed activity may make advances in the field of ultra-low power biomedical wearable devices. In particular, new nonlinear analog processing techniques will be developed to make it feasible for long-term monitoring of respiratory signs, including coughing and wheezing. The resulting analog techniques may also be used to implement other types of state-of-the-art medical wearable 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. -
Codecraft Works, LLC
SBIR Phase II: A Co-creation, Cross-curricular, Standard Aligned Computer Science, Engineering, and Cybersecurity Education Technology Platform
Contact
2428 IRWIN ST
Melbourne Beach, FL 32951--2716
NSF Award
1831060 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$888,640
Start / end date
09/15/2018 – 06/30/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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This phase II award received additional funding to mitigate the COVID-19 crisis.Abstract
This SBIR Phase II project aims to transform the lives and future economic opportunities of young people and their communities through democratized access to cross-curricular computer science, engineering, and cybersecurity education. Daily life, economies, innovation, and national security all depend on having a strong and skilled STEM workforce. For this workforce to exist, our schools must provide the necessary education and experience to prepare students for such careers. Unfortunately, a vast majority of K-12 educators today are not equipped with the resources to do so successfully. The importance of solving this problem cannot be overstated; developing a plentitude of competent STEM professionals is critical to ensure economic and security stability. These project goals are aligned with NSF?s mission to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; and to secure the national defense. The resulting technology innovation is of potential service to more than 50 million primary and secondary school students and 3.5 million educators nationally, with an ability to impact their course of study, improve STEM outcomes, increase hands-on project-based experience, and improve future economic opportunities.
This technology innovation emerges at the intersection of cloud-based software technology, real-time collaboration tools, and learning management systems. This reimagined technology tool easily connects, attracts, and fosters delivery of cross-curricular, educational computing literacy resources aligned with national and state educational standards. The project aims to empower and support educators and students in tackling the many new opportunities and growing number of resources in computer science (CS) and engineering education at home, in classrooms, and in community centers. As the CS education landscape evolves with new and exciting technical curriculum, this innovation analyzes the willingness of educators to create or adopt new computer science education, the effectiveness of real-time collaboration tools on CS education outcomes, and measures student awareness and feelings about computer science and engineering disciplines. This technology innovation promotes customer participation and a unique ability to provide support at the ground level in real-time. There are solutions that provide massive online CS courses and curricula; however, none targeting K-12 classrooms or educators which support and integrate cross-curricular computer science, engineering, and cybersecurity education. Offering cloud-based, synchronous technology tools this technology enables real-time, expert mentoring and pair-programming in a K12 virtual learning environment on a massive 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. -
Cognii, Inc.
SBIR Phase II: Virtual Learning Assistants for Open Response Assessments
Contact
1550 BAY ST APT 312
San Francisco, CA 94103--2533
NSF Award
1831250 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$800,000
Start / end date
09/01/2018 – 08/31/2023 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
This SBIR Phase II project focuses on creating scalable Virtual Learning Assistant technology for automatic educational assessments using open response questions. Educational researchers and experts believe that the best pedagogies responsible for improving students' learning outcomes involve (i) open response questions assessments and (ii) one-to-one instructional tutoring. Students learn better when they are given an opportunity to construct answers in their own words instead of selecting from multiple choices and when they receive immediate guidance and coaching. However, these two pedagogies are very time consuming and expensive to implement, making them very difficult to scale. The proposed project will apply the most advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Natural Language Processing to solve both these problems. Students will benefit from the interactive formative assessment that engages them in a natural language conversation. This innovation is applicable across the grade levels in K-12, higher education, and adult learning and across the subject areas including the sciences. It will facilitate implementation of more rigorous academic standards and make online education more effective. This innovation will improve students' learning outcomes, save teachers' time and reduce the cost of delivering high quality engaging education at a large scale.
This project will create a new type of virtual assistant technology that is exclusively focused on education. The proposed Virtual Learning Assistant (VLA) will advance the conversational AI technology to create pedagogically rich learning and assessment environments for any topic in a content area. The VLA is uniquely distinct from general purpose virtual assistants in its ability to evaluate an open response answer instead of merely serving information. This project will investigate and create various algorithms for processing natural language input arising in an educational setting across different subjects or topics. The resulting mobile and web based product will allow teachers to create new high-quality assessment items with minimal input and assign them to their students. When a student answers a question, the VLA will analyze it instantly for linguistic syntax and semantics using statistical and deterministic knowledge representations. The VLA will generate not only a numerical score reflecting the accuracy of the answer, but also a qualitative feedback that will guide the student towards conceptual mastery of the topic. As part of this Phase II research, a pilot study will be conducted each year involving teachers and students to study the efficacy of the VLA and its scalability.
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. -
Cognitive ToyBox
SBIR Phase II: Facilitating Early Childhood Teacher and Family Engagement During COVID-19
Contact
150 COURT ST STE 2
Brooklyn, NY 11201--6274
NSF Award
2151349 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$964,915
Start / end date
07/15/2022 – 06/30/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to ease the burden on early childhood teachers and ensure they have the information needed to support children?s learning. COVID-19 has upended the lives of millions of children and families and disproportionately affected low-income children. The incoming class of preschoolers have increasingly variable levels of development and skills than ever before, and educators need to assess their need and help them to catch up academically. The industry leading tools in early childhood assessment rely solely on observation-based assessment, in which teachers make judgments about a child?s performance based on observations made in the classroom. Observation-based measures have limitations, including time burden, teacher bias, and variability in scoring due to differences in teacher education and training. Observational assessment is especially challenging in the remote context, since teachers were not able to physically monitor children?s development. Even when children are back in the classroom, face masks may shield some of the more subtle cues around learning and development.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to ensure an accurate assessment of child development, so that teachers can leverage the data for tailored instruction to help children catch up from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Child assessments are typically observational or direct. This Phase II project collects both observational and direct data, providing an opportunity to compare the data and help teachers understand areas where there may be assessment error due to teacher bias or other factors. At the end of Phase II, it is anticipated that teachers will have access to a self-led teacher training and reliability certification, which may help to ensure a more consistent assessment experience in the classroom. Moreover, educational programs will have access to an assessment quality monitoring dashboard that seeks to highlight differences between observation and game-based assessment scores and provide a path towards reconciliation. Educational programs may be able to customize this technology to fit the needs of English language learners, who are often subject to assessor bias. Finally, teachers may be able to leverage the game-based assessments to understand both academic and ?soft? skill development. Overall, the technology may\provide teachers with a robust child assessment system that helps them to accurately and efficiently assess whole child development.
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. -
CorInnova Incorporated
SBIR Phase II: Minimally invasive device for restoration of ventricular diastolic recoil without blood contact
Contact
2450 HOLCOMBE BLVD STE J
Houston, TX 77021--2041
NSF Award
2132339 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$994,019
Start / end date
12/01/2021 – 11/30/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to provide a device-based therapeutic option to heart failure (HF) patients with diastolic dysfunction (insufficient heart relaxation/filling), as current treatments are largely ineffective. Approximately half of people with HF have diastolic dysfunction, equating to an estimated 4 million patients in the US. There are currently no therapies that treat the underlying causes of this disease. Thus, a vast unmet need exists for a solution that can relieve symptoms while correcting and reversing the aberrant heart mechanics that contribute to disease progression. The proposed approach improves native heart function, leading to true recovery from the disease. This technology will provide effective treatment to millions of Americans, improving quality of life, patient outcomes, and saving many lives.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project advances a device for cardiac care. Specifically, this project will: (1) demonstrate and evaluate device efficacy in increasing heart relaxation in an animal model of chronic diastolic heart disease; (2) determine materials specifications and device design; (3) conduct benchtop fatigue testing and evaluation, including the development of a custom life test apparatus; (4) prepare for design transfer to an appropriate medical device manufacturer; and (5) conduct a pilot GLP safety study in an animal 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. -
Core Quantum Technologies, Inc.
SBIR Phase II: Magnetic Quantum Dots for Cell Separation and Characterization
Contact
1275 KINNEAR RD
Columbus, OH 43212--1180
NSF Award
1926986 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$899,847
Start / end date
09/15/2019 – 08/31/2023 (Estimated)
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader/commercial impact of this SBIR phase II project will develop magnetic and fluorescent reagents for the separation and analysis of cells from tissue samples stored in biobanks, central repositories for biological samples, including tissues, cells, blood, sera, and urine, and their associated patient data, used in research to identify new methods to diagnose and treat disease; this industry is currently $52 B/yr with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5%. Biobank samples typically consist of a mixture of pathologically normal and diseased cells and tissues, requiring separation. Sample quality is thus critical for biobanks. The cell separation market ($3.9 B/yr, CAGR 4.1%) is dominated by the flow cytometry segment ($3.1 B/yr, CAGR 3.6%); whereas magnetic cell separation is a growing market ($582 M/yr by 2020 CAGR of 6.4%). Most biobanks currently provide unpurified samples or samples purified via flow cytometry alone, with typical recoveries of <10% at purities of ~20%. This research will develop and commercialize reagents that combine magnetic separation with flow cytometry analysis for target cell purification from biobank tissue samples. In the company's Phase I research of cells in suspension, these reagents yielded ~100% recovery with purities >75%. This research will expand this technology to tissue homogenates with increased heterogeneity and viscosity, increasing purity of biobank samples and enhancing researcher ability to develop breakthrough medical technologies.
This research will develop magnetic-fluorescent nanoparticle reagents for cell separation and subsequent flow cytometry analysis of heterogeneous clinical tissue samples from biobanks. Given the heterogeneous nature of biological specimens that may contain more normal than diseased components, purification technologies are critical to biobank operation. Based on the Phase I research, the company anticipates that this technology could increase recovery and purity to > 75% (vs. 10-20% currently). This will be accomplished by: (1) developing an open magnetic separation system to reduce obstruction compared to existing commercial magnetic bead-packed columns; (2) optimization of reagent magnetic and fluorescent content to maximize cell separation and analysis signal while minimizing size and signal overlap with tissue autofluorescence; (3) protocol development for tissue homogenate analysis using commonly employed mechanical and enzymatic tissue digestion methods. This research will yield new tools for cell isolation from complex, viscous environments that will greatly enhance the utility of biobank samples in research and clinical investigations. Such improvements will also benefit applications with less rigorous engineering design requirements, including bio/pharma separations, bioprocessing (e.g., CAR T-cell therapy), and clinical diagnostics (e.g., circulating tumor cell recovery).
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. -
Cruz Foam, Inc.
SBIR Phase II: Sustainable Packaging Foam
Contact
2851 MISSION ST
Santa Cruz, CA 95060--5756
NSF Award
2054360 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,707,999
Start / end date
05/01/2021 – 04/30/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is the reduction in single use plastics that contribute to landfill waste and ocean plastic pollution by replacing these plastics in packaging with a fully biodegradable and naturally sourced alternative. Increasing consumer demand for more sustainable solutions as well as the rapid growth of ecommerce shipping has created an urgent industry need for companies to replace traditional materials with sustainable packaging. This project develops a bio-benign foam that can be produced at scale with drop-in compatible manufacturing processes to create superior biodegradable packaging products at similar cost to traditional expanded polystyrene products.
This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will scale the production processes of a chitin-based foam to be used as protective packaging. Chitin is a polysaccharide derived from shrimp shell waste. The project fully develop a scalable extrusion process that creates high quality foam and is well-suited to scale for mass production at volumes required to service the packaging industry. With this project, the extrusion process developed can be implemented with supply chain partners to show a fully scalable sustainable packaging material that can meet the increasing demands of the industry. The goals are to achieve high volume production with partners and create protective packaging with the same mechanical performance and density as expanded polystyrene.
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. -
CycloPure, Inc.
SBIR Phase II: High-Affinity Cyclodextrin Polymers for Point-of-Use Filtration Products
Contact
171 SAXONY RD STE 208
Encinitas, CA 92024--0000
NSF Award
1831206 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,420,797
Start / end date
09/01/2018 – 02/28/2023
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project is to provide a solution to the problem of drinking water contamination by developing an advanced adsorbent for point-of-use/home filtration applications. Micropollutants, pharmaceutical residues, pesticides, industrial chemicals and other organic compounds present in water resources at trace concentrations of one part per billion and less, are recognized as a major factor of contamination. Consumers around the world no longer trust the safety of their drinking water due to the presence of micropollutants and other contaminants. These compounds are pervasive and can present toxicity at trace concentrations. As a result, consumers have significantly increased the non-sustainable use of plastic bottled water, now a $260 billion market. Current point-of-use filtration products are primarily designed to improve taste and odor, and are generally ineffective in removing micropollutants. CycloPure's technology has been developed specifically to target and remove micropollutants from water. This project focuses on the further development of the company's cyclodextrin adsorbent to improve the effectiveness of point-of-use filters. This material can be used as a drop-in replacement without changes in filter design. CycloPure's materials will allow households to safely use readily available tap water.
This SBIR Phase II project proposes to identify strategies to develop a suitable form factor to incorporate CycloPure's high-affinity cyclodextrin adsorbent into point-of-use filters. The company's adsorbent is formed by reacting cyclodextrins, which are derived from corn starch, with readily available monomers in a single step process. During the Phase I period of this project, scalable reaction conditions were identified for production of the adsorbent in powder form. Flow-through applications, such as gravity filters, frequently require granular particles to achieve desired flow rates. Early activities will focus on the preparation of the adsorbent in granular form to demonstrate scalability and retention of removal performance similar to powder form. Thereafter, column studies will be performed in order to assess the removal performance of granular media under flow-through conditions at environmentally relevant micropollutant concentrations. Following identification of adsorption characteristics and appropriate flow conditions, a prototype point-of-use filter will be constructed and tested for the removal of micropollutants from tap water using advanced analytical techniques, including a combination of target and non-target screening 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. -
Cytocybernetics
SBIR Phase II: Developing a platform for superior predictive analysis of HERG Ion Channel-Drug Interactions for the Comprehensive In-vitro Proarrhythmia Assay (CiPA)
Contact
5000 B TONAWANDA CREEK RD N
North Tonawanda, NY 14120-
NSF Award
2151522 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,000,000
Start / end date
03/01/2022 – 02/29/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact /commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to improve drug safety. This project advances software to identify the potential of new drugs to provoke dangerous cardiac side-effects. Because sudden cardiac death is an infrequent and relatively rare phenomenon, predicting it with conventional tools is either impractical or impossible. The proposed technology will make the development of all new classes of drugs safer, faster, and less expensive. This will be integrated into investigational new drug submission packages for submission to the FDA for drug approval. This will improve pharmaceutical safety and clinical outcomes.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will address the critical problem of predicting the arrhythmogenic potential of new drugs seeking FDA approval. Current basic science research methods are based on trying to reproduce exact and infrequently encountered in vivo phenomena in an in vitro setting. The economic and practical constraints on drug development therefore requires industry to use proxies, primarily drug binding to the HERG potassium channel, as a predictor arrhythmogenicity. The intellectual challenge in this project is to combine mathematical modeling and quantitative analysis of rigorous experimental protocols to bridge this gap and identify underlying features which are strong predictors of arrhythmogenic behavior. Key to understanding this is the rapid development and deployment of state-dependent Markov models of drug action based on limited patch clamp data, which is both time-consuming and expensive to obtain. This project combines mathematical analysis directly to direct patch-clamp assay protocols to minimize time and expense while increasing predictive accuracy.
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. -
DARCY SOLUTIONS INC.
SBIR Phase II: Innovative Advection-Enhanced Geothermal Heat Pump Fieldloop Demonstration
Contact
5451 ZUMBRA CIR
Excelsior, MN 55331--7758
NSF Award
2127107 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$995,074
Start / end date
09/15/2022 – 08/31/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II project focuses on the high costs and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with conventional heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) methods. HVAC constitutes approximately 48% of building energy consumption representing a significant cost to society. Much of this energy is generated by fossil fuels, resulting in substantial environmental impacts: carbon emissions associated with residential and commercial use are 35.6% of total US emissions. Geothermal or ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) represent the most energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly HVAC solution currently available, however, their high upfront capital costs have significantly slowed their deployment. The innovation in the present project takes a fundamentally different approach to GSHP heat transfer, resulting in reductions of 50% in installation costs and 20% in operating costs compared to conventional GSHP systems, enabling an expansion of the geothermal market. The present project seeks to thoroughly field test and analyze the performance of the GSHP innovation, optimizing the fabrication and installation parameters, and readying it for commercial deployment.
This SBIR Phase II project proposes to address the high installation cost and large, disruptive footprint of conventional GSHP systems. The project objective is to demonstrate a compact, cost-effective, easily-deployable, renewable solution for HVAC. The advection-driven GSHP (AGHP) takes advantage of the 4-5 times greater heat capacity of water than rock. Under the present project, AGHP will advance beyond numerical and laboratory analyses to manufacturing and field testing performance under real-world conditions. The research objectives include: 1) finalization of field site, 2) preliminary design and numerical modeling of the AGHP system for a chosen field site; 3) engineering retrofit design; 4) fabrication of the custom designed submersible pump and heat exchanger; 5) installation and testing of the AGHP system; 6) operation, monitoring, and analysis of the performance of AGHP system, including the development of a comprehensive cost, energy use, and emissions model for the AGHP system; and 7) use of the compiled data to estimate the potential for the economic viability of AGHP in various regions of the United States. The anticipated result of this project is a commercially-ready GSHP product with design and installation guidelines for determining the potential for deploying the innovative AGHP system at any given location.
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. -
DNALITE THERAPEUTICS, INC.
SBIR Phase II: Development Of An Orally Administered Gene Therapy For Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor
Contact
1511 JULIA ST
Berkeley, CA 94703--2015
NSF Award
2133290 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$967,336
Start / end date
01/01/2022 – 12/31/2024 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is an oral delivery platform that can deliver various drugs to the gastrointestinal tract. The market for novel biologics and oral formulations of currently injectable biologics is increasing rapidly, as is the market for gene therapies, necessitating a versatile oral drug delivery platform. This platform would positively impact society by reducing the need for repeated injections. This system would improve ease of administration of injectables by improving oral availability and the transport to the intestinal cells, and subsequent secretion of the protein into the bloodstream. This would also allow for local delivery of therapeutics for intestinal diseases which currently are hampered by poor mucus penetration and represent a multibillion-dollar market. Successful translation of this technology would benefit pharmaceutical companies, patients, and payers by providing an oral delivery platform for a broad range of therapeutics.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project addresses the problem of improving systemic expression of a protein from the gastrointestinal tract following oral lipid nanoparticle delivery. The role of digestive tract is to breakdown lipids and nucleic acids and it has therefore been very challenging to for gene delivery vehicles to survive and deliver cargo to the intestine. The project advances a new lipid nanoparticle system able to protect the genetic cargo to generate protein expression in intestinal cells later secreted into the bloodstream for systemic circulation. This process converts previously injected protein drugs into an easily administered oral drug. The research objectives are to screen and optimize several of the lipid components as well as the nucleic acid to improve secreted expression of a protein into the blood after oral delivery. This research will screen multiple formulations and cargos in vivo and measure serum protein levels after oral lipid nanoparticle delivery. The anticipated technical results are that the level of secreted protein will improve 10x from the initial formulation, further increasing the scope of potential therapeutic targets for the oral lipid nanoparticle.
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. -
Diatomix, Inc.
SBIR Phase II: Improving Indoor Air Quality using a Biosilica Based Functional Paint & Coatings Photocatalyst
Contact
2634 SE STEELE ST
Beaverton, OR 97008--6414
NSF Award
1927040 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,167,050
Start / end date
09/15/2019 – 08/31/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is that it will provide a next-generation commercial method of removing volatile organic contaminants (VOCs) such as benzene, formaldehyde and methylene chloride from indoor air. These compounds are potential carcinogens and also exacerbate allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems. Indoor air quality is generally 5 times worse than outdoor air quality, and VOCs are prevalent indoors because they are emitted from carpets, adhesives, plastic products, typical household chemical cleaners and electronics. Children are especially sensitive to VOCs, and indoor environments pose greater health risks because of the time spent indoors. Alleviating the daily discomfort and financial burdens, estimated at around $50 billion annually in the U.S., posed by environmental air pollutants such as VOCs can significantly improve human health and comfort. The development and commercial deployment of this new technology will also provide enhanced scientific understanding of manufacturing for nanotechnologies.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will focus on validating the ability of a biosilica-based photocatalyst to actively and continuously improve indoor air quality by reducing total VOCs found in indoor environments when the photocatalyst is added to floor and carpet coatings. VOCs are emitted as gases from certain solids and liquids, and they include chemicals potentially causing short- and long-term adverse health effects--especially indoors, where concentrations may be up to ten times higher than outdoors. This project will test the performance of this unique additive when applied to floor and carpet coating systems to reduce total VOCs and will validate manufacturing processes to achieve scale-up quantities needed for commercial production. The technology works by first adsorbing VOCs and then degrading them to CO2 and H2O. Coated surfaces in test chambers simulating a typical indoor environment will be evaluated via continuous monitoring of airborne pollutants. It is anticipated that the ultimate deliverables of this project would include validation of a VOC-degrading additive for multiple products and advanced knowledge of nano-manufacturing 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. -
Dimien Inc.
STTR Phase II: Multi-Electron Intercalation Reactions for High Capacity Lithium Batteries
Contact
1576 SWEET HOME RD STE 230C
Amherst, NY 14228--2710
NSF Award
2112152 – STTR Phase II
Award amount to date
$991,169
Start / end date
03/01/2022 – 02/29/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project is to advance the performance and decrease the cost of batteries for applications in electrified vehicles. Reinventing cathode materials of rechargeable batteries is an important because the cathode is the most expensive material in a battery and often performance limiting. Cathodes cost more than all the other battery materials combined. This new class of high performance, low-cost vanadium cathodes will be used in lithium ion batteries. Vanadium also benefits from high availability, domestic sourcing, and existing capacity for the recycling of spent vanadium to establish a circular battery ecosystem. The proposed batteries may benefit electrified vehicles by increasing range, enabling fast charging, improving safety, and reducing cost. More broadly, a wide range of applications in consumer electronics, medical electronics, military and defense systems, and energy storage are envisioned.
This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project proposes to develop a high performance, multi-electron battery cathode. This lithium ion battery's cathode is a new tunnel structured vanadium based material. Commercially available battery chemistries are often limited to just one electron reaction per intercalation site and this limits performance. Lithium batteries that reversibly enable multi-electron intercalation of lithium ions are needed to improve gravimetric and volumetric energy density. Specifically, the proposed project will scale up the synthetic method to produce multi-electron vanadium based cathodes, evaluate multi-electron cathodes paired with lithium metal and/or silicon for electrochemical performance, and explore various battery components and surface modifications to mitigate oxidation of electrolyte and transition metal dissolution. The project will also optimize battery performance based on a design of experiments approach. Addressing these technical gaps and challenges will lead to more advanced multi-electron pouch cell batteries.
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. -
ECO-SHELTER, INC.
STTR Phase II: A non-woven bamboo-based strand composite process to manufacture low-cost roofing
Contact
3316 6TH AVE UNIT 1
Tacoma, WA 98406--5904
NSF Award
2136481 – STTR Phase II
Award amount to date
$998,164
Start / end date
02/15/2022 – 01/31/2024 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project is to develop a viable and scalable process to manufacture a bamboo-based strand composite for application in low-cost roofing globally. This project develops a new production process for exterior-grade natural fiber composite building products, derived from a highly renewable resource, bamboo, through public-private partnership. The resulting roofing product will help protect users from extreme heat by passively cooling and reducing indoor temperatures. In addition, this solution can be used to create value-added energy-efficient building products from highly renewable natural fiber waste. The innovation holds immense potential to replace harmful and hazardous materials, including asbestos, in many regions of the world, store captured carbon into long-lifecycle products, and reduce heating and cooling energy use.
This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project will: (i) refine the design of the 3D panel geometry used to make commercial-size panels with improved load-carrying capacity and constructability; (ii) improve the bamboo-stranding process, evaluate a bio-based adhesive system, impart fire-retardance, enhance panel durability, manufacture panels using the new geometry, and evaluate performance; and (iii) demonstrate and evaluate panel use as a roofing material through field tests and the versatility of the corrugated panel in interior and exterior energy-efficient building products. This research will advance the field of natural fiber composites by addressing challenges of long-term construction applications that can withstand hot and humid climates, including moisture resistance, biodegradation, and effective binders for functionality.
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. -
ECOCLOSURE LLC
SBIR Phase II: High Performance Microalgae Building Enclosures for an Energy Efficient Retrofitting Application
Contact
5530 BALLANTYNE COMMONS PKWY
Charlotte, NC 28277--0566
NSF Award
2151666 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$995,534
Start / end date
07/15/2022 – 06/30/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is in enabling an energy-efficient and cost-effective solution for a healthy, sustainable built environment. Stringent environmental protection policies are presenting the building industry with challenges in reducing environmental impacts. High performing windows could play an role in reducing energy use and pollutant emissions. Creating a window system that reduces building energy consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions may have broad societal, economic, and commercial impacts. The proposed biochromic windows can serve as an alternative, energy efficient retrofit and help meet net zero energy, net zero carbon buildings. Their multiple environmental, economic, and social benefits include high energy efficiency, improved air quality, carbon capture, and renewable energy production. Energy efficient window retrofitting accounts for over 60% of the global window market share. In 2021, the global window market grew to $10 billion for replacement and renovation and $6 billion for new construction with a compound annual growth rate of 8.6% and 8.3% respectively. This energy efficient, carbon sink technology may result in 20~30% energy savings and carbon reductions. The good air quality further benefits occupant health and well-being, making the building more appealing to occupants, industry professionals, and stakeholders.
The key technical innovation of the biochromic window is to integrate biological cells within a window assembly for commercial building retrofitting applications. As a primary building enclosure system mediating between indoor and outdoor environments, the biochromic window offers improved insulation, dynamic shading efficacy, daylight penetration, views to outside, carbon dioxide (CO2) biofixation, and biomass production, all of which are attributes of improved building energy efficiency, good indoor air quality, beneficial carbon sequestration, novel biofuel production, and user satisfaction. The primary project objectives are to: 1) prototype of a biochromic window, integrated with an intelligent control system to enable the maximum performance; 2) conduct performance testing and obtain performance certificates; and 3) scale-up mass production manufacturing and carry out technology demonstrations at early adopter?s buildings. Project outcomes seek to save building energy consumption in heating, cooling, and artificial lighting load while producing on-site renewable energy and sequestrating CO2. The biochromic windows, coupled with an intelligent control system, further enhance economic and environmental performance depending on solar intensity and carbon concentration. The view-out area within the biochromic window admits year round daylighting. Proximity to green nature is expected to provide aesthetic quality and emotional comfort for user satisfactions.
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. -
EDEN GEOPOWER, INC.
SBIR Phase II: Directional Permeability Enhancement Using Electric Well Treatment
Contact
444 SOMERVILLE AVE
Somerville, MA 02143--3260
NSF Award
1951212 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$790,370
Start / end date
05/01/2020 – 10/31/2023 (Estimated)
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to develop a novel waterless rock fracturing technology that can replace hydraulic fracturing in the future. Hydraulic fracturing requires pumping of millions of gallons of water into a reservoir to create permeable pathways within the rock, and increase hydrocarbon recovery rates. However, hydraulic fracturing technology has been banned in some regions within the United States, and in various countries across the globe due to water scarcity and environmental concerns. This has left trillions of dollars in petroleum resources trapped within the earth, negatively impacting the global economy. The waterless fracturing technology being developed under this project utilizes pulsed electrical energy to fracture rocks instead of water, allowing for hydrocarbons to be recovered with minimum environmental impact. The research conducted during this project will provide further insights into the advantages of utilizing electricity to fracture petroleum reservoirs and assist in accelerating successful commercialization of the technology.
This SBIR Phase II project proposes to develop a novel electric reservoir stimulation method to increase reservoir permeability without requiring pumping of hazardous material into the subsurface. This project will advance the development of an electric stimulation method by testing it on rock samples under higher pressure and temperature conditions, to mimic the downhole conditions of several common petroleum reservoirs and allow for optimization. This project will also include the design of a downhole tool that will be utilized to carry electrical current from the surface to the target reservoir for field demonstrations of the technology.
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. -
EMERALD TUTU INC, THE
SBIR Phase II: A nature-based nearshore floating infrastructure solution for coastal adaptation
Contact
189 HAMILTON ST
Cambridge, MA 02139--3923
NSF Award
2151551 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$997,503
Start / end date
06/01/2022 – 05/31/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact of this SBIR Phase II project is to help manage environmental change in coastal cities. Currently, a gap exists in the coastal infrastructure community for an effective solution that supports ecological health and community-based co-benefits over traditional gray infrastructure, such as seawalls, berms, or structured fill. This project addresses that gap through a novel full-scale experimental implementation of a reliable and durable network of floating biomass-based modules for coastal protection. The proposed project develops a dynamic, detail-oriented scientific approach and technical modeling. This project will demonstrate how an interconnected, anchored network of vegetated biomass modules can dampen wave energy, absorb water pollutants, and create an engaging community space for coastal cities.
The technical innovations of the proposed SBIR Phase II project are: (A) a new material engineering approach for seaworthy floating modules based on biomass and living plants, anchored in a hexagonal array and interconnected; (B) a full numerical predictive modeling suite to simulate biogeochemical effects, fluid dynamic network effects, and hydrodynamic effects of large such networks of modules; and (C) a fully functional prototype network to study physical behavior and effects. This project consists of five separate experimental objectives: (1) extensive unit prototyping, redesign and monitoring to assess manufacturer material and biological behavior over time, (2) ecological monitoring of individual unit and network impacts leading to the development of a predictive biogeochemical model, (3) translation of physical wave tank lab results into a predictive coastal environment simulation model, (4) hydrodynamic analysis of a full-scale experimental network prototype, and (5) development of technical methods for production and deployment 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. -
EMVOLON, INC.
SBIR Phase II: Internal Combustion Engines as Small Scale Chemical Plants for Compact, Low Cost Gas-to-Liquids Systems to Reduce Methane Flaring
Contact
176 WILSHIRE DR
Sharon, MA 02067--1562
NSF Award
2136751 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,000,000
Start / end date
08/15/2022 – 07/31/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to eliminate the wasteful and polluting practice of natural gas flaring using low-cost, distributed, mini chemical plants utilizing modified automotive engines as small compressors and chemical reactors. More than 140 billion cubic meters of natural gas produced in remote regions is flared (burned). This quantity of gas is valued $1.9 billion in the US and $18.4 billion globally and generates more than 400 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent emissions, as well as significant air pollution (i.e., particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur oxides, and nitrogen oxides). Currently, there are no economically-viable solutions to address the flaring problem. Compressing or liquefying the natural gas leads to prohibitively high operating costs, while conventional gas-to-liquid chemical conversion systems are not cost effective for the small scale required for remote flaring sites. Converting the flared gas in the US to liquid chemicals would result in more than $6 billion/year of added value for the economy. The impact of the project may extend beyond this specific application as it may be a stepping stone to the low cost, distributed synthesis of fuels or chemicals or to avoiding waste from other stranded resources like waste biomass and curtailed renewable power.
This SBIR Phase II project proposes to convert mass-produced automotive engines into chemical reactors and compressors that replace large, custom-made chemical process equipment, thus enabling cost reductions in the flaring of natural gas. The engine-based reactor system seeks to process associated gas into methanol near the wellhead. Methane is a high value chemical that can be transported to market, eliminating the associated greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions. The objectives of this project are to expand the single-cycle demonstration in Phase I by testing the engine-based synthesis technology in a multiple-cycle engine, providing the information required by commercial partners for a field pilot. The goal of this work is to rigorously test an engine-based reactor that provides robust operation with high throughput and high conversion per pass, which are required to achieve promising economics.
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. -
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIVE COATINGS LLC
SBIR Phase II: Durable Omni-Phobic Coatings
Contact
23255 BELLWOOD DR
Southfield, MI 48034--5155
NSF Award
2136419 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$997,950
Start / end date
04/01/2022 – 03/31/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to provide environmentally friendly, self-cleaning coating technologies. Fluorinated materials, known as forever materials, have been widely used due to their excellent self-cleaning properties, but the detrimental environmental impacts resulting from these coatings motivate the introduction of environmentally friendly solutions. This project plans to create a new technology to enable environmentally-friendly coatings capable of adhering to a myriad of substrates under any conditions, while offering high abrasion resistance and exceptional weather resistance. The successful completion of the project will set the stage for commercialization and adoption of this technology for household and industrial products, automotive applications, sensors, solar panels, and aerospace applications.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to validate pilot-scale production feasibility, enhance the weatherability, and enable the commercialization of fluorine-free, self-cleaning materials. Previous approaches toward self-cleaning coatings have had several limitations such as reliance on harmful fluorochemicals, high cost, poor scalability, poor optical properties, and low weatherability. The proposed technology is developed via a unique approach that enables higher performance, fluorine-free coatings (e.g., excellent mechanical properties, optical clarity, hydrophobicity, adhesion) while preserving the ease of manufacturing processes at a lower cost. The key objectives of this proposed project include: 1) pilot-scale production of the coating to set the stage for commercialization; 2) extend the weatherability for high-end applications such as those in the automotive and aerospace sectors; and 3) develop protocols for omniphobic additives for rapid implementation of the technology into relevant applications. The anticipated results include successful pilot-scale production tests, accomplishing the long-term weatherability, and the successful synthesis of omniphobic additives with desirable compositions and performance. The successful completion of the project will set the stage for commercialization and adoption of this technology for household and industrial products, automotive applications, sensors, solar panels, and aerospace, to name a few.
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. -
ENVISION ENDOSCOPY, INC.
SBIR Phase II: Novel Image Guided Suturing System For Endoscopic Surgery
Contact
15 FAIRFAX ST APT 2
Somerville, MA 02144--1107
NSF Award
2111775 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$999,952
Start / end date
07/15/2021 – 06/30/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is the development of a novel image-guided full-thickness suturing system that is simple, easy to use, and cost-effective for gastrointestinal (GI) defects. These issues are more likely to require intensive care and a long hospital stay and have high rates of morbidity and mortality. Managing gastrointestinal defects endoscopically has obvious advantages over surgical intervention, including shorter hospital stays, reduced post procedure pain, faster recovery, and reduced total cost of care. The proposed technology is single-use, disposable, and attached to an endoscope (such as colonoscope, gastroscope), for better patient outcomes.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will advance the development of a novel, low-cost, image-guided suturing device for flexible endoscopes simple and intuitive to use. Currently, no good solutions exist for endoscopic tissue approximation and closure of large gastrointestinal (GI) defects. Endoscopic clips are only effective for mucosa closure and small size defects and the only endoscopic suturing device is considered cumbersome, difficult to use, and expensive. The technical innovation of the proposed device comprises a circular needle and a novel needle drive mechanism for a simplified suturing technique. This project will be specifically focused on the advancement of the technology, product development, design verification and validation of the 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. -
ENVIVO BIO INC
SBIR Phase II: Non-Invasive Sampling and Analysis of the Human Gasstrointestinal (GI) Tract to Advance Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research
Contact
733 INDUSTRIAL RD
Los Altos, CA 94022--2034
NSF Award
2126329 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$972,774
Start / end date
09/15/2021 – 08/31/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
This award is funded in whole or in part under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-2).
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will be to understand, and eventually manipulate, the immune, metabolic and microbial activities that occur in the intestines for the purpose of improving human health. Many important diseases are caused or regulated by activities in our intestines, yet very little is known about this hard-to-access organ. This project will develop a pill-sized gastrointestinal sampling device for routine, non-invasive sampling of the human gut and the analysis of its metabolic, microbial, and immunological content for the first time. The discoveries enabled by this project may lead to new commercial opportunities in diagnosing and treating important disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease.
The proposed project seeks to perform validations of a pill-sized gastrointestinal sampling device for routine, non-invasive sampling of the human gut using bench testing and evaluations of clinical samples. The team will also prepare the collected data for submission to the Food and Drug Administration for market clearance. Sampling the human intestinal tract safely, non-invasively and reliably is a daunting challenge due to the constraints on the size of a device that is safe to swallow and the variability of human physiology. The technology will lead to the commercialization of the first gut sampling device in the market. The device may help elucidate the roles of the gut microbes and their interactions with the immune system and metabolic processes in human health and disease.
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. -
ESTAT ACTUATION, INC.
SBIR Phase II: Rotary Electroadhesive Clutch for Lightweight and Energy-Efficient Actuators in Next-Generation Robots
Contact
1028 WELFER ST
Pittsburgh, PA 15217--2651
NSF Award
2208905 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$944,190
Start / end date
02/01/2023 – 01/31/2025 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will be to create a lightweight and efficient rotary electroadhesive clutch that enables improved robotic hardware performance across the manufacturing, logistics, and medical industries. Despite decades of research and commercial effort, society has yet to realize the widespread availability of affordable robots that can safely work alongside humans and assist them in their daily lives. A central obstacle in achieving this vision is the prohibitive cost and poor performance of actuators. Efficient, lightweight clutches that can improve robot operation time and safety at a competitive price are a gateway to the proliferation of human-assistive robotic systems into everyday life. For example, inexpensive motion assistance exoskeletons could improve the quality of life for millions of physically impaired people who are otherwise unable to engage in normal daily activities. Affordable robots could also increase access to expensive labor-intensive services, such as daily physical rehabilitation or full/part-time in-home care.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will be used to develop new materials understanding and correlate parameters such as morphology, dielectric thickness, and chemical modification to rotary electroadhesive clutch performance. The materials will be assessed for electrical and physical properties, as well as ease of incorporation into electroadhesive clutch assemblies and lifetime. Selecting optimal materials will improve fundamental performance while continuing to lower the weight, footprint, and energy consumption of rotary clutch designs. These research and development activities will de-risk the technology and enable the construction of a production-ready product. To efficiently achieve these goals, testing capabilities will be improved through the development of automated test stands to aid in rapid materials assessment, lifetime testing, and iterative design. For fundamental materials understanding, novel testing protocols will be developed that assess the electrical and wear properties of new materials, producing a widespread scientific impact in fields such as corrosion, coatings, and adhesion.
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. -
ESal
SBIR Phase II: Novel Water Flooding Technique to Enhance Oil Recovery
Contact
1938 HARNEY ST STE 255
Laramie, WY 82072--5388
NSF Award
1853136 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$949,876
Start / end date
05/15/2019 – 12/31/2024 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project is to deploy a revolutionary water-flood technology to increase oil recovery. The best current technology is limited to 30 - 50% recovery leaving significant resources in the ground. The available methods to further increase recovery are expensive, have limited application and can cause environmental damage. The proposed method is much less expensive and has minimal environmental impact. Our technique does not use chemicals or additives thus avoiding the risk of contaminating ground and surface water resources. Rather than drill thousands of new wells, our approach revitalizes old fields and requires little modification to the existing infrastructure and operational procedures. It would allow older fields to continue to operate, providing jobs and taxes while increasing and further diversifying our domestic oil reserves. Full success of enhanced oil recovery,could produce up to 21.7 billion barrels of additional oil generating over $1 trillion for the US oil industry over the next twenty-five years, thereby increasing the energy security of the U.S. and creating more jobs while stabilizing domestic oil production at much lower costs than other technologies.
This SBIR Phase II project proposes to validate the technology to optimize wettability in existing oil reservoirs through flotation experiments, computer modeling and field pilots. Once we have achieved good pH control during the flotation experiments, we will determine the impact on reservoir wettability, the effect of salinity on wettability and the equilibrium constants for the surface complexation computer model. Finally, we will conduct concept validation projects in field to verify a minimum of 5% OOIP increase in oil production. Thus, we will provide producers with a field-verified process operators can implement to yield significant results for little cost.
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. -
ETALYC, Inc.
SBIR Phase II: Information fusion-driven adaptive corridor-wide traffic signal re-timing
Contact
2711 S LOOP DR STE 4500
Ames, IA 50010--7146
NSF Award
2052257 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$963,768
Start / end date
09/01/2021 – 08/31/2023 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project focuses on an adaptive traffic signal timing solution. Cities and municipalities worldwide spend over $4 billion annually to retime traffic signals and yet often fail to adequately reduce congestion on roadways. The consequences of mistimed traffic signal timing are: a) increasing productivity losses due to congestion with the average American spending 97 hours stuck in traffic every year, b) increasing accidents due to traffic, with one fatality every 15 minutes on US roads, and c) increasing greenhouse emissions with a third of all emissions caused by vehicles on the roads. This project will support the development and commercialization of a web-based technology to support traffic managers in cities and municipalities to better manage traffic using artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics. In addition to improving traffic flow and reducing congestion, the system will also significantly reduce harmful emissions, leading to more environmentally friendly city streets. The serviceable markets for this technology in the US and Europe, which together constitute 60% of the global signal-timing market, represent a $2.4 billion opportunity.
This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project seeks to develop a proof-of-concept for a fully adaptive traffic signal retiming solution that can robustly handle multiple signal corridors for commercialization. The key intellectual merit of this effort will be developing deep learning models that can run at scale and handle sensor noise robustly. The reinforcement learning process will help the system to adapt to changing traffic scenarios at different scales without the need for manual interventions. Research objectives that must be overcome in Phase II are focused on: 1) scaling the solution; 2) making the solution robust; and 3) ensuring that the system is user ready. Achieving these objectives may help ensure the product can successfully run on big-data architecture economically deployed on the cloud. The solution will also provide a deeper understanding of human-machine interaction. Overall, the proposed system may reduce implementation time as well as capital and maintenance expenditures for signal timing systems. These advantages will encourage cities around the US and internationally to adopt such signal timing strategies.
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. -
ETHOS MEDICAL, INC.
SBIR Phase II: Low-cost needle guidance system for bedside lumbar puncture
Contact
311 FERST DR NW RM L1325A
Duluth, GA 30097--1661
NSF Award
2112322 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,000,000
Start / end date
07/01/2021 – 06/30/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to improve the quality and efficiency of bedside spinal access procedures by developing a needle guidance system that interfaces with existing ultrasound machines. Lumbar punctures (LPs) are performed to diagnose and treat neurological conditions such as meningitis. The traditional LP technique requires practitioners to manually feel for spinal landmarks to form a mental image of the anatomy before blindly inserting the needle into the spine, aiming for a small target containing spinal fluid. This methodology can be challenging, costly, and time-consuming and is highly dependent on practitioner experience and patient body type. Up to 42% of procedures fail to access the target. Failed cases require radiological intervention, increasing the cost of care, lengthening patient stay, and exposing patients to radiation. Hospitals in the United States lose an estimated $2 billion annually due to inefficiencies and failures in LPs. The proposed needle guidance system will enable bedside spinal access procedures to be performed under real-time ultrasound imaging, significantly improving first-attempt success rates. The guidance technology can further be applied in other clinical segments, improving the quality of care across a variety of needle-based procedures.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to accomplish two primary objectives: 1) Complete development of a needle guidance system designed to interface with existing ultrasound machines; and 2) Develop an AI-powered anatomy detection software feature for the guidance system. These combined objectives will generate a functional, intuitive, and accessible solution that minimizes barriers to adoption while maximizing clinical and operational value. The proposed research involves conducting an array of safety and reliability studies to investigate the performance of the guidance system under realistic conditions. In developing a robust anatomy detection software feature, a spinal ultrasound data set will be created from a variety of non-patient volunteers. The data will be analyzed, processed, and used to train a machine learning model for anatomy detection. It is anticipated that the results of this project will demonstrate a sufficiently safe and efficacious system that can consistently guide a needle to an intended target with an error of less than 3 millimeters. The anatomy detection feature is expected to perform with at least 93% sensitivity and 85% specificity in identifying five key spinal landmarks; this level of performance would significantly reduce the knowledge barrier to performing ultrasound-guided interventions.
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. -
EVOLUTION DEVICES, INC.
SBIR Phase II: 3D Markerless Motion Capture Technology For Gait Analysis
Contact
2150 SHATTUCK AVE FL PH
Berkeley, CA 94704--1370
NSF Award
2153138 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$998,608
Start / end date
06/01/2022 – 05/31/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project benefitd the 70 million people struggling with gait disorders in the US. Gait analysis monitors how individuals walk to predict or prevent injuries and track rehabilitation progress. Due to the potentially high equipment costs, space requirements, and required technical expertise to collect and interpret results, detailed gait analyses are limited to a few centers and mainly used for surgical decision-making. This project uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) for gait analysis at roughly 70% less than typical costs, as well as offering reduced set-up time and improved workflow efficiency.
The proposed project will address the existing technological and commercial barriers that make gait analysis an exclusive clinical tool restricted to only 300 gait labs across the country. This project will develop a cost-effective markerless motion 3D-tracking system. Technical activities include: (1) increase the motion database to a diverse population, including children and patients with mobility impairments; (2) improve the computer vision algorithms to account for multiple individuals within the camera system?s field of view; (3) integrate EMG and Force Plates; (4) implement skeletal geometry estimation from computed tomography; (5) develop a self-calibration system that can operate with HD low cost cameras; and (5) improve accuracy and usability substantially to reduce the expertise required for computational gait 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. -
EYEDEA MEDICAL, INC
SBIR Phase II: Development of a novel, highly efficient Descemet's Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty preparation device expands the donor pool
Contact
101 W DICKMAN ST STE 800
Baltimore, MD 21230--5025
NSF Award
2212687 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,000,000
Start / end date
12/01/2022 – 11/30/2024 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project relates to the significant, unmet clinical and commercial need of more than 25 million individuals waiting for a corneal transplant to restore their vision. Corneal blindness leads to an increased risk of physical harm, mental disorders, social isolation, and cognitive decline, resulting in an over 15-year reduction in life expectancy. Fortunately, 95% of corneal diseases can be treated via a transplant. Partial thickness corneal transplants are innovative procedures that provide the best clinical outcomes for over 90% of patients with corneal disorders; however, the difficulty of safely and efficiently separating the layers of the cornea to prepare corneal grafts and perform transplants has led to under-utilization of these procedures. This project seeks to commercialize single-use, assistive devices for tissue separation in corneal graft preparation and corneal transplant surgery with the potential to improve the efficiency of eye banks and ophthalmologists, increase access to corneal transplants, and improve the outcomes of these procedures. These devices have a time- and capital-efficient path to improving patient outcomes and entering the $340 million global market, annually.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project involves development of novel, first-in-class graft preparation and assistive surgical devices that standardize, de-skill, and improve the viability of the liquid bubble (LBT) and big bubble techniques (BBT) in corneal transplantation. LBT is a graft preparation technique shown to prepare grafts in minutes from all donor eyes; however, it is more difficult and rarely used by eye banks. BBT is a surgical technique shown to provide efficient, precise separation of layers of the cornea in transplant patients; however, it is extremely challenging and leads to high rates of tissue perforation, with even experienced surgeons reporting 5?39% failure rates. This project leverages a technology for controlled separation of tissue layers to overcome the major barriers of LBT and BBT and enable adoption of partial thickness corneal transplant procedures. This proposal will test the hypotheses that this technology can provide high quality grafts that fit into existing clinical workflows and can enable safe, efficient, and standardized separation of corneal layers without complications. These studies, in collaboration with leading eye banks/corneal specialists, will advance device designs to ensure functionality, usability, manufacturability, and efficacy in human donor eyes.
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. -
EarthSense, Inc.
STTR Phase II: TerraSentia: Ultra-compact, Autonomous, Teachable Under-canopy Phenotyping Robot for Plant Breeders and Crop Scientists
Contact
60 HAZELWOOD DR
Champaign, IL 61820--7460
NSF Award
1951250 – STTR Phase II
Award amount to date
$816,000
Start / end date
04/15/2020 – 05/31/2023 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project include improving food security, while at the same time enhancing the economic viability and environmental sustainability of large-scale production agriculture. In order to improve crop varieties, agricultural production, and sustainability of farming, there is an urgent need for better technologies to acquire under-canopy plant trait and health data. Examples of high-value under-canopy data include emergence, stem width, corn ear height, plant life-cycle events like flowering and fruiting, and symptoms of pathogens, diseases, and nutrient deficiency. Because these data cannot be obtained by aerial imaging, under-canopy data collection has dramatically greater actionability and value compared to aerial data. However no cost-effective, scalable ways of collecting this data are currently available. In fact, the state of the art is manual data collection by crop scientists (and their students or interns), agronomists, crop-scouts or farmers - an extremely labor intensive, and therefore expensive way of collecting this highly valuable data. Our work will greatly enhance the availability of under-canopy data from field crops, benefiting crop scientists and agricultural product development professionals as well as enable large scale field monitoring and management in production agriculture. The commercial value of the field data for crop breeding is in excess of $50 Million/year for breeding major row-crops in the US.
This STTR Phase II project proposes to establish autonomous data collection under-canopy from field crops using a low-cost ground robot. The proposed work will enhance the ability to collect data autonomously in full-scale crop-breeding fields throughout the season and enable on-site data analytics for remote sites with limited connectivity. Long-term field adaptive autonomy will be achieved through implementation of multiple low-cost sensors. Robot's real-time control algorithms will be developed to adapt camera perspective and robot path in order to obtain the highest quality information from the complex and dynamic under-canopy field environments. Finally, the research will develop hardware specific edge-compute versions of the analytics algorithms to enable on-site data analysis. These innovations will together enable global deployment of the system for effective data collection and phenotyping.
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. -
Elektrofi Inc
SBIR Phase II: Novel Formulation for the Delivery of High Concentration Protein Therapeutics
Contact
451 D ST STE 707
Boston, MA 02111--1901
NSF Award
1831212 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,631,997
Start / end date
09/01/2018 – 08/31/2023 (Estimated)
Errata
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This phase II award received additional funding to mitigate the COVID-19 crisis.Abstract
This SBIR Phase II project aims to transform intravenous (IV) infusions of biologic medicines into simple subcutaneous (SC) injections. Biologics have improved the treatment of human disease. Unfortunately, their delivery is burdensome. The standard of administration of these biologics is often by IV infusion at low concentrations, which can take multiple hours to deliver, cause patient discomfort, and increase the risk of infection. Although SC injection is preferred, constraints on SC volume (1.5-2.0 mL) would necessitate concentrations much greater than 100 mg/mL, which are often unfeasible. Solutions at concentrations exceeding 100 mg/mL are highly viscous (honey-like), making them difficult to inject and leading to unstable products. This project's microparticle suspension technology can deliver high concentrations while fully preserving the protein structure, function, and efficacy. Transforming the delivery of biologics offers advantages to patients, healthcare providers, payers, and biopharmaceutical companies. Patients will experience less pain and discomfort, save time, have fewer infections, and have better access to biologics. Healthcare providers will be able to process more patients, decrease the chance of complications, and use fewer human resources. Payers will have decreased reimbursement costs. Biopharmaceutical companies will have patented product differentiation and the ability to develop otherwise intractable biologics.
This SBIR Phase II project aims to develop a soft atomization manufacturing platform for the production of microparticle suspensions capable of transforming intravenous (IV) infusions of biologics into simple subcutaneous (SC) injections. The standard of administration of biologics is intravenous infusion at low concentrations, which can take hours to deliver, cause patient discomfort, and increase the risk of infection. Although SC injection is preferred, constraints on SC volume (1.5-2.0 mL) necessitate concentrations greater than 100 mg/mL, which are often unfeasible. Solutions at concentrations exceeding 100 mg/mL are highly viscous (honey-like), making them difficult to inject and leading to unstable products. This project's gently processed microparticle suspensions can deliver high concentrations while preserving protein structure and bioactivity, an accomplishment not well-demonstrated with other microparticle technologies. This project aims to advance the readiness level of the innovation by performing process calibration of a bench-scale system, followed by developing and characterizing the resulting particles and suspensions produced on that system. With well-formulated suspensions, in vivo pharmacokinetic and efficacy studies will commence. The project will support the development of manufacturing capabilities towards a goal of transitioning to pilot-scale production. This project aims to offer advantages to patients, healthcare providers, payers, and biopharmaceutical companies.
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. -
Emergy LLC
SBIR Phase II: Sustainable alternative protein cultivation from fungal mycelium for human consumption
Contact
6880 WINCHESTER CIR UNIT D
Boulder, CO 80302--7120
NSF Award
1926981 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,250,000
Start / end date
08/01/2019 – 07/31/2023 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact and commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project is a new source of human-grade protein that it can be produced at an estimated half the price of wholesale chicken and 2000 times higher protein yields per acre compared to soy with a fraction of the input requirements. The new protein addresses pain points in industry of potential allergens, amino acid composition, poor flavor and texture, and limited processability. If successfully commercialized, Emergy's potential impact is the ability to provide high quality protein to millions of people at 50% the price of animal protein, while saving the world greenhouse gas emissions, all with a significantly reduced land footprint.
This SBIR Phase II proposes to use the efficiencies of biological organisms to produce high quality, economical, and sustainable protein for human consumption. To achieve this goal, Emergy grows filamentous fungi biomass as a human-grade protein source. The fungal biomass has one of the highest protein contents of any raw source available on the market (60% by weight) and is one of the only complete proteins. Emergy has developed fermentation parameters and used directed evolution to produce a fungal process/strain that provides several inherent advantages over traditional protein production methods. Advantages of production include, low resource requirements, high yields, safe and toxin free, and low unit costs. While this process has been demonstrated at the benchtop level, the technical hurdles include scaling production to industrial systems while maintaining the proper texture and quality. Emergy Labs plans on executing these goals by optimizing growth conditions in scaled bioreactors, defining industrial operating parameters, designing and proving a scalable manufacturing process, and demonstrating commercially relevant 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. -
Emissol LLC
SBIR Phase II: Novel Urea Mixer to Enable Low Temperature Reduction of Diesel Exhaust Nitrogen Compounds
Contact
16300 MILL CREEK BLVD STE 208-F
Mill Creek, WA 98012--1279
NSF Award
1831231 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$796,466
Start / end date
09/15/2018 – 06/30/2023 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/ commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project includes reducing emission of Diesel engines' toxic nitrogen oxides (NOx) in challengingly low temperature exhaust operations, while eliminating damaging urea deposits saving warranty costs for vehicle manufacturers, saving fuel, reducing greenhouse gases CO2 and N2O as well as particulate matter, while potentially enabling downsizing the complex and costly diesel emission control systems. The novel technology developed in this SBIR project may be configured for retrofitting existing diesel platforms. Nitrogen oxides pose risks to human respiratory and pulmonary systems, are associated with forming ground level ozone, photochemical oxidants, acid rain and fine particles, amongst a variety of their detriments, and their emission is therefore regulated. Our concept, when successful, will therefore make available a broad value proposition to the society, the environment and to the mobility industry. Finally, the insights developed into its gas phase reactions may have applications in other branches of science and technology.
This SBIR Phase II project proposes to resolve a currently unmet need in mitigating emission of toxic nitrogen oxides (NOx) from diesel engines, especially in low exhaust temperatures such as when the vehicle operates in stop-and-go, in local delivery or when idles its engine. The goal of this project is to develop a low cost, easy-to-fit and simple-to-integrate novel technology enabling low temperature Diesel NOx reduction. Continuing our successful Phase I research results, in this Phase II project more advanced prototypes will be developed and tested in low-temperature exhaust conditions, demonstrating rapid reduction of NOx on a commercially-available Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) catalyst, while evaluating the impact on lowering greenhouse gases CO2 and N2O. High fidelity computer simulations will be heavily utilized to further our understanding of underlying mechanisms such as the gas-phase reactions as well as to accelerate the development path. The project outcome is expected to alleviate a remaining challenge in Diesel emission control and to be rapidly welcome by the Diesel engine and vehicle industry.
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. -
Etaphase, Incorporated
SBIR Phase II: Enabling Ultra-Compact Photonic Integrated Circuits with Designed Disordered Dielectrics
Contact
8201 164TH AVE NE SUITE 200
Redmond, WA 98052--7615
NSF Award
1534779 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,575,998
Start / end date
08/15/2015 – 03/31/2023 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to allow the Internet infrastructure to keep up with explosive growth demand. A core aspect of Internet operational viability is switching speed of optical devices at various points of the transmission, storage, calculation, and access chain. Current technologies are not poised to be able to meet the speed and stability needs of the projected growth in Internet data volumes and access speed requirements. These are currently growing well beyond a Moore's Law pace. Needed is a disruptive approach to optical switching that will allow data management to keep pace with market needs. Ability to delivery this essential capability will provide not only essential international leadership in internet services, but also avail companies involved in the innovation to make a substantial commercial impact directly for their shareholders and to those of their partners and affiliates.
This Small Business Innovation Research phase II project is an effort to cross the chasm between fundamental new physics insights relating to the structure of matter and an aggressive approach to commercializing 'Semiconductors of Light' in an emerging market for high density optical interconnects priced for datacenters. Until recently, the only known photonic bandgap solids were photonic crystal structures consisting of regularly repeating, orderly lattices of dielectric materials. It was generally assumed that crystal order was essential to have photonic bandgaps. This longstanding assumption is now known to be false. New photonic bandgap structures, characterized by suppressed density fluctuations (hyperuniformity), include disordered structures that are isotropic. This means that light propagates the same way through the photonic solid independent of direction (which is impossible for a photonic crystal). While the layout of waveguides in conventional photonic crystal and quasi crystal photonic bandgap materials is tightly-constrained to follow characteristic crystal axes, the layout rules for hyper uniform disordered solid waveguides have no such fundamental constraints. The universal protocol and highly-efficient computational framework covering the full range of photonic crystal, quasi crystal , and hyper uniform disordered solid-based photonic bandgaps will be generalized to a broad class of critically important photonic components by the application of a powerful new gradient-free optimization methods. -
Explore Interactive, Inc.
SBIR Phase II: A STEM curriculum platform using augmented reality for real-time collaboration and problem solving
Contact
1281 WIN HENTSCHEL BLVD
West Lafayette, IN 47906--4182
NSF Award
2134765 – STTR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,000,000
Start / end date
01/01/2022 – 12/31/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to use augmented reality (AR) to activate rich and measurable STEM experiences such as engineering design projects for any child anywhere in the world. The market for AR globally and specifically in education is projected to reach over $200 B and $60 B respectively by 2025 by growing at 40% annually.Next Generation Science Standards support the premise that students should be learning the skills of science and engineering by engaging in work like that of scientists and engineers. According to the US STEM 2026 report, core competencies from effective STEM education will be demanded in nearly all job sectors and positions. The proposed technology integrates augmented reality and embedded data collection and analysis for real-time assessment for STEM projects in a classroom environment. By measuring both processes and outcomes, this project can better nurture growth mindsets. The proposed features will reinforce these key pedagogical approaches to promote STEM learning and prepare students with essential STEM career readiness skills.
This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project proposes to integrate augmented reality into the engineering design process while nurturing higher-level skills essential for workforce success and measuring key learning processes and skills. The data collection, storage, reproduction, analyses and algorithm development, while founded in research, remain sources of technical risk in the field of educational augmented reality. The proposed system encourages students to acknowledge and reflect on their emotions and takes an integrated approach to measuring students social and emotional learning (SEL) during collaborative activities. The research will determine how and to what extent do these activities support elementary students to: 1) develop design thinking and collaborative practices; 2) improve social and emotional skills in collaborative settings; and 3) impact students? content knowledge, interest and self-efficacy in science and engineering.
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. -
FARMSENSE INC.
SBIR Phase II: Digital Biosecurity for Invasive Insect Pests
Contact
2025 CHICAGO AVE STE A12
Riverside, CA 92507--6018
NSF Award
2052422 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$858,541
Start / end date
09/15/2021 – 02/28/2023
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will be in protecting natural and commercial resources as a result of actionable information on invasive insect pest. The information will be used by local, state and federal agencies to monitor harmful pests in real time and to plan optimal intervention strategies. Invasive species affect vulnerable communities in poor rural areas, who depend on natural resources, healthy ecosystems, and tourism for their livelihoods. Invasive insect pests can drive food insecurity and undermine ongoing investments in development. There is a growing consensus that early detection and rapid response is the best solution, but early detection is challenging for want of robust, automatic surveillance systems.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will investigate problems at the intersection of entomology and engineering to improve the accuracy and reliability of autonomous insect traps. New classification models will be created to allow application to a more diverse set of insects. Novel ?cold start? algorithms will be created to allow the classification of new species without first obtaining detailed training data. The project will create a scheduling system for trap servicing that dynamically considers the probabilistic insect classification/counts from thousands of traps and the location of a fleet of trap technicians (in their service trucks), in order to compute the optimal trap-to-technician assignment and order of visitation. These algorithms generalize fleet dispatch algorithms to consider the probabilistic nature of the classification and different costs of damage created by different insects. The proposed innovation of this project will lie in de-skilling the invasive species monitoring task, decreasing its cost, and reducing the lag between an insect species? arrival and its (human) detection.
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. -
FLUIDION US Inc.
SBIR Phase II: e-CHEM: A fully-autonomous connected in-situ chemical sensor
Contact
396 S SAN MARINO AVE
Pasadena, CA 91107--5050
NSF Award
1927079 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$743,701
Start / end date
10/01/2019 – 02/28/2023
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project will be on public health, with the proposed "e-CHEM" solution enabling the monitoring of chemical water quality with high temporal resolution, providing early alerts when quality degrades. The World Health Organization has recognized water chemical safety risk management as essential for ensuring public health. By informing water utilities and end-users early on about problems in the drinking water quality or in the distribution infrastructure, the duration of poor tap water quality episodes can be drastically reduced. For the industrial sector, e-CHEM will measure wastewater contamination, allowing its effective treatment and reuse and limiting fresh source water use particularly in regions affected by drought. e-CHEM will have major commercial impact across multiple industries, minimizing costs, reducing liabilities, and improving health.
This SBIR Phase II project proposes to commercialize the e-CHEM analyzer developed and pilot-tested in Phase I to provide a complete data analytics solution for performing water quality monitoring autonomously in critical applications where lack of infrastructure (power, communications), location remoteness, or limited human resources currently impose severe constraints. e-CHEM uses novel reagent-based and reagent-less lab-on-chip sensor technology to continuously quantify multiple water contaminants within a highly-miniaturized instrument, with accuracy and sensitivity levels approaching and even surpassing current laboratory capabilities. This Phase II project will involve a combination of fundamental and applied research aimed at improving the e-CHEM prototype for environmental variations during field operations, optimizing and ruggedizing the system for user operations, and developing machine learning algorithms for data analytics. After full validation of e-CHEM technology for drinking water, the e-CHEM system will also be adapted for harsh environments, such as monitoring of industrial wastewater from unconventional oil-and-gas 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. -
FOLI RESEARCH, LLC
SBIR Phase II: High-speed, precision wire plotting for electromechanical sensors and actuators
Contact
1336 CHANNING WAY STE E
Berkeley, CA 94702--2142
NSF Award
2127105 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$999,972
Start / end date
12/01/2021 – 11/30/2023 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impacts of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project enables a cost-effective expansion of generation and storage of renewable electricity. Electricity demand is expected to grow by 80% or more by 2050, and smart grid technologies have a compound annual growth rate of 20% with a market estimated at $35 B. One important element of the grid is the transformer, a critical enabler of large scale vehicle-to-grid technology necessary for greater electric vehicle adoption. This project advances a new transformer manufacturing technology that will lower hardware costs of grid infrastructure and decrease construction and permitting costs, which can account for as much as 85% of total costs.
This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project uses precision additive manufacturing to enable solid state transformers for the next-generation electric grid. By operating at higher frequencies, solid state transformers provide power conversion and grid services with high power density and lower hardware and project costs. Currently, solid state transformers are hampered by their wirewound electromagnetic components that perform poorly at high frequencies and are costly to produce. This project will enable new classes of devices with 10x improvements in performance. This project will produce technology demonstration prototypes of a power conversion product and plan for translation 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. -
FROSTDEFENSE ENVIROTECH, INC.
SBIR Phase II: Budbreak Delay Gel Technology for Frost Management and Mechanization of Vineyards
Contact
509 S GARFIELD AVE
Champaign, IL 61821--3831
NSF Award
2125182 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$995,228
Start / end date
12/15/2021 – 11/30/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact of this SBIR Phase II project is to allow America?s grape industry to reduce crop losses due to spring frost, estimated at over $1 billion per year, as well as related job losses ? more than 11,000 individuals in the State of Washington alone. The encapsulating bud break delay technology and predictive analytics support farmers with decision making tools ahead of impending frost events during bud break season. Such tools may enable rural communities to achieve economic stability by decreasing yield losses and lowering production costs. The technology fills gaps in knowledge needed to make informed decisions on individual farms, resulting in better management decisions in the face of increasing complexities of spring freeze threats. Additionally, use of the encapsulation technology may reduce carbon emissions and water usage from current fossil fuel-intensive conventional frost mitigation measures such as burners, wind machines and sprinklers.
The proposed encapsulating bud break delay technology involves two main advances. First, a gel encapsulation spray biologically delays the process of bud break consistently up to 14 days and increases cold resistance up to 6 degrees Celsius. Second, to guide growers in delivering this product, a Decision Support System (DSS) aids grape growers in deciding when it is necessary to mitigate pending frost conditions. The Phase II project focuses on increasing the predictive accuracy of the DSS and scaling the system. Specifically, the team will focus on: a) optimizing the formulation and testing in the lab, b) field-testing and data collection at five sites, c) enhancing DSS capabilities with additional data and analysis, d) scaling up for large-scale manufacture and application, and e) gathering data for regulatory approvals. This gel encapsulation solution for frost protection of vineyards may find future applications in other fruits crops such as apples and stones fruits that are even more susceptible to spring frost damage than grapes.
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. -
Farther Farms, Inc.
SBIR Phase II: A Process to Extend the Shelf Life of Fruits, Vegetables, and Dairy at Ambient Temperature
Contact
70 CRANDON WAY
Rochester, NY 14604--2101
NSF Award
2039218 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$991,377
Start / end date
01/01/2022 – 06/30/2023 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this SBIR Phase II project is to improve fruit and vegetable storage and dairy powder production in situations that currently require additives and carrier agents during the high-temperature processing techniques. The creation of novel, high-quality, shelf-stable food products is an important step toward increasing food system sustainability and accessibility. The team seeks to increase shelf-stability, reducing reliance on the expensive and limited cold chain. This technology has potential applications for pharmaceutical drug preservation. Additionally, global water shortages have increased reliance on desalination technologies that are expensive and environmentally taxing. With the potential cost, scalability, and portability benefits of the proposed separation technology, there is further potential for use in water treatment.
This SBIR Phase II project seeks to further develop a hybrid separation technology combining supercritical fluids and sonication to instantly separate a solute and solvent at operational temperatures of 15-55 °C, with inputs as low as 1% solids. The technology results in products with particles sizes of <10um to >250um and varying crystallization without hardware changes. By creating a continuous separation effect using velocity (supersonic flow as the kinetic driving force for phase separation instead of heat), the technology overcomes the end-product quality limitations of traditional thermal drying techniques, and has the potential to scale with attractive unit economics,. This method is significantly more energy efficient than existing methodologies. Specifically, the technology can produce pure fruit, vegetable, and dairy powders without preprocessing concentration steps, additives, carrier agents, or thermal treatment. The method may also be used to develop drug formulations for aerosol delivery and/or enhanced bioavailability, streamline sugar manufacturing to create co-energy generation, and potentially offer cost effective compact desalination systems to make drinkable water. The Phase II research seeks to design, construct, and optimize a scalable pilot system through computational fluid dynamics modeling, custom fabrication, and analytical testing to validate the unit economics and end-product attributes.
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. -
FireHUD Inc.
SBIR Phase II: Biometric IoT system for First Responders
Contact
1701 OAKBROOK DR SUITE K
Norcross, GA 30093--1800
NSF Award
1926847 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$798,654
Start / end date
10/01/2019 – 04/30/2024 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to reduce injuries and costs due to overexertion and heat strain in firefighting through a real-time, biometric monitoring system and accompanying analysis tools. This system collects each firefighter's vital signs and sends the data to authorized commanders for real-time strategic decision-making. By receiving access to life-critical information, commanders can make informed decisions on the allocation of key resources during the hectic scene of an emergency. Every year over one million firefighters risk their lives to protect others. Almost 60% of the deaths in firefighting are caused by overexertion and stress, which can induce heart attacks as well as other serious medical issues. Around 70,000 firefighting injuries occur each year, and associated costs total over $7 billion annually. The proposed system can be easily adapted to serve other first responders, such as military personnel, industrial workers, and others with occupational risk.
The proposed project will improve the occupational safety of first responders through the research and development of the following components: 1) An improved biometric collection wearable; 2) software used by the biometric monitoring system; 3) a location-monitoring tool; 4) algorithms to estimate sleep quality, fatigue, and detect symptoms for certain diseases, and improve exertion and core-body temperature estimates. 5) network improvement solutions allowing first responders in remote areas to utilize biometric monitoring tools. All five objectives will consist of multiple pilot studies with ongoing research and development that will incorporate crucial feedback from end-users. It is expected that the outcomes of this project will demonstrate a significant reduction in firefighter injuries, paving the way for a clear return on investment for partnering fire and emergency services.
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. -
Fortiphyte, Inc.
SBIR Phase II: Identification of disease resistance traits to improve the productivity and sustainability of soybean cultivation
Contact
2151 BERKELEY WAY RM 220
Berkeley, CA 94707--1517
NSF Award
2112394 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$991,857
Start / end date
09/01/2021 – 08/31/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
This award is funded in whole or in part under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-2). The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to improve the productivity, environmental sustainability, and profitability of soybean cultivation. Soybean cultivation is a major driver of rainforest deforestation, motivating improved yields for environmental sustainability. In addition, current commercial soybean varieties are highly susceptible to Asian soybean rust, an aggressive fungal disease that is especially severe in tropical and subtropical climates and can decimate soybean yield. This disease is controlled by chemical fungicides that are expensive, pose risks to the environment and human health, and are becoming less effective as the pathogen develops tolerance to over-used chemicals. This project will enable the development of soybean varieties immune to this disease. This will reduce the need for fungicide use in soybean cultivation, reduce yield loss caused by the pathogen, and improve grower profitability. In addition, this technology can be expanded to other crops.
The proposed project will result in the identification of new plant disease resistance traits with activity against the pathogen that causes Asian soybean rust. The typical plant species has hundreds of immune receptor genes which surveil for the presence of invading pathogens. Plant breeders routinely use plant immune receptor genes to develop new disease-resistant crop varieties. However, traditional methods to identify and translate these traits are time-consuming. The proposed work utilizes a rapid gene discovery platform to accelerate identification of new disease resistance traits. This project will identify and test several resistance traits. The identification and cloning of these resistance gene sequences will allow them to be quickly moved into elite soybean varieties, resulting in significant time and labor savings relative to traditional breeding. These traits can be stacked together to confer durable resistance against a broad range of Asian soybean rust strains.
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. -
GATE SCIENTIFIC, INC.
SBIR Phase II: Development of a Wireless pH Sensing Stir Bar
Contact
950 YOSEMITE DR
Milpitas, CA 95035--5452
NSF Award
2036372 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$999,656
Start / end date
06/15/2021 – 05/31/2023 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop networked, wireless chemical and biological sensing for use in wet laboratory and manufacturing environments. The technology to be developed addresses a $16 billion chemical and bioprocessing equipment market with a large growth potential. The ability to cost-effectively monitor these parameters from the research phase to large-scale manufacturing will accelerate the development of critical products such as vaccines and cell therapies, as well as better ensure the quality of everyday consumer goods produced from advanced chemical and biochemical processes.
The proposed project includes technical and manufacturing advances that must be made to bring these sensors to market. This effort combines engineering development in networked, wireless communication and miniaturization with analytical chemistry development of key sensing technologies. The innovations include development of manufacturing processes for a novel pH stir bar, development of wireless dissolved oxygen sensing modalities, and methods for achieving wireless sensing in larger-scale, metallic manufacturing vessels. Technology will be developed that enables wireless sensing of key wet process parameters such as pH and dissolved oxygen for chemical and biochemical process monitoring in research and larger-scale manufacturing environments.
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. -
GENERATE LLC
SBIR Phase II: A Digital Design-Delivery System for the Large-scale Deployment of Mass Timber Building Technologies
Contact
334 BEACON ST APT 6
Boston, MA 02114--2813
NSF Award
2111626 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,000,000
Start / end date
07/01/2021 – 06/30/2023 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to accelerate the digitization of the AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) industry, while democratizing the use of sustainable building materials. The technology is a first-of-its-kind Computer Aided Design for Manufacturing (CADfM) software. It enables architects to design for code compliance, cost management, and environmental sustainability. The proposed software will enable greater flexibility, lower cost, greater project speed, wider product selection, and enhanced human creativity in design.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will enable architectural design-for-manufacturing. Current design processes lack the pre-rationalization of manufacturing. To deliver sustainable, economically efficient and high-density buildings, architects need tools to quickly test design options in a data-rich space. Manufacturers need their products digitally integrated into architects? early designs, to prevent value-engineering and rework. This software is uniquely built on a game engine, and hosts a geometry kernel with smart building elements (façade, corridor, spaces, etc.) aware of their type, purpose and adjacencies, permitting data communication between assemblies and integration with data libraries for rapid evaluation of potential design changes and estimation of associated costs and effects.
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. -
GENIPHYS, LLC
SBIR Phase II: Regenerative Tissue Filler for Breast Conserving Surgery and Other Soft Tissue Restoration Needs
Contact
10307 OAK RIDGE DR
Zionsville, IN 46077--8313
NSF Award
2135908 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$974,349
Start / end date
02/15/2022 – 01/31/2024 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is its potential to lower healthcare costs and enhance the quality of life for breast cancer survivors, along with those suffering from traumatic injuries, skin ulcers, and other surgical wounds. For breast conserving surgery (BCS), which represents the standard of care for early-stage breast cancer, the most assured way of achieving satisfactory outcomes is complete tumor removal and preservation of breast cosmesis in a single surgery. Unfortunately, the rates of BCS-related complications, deformities, and secondary surgeries remain high (20-40%), which increases healthcare costs and negatively impacts patient quality of life. To address these problems, this project furthers development of an in-situ, scaffold-forming collagen designed as a conformable and regenerative filler for soft tissue defects and voids. This soft-tissue filler has the potential to improve breast surgeons? ability to provide predictable and pleasing outcomes to their patients. Further, the versatility of this collagen polymer means that it can be used for a variety of other clinical applications (e.g., vocal fold medialization, therapeutic cells, and drug delivery) and to create regenerative tissue products for other areas of major unmet clinical need (e.g., cartilage, skeletal muscle).
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to complete the final technical hurdles to commercialize the novel collagen polymer referred to above. Recognizing the significance of collagen as the body?s primary tissue building material, this patented biomaterial platform was designed to be highly purified and to retain collagen?s natural fibril-forming (polymerization) capacity. While this technology offers a broad range of customization potential, this project focuses on development of an in-situ, scaffold-forming collagen to accelerate and improve healing outcomes of complex cavity, tunneling, and deep penetrating tissue defects. The collagen is applied as a conformable liquid, which rapidly transitions to a fibrillar scaffold with soft tissue consistency. Preclinical studies evaluating this product as a breast tissue filler following lumpectomy have documented the following: 1) ease of use, 2) conformability to patient-specific voids, 3) noninflammatory regenerative healing, and 4) compatibility with standard clinical procedures. This SBIR project seeks to achieve key commercialization milestones associated with establishing pilot-scale manufacturing and achieving relevant product regulatory clearance and approval. Specifically, work will include development and validation of scalable processing steps for collagen purification, sterilization, and viral inactivation. This project will also complete most of the non-clinical bench performance and biocompatibility testing necessary for regulatory filings.
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. -
GLOBE BIOMEDICAL LLC
SBIR Phase II: Feasibility of a Wearable Blindness Prevention System
Contact
25014 LAS BRISAS S
Murrieta, CA 92562--4029
NSF Award
1951039 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$714,786
Start / end date
04/01/2020 – 03/31/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader/commercial impact of this SBIR Phase II project aims to further advance novel wearable technology for glaucoma patients and prepare the technology for broad adoption. Glaucoma, the leading cause of irreversible blindness, has an unknown cause and affects more than 70 million people worldwide. Currently, there is no cure for glaucoma, but early can often save one?s vision. Eye pressure is the most commonly used measure for predicting and monitoring glaucoma. The wearable technology developed under this SBIR project will monitor eye pressure throughout the day and allow clinicians to provide a higher quality of care for at-risk patients. The technology uses photographs to measure how the eye stretches under high pressure. This project aims to adapt the imaging technology into stylish eyeglass frames and develop custom software for converting photographs to eye pressure measurements, informing providers and improving compliance associated with at-home medication.
This project aims to advance a novel technology in which wearable eyeglass frames are used to track intraocular pressure (IOP) by imaging the level of pressure-induced mechanical strain associated with the tissue at the front of the eye - specifically, exposed sclera. IOP is, by far, the most commonly used metric for predicting glaucoma, the leading cause of irreversible blindness. In this project, a custom machine learning algorithm will identify characteristic patterns residing in small regions of the scleral images and, by tracking pressure-induced displacement of the regions, calculate IOP. The key objective of Phase II is to accurately measure IOP in real-world conditions with human in-vivo studies, incorporating necessary electronics in the frames. The technology will be further developed in order to improve correlation of the algorithm with conventional IOP captured during the image collection 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. -
GMJ TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
SBIR Phase II: Next-Generation Capillary Electrophoresis with Mass Spectrometry for Biopharmaceutical and Biomedical Applications
Contact
4820 148TH PL SE
Everett, WA 98208--8812
NSF Award
2025299 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,195,701
Start / end date
02/01/2021 – 07/31/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will be the development of a new instrument for biological research, biomedical research, and biopharmaceutical drug development. Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is a powerful technology with great potential for bioanalysis. It was the workhorse tool for the completion of human genome project that contributed to the DNA sequencing revolution. The technology will offer benefits to biopharmaceutical drug development companies by increasing the efficiency of product characterization for quality improvement. This new system could lead to breakthroughs in drug development, early diagnosis, and treatments for deadly human diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. The technology may be of value not only in biopharmaceutical and biochemical research markets but also in food, clinical, and environmental analyses.
The project will develop a next-generation capillary electrophoresis with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (CE-ESI-MS) for protein characterization. CE-ESI-MS allows efficient separation and characterization of several biochemical species, including proteins. The CE-ESI-MS technology will be developed for ease of use. It will use a novel fluidic nanoport for sample and buffer manipulation to allow analysis from 1 microliter or less volume for small samples. In addition, the instrument will utilize a novel electrospray ionization interface with integrated optical detection. Combining CE's ultrahigh efficiency with robust quantitative characteristics of optical detection and the molecular identification of mass spectrometry will be a powerful tool for bioanalysis. This combination may represent a significant advancement over the state-of-the-art and enhance the means of interrogating proteins and their biochemical functions in biological samples. With simple automated design and ease of use, the technology may significantly enhance the robustness and capabilities of CE-ESI-MS for fast, efficient, and deep bioanalysis.
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. -
GRAYMATTER ROBOTICS INC.
SBIR Phase II: Smart Robotic Sanding Cells for Composite Parts in High-Mix Applications
Contact
1019 22ND ST
Santa Monica, CA 90403--4517
NSF Award
2126915 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$999,824
Start / end date
09/15/2021 – 08/31/2023 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
This award is funded in whole or in part under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-2).
The broader impacts of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seek to improve the quality of life for manufacturing workers, help U.S. manufacturers remain cost-competitive in the global market, and improve the quality of the manufactured parts. The proposed robotic cells may reduce the need for workers to perform ergonomically challenging sanding tasks and reduce the risk of worker injuries on sanding lines. The developed 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 perform the low-level tedious tasks. Moreover, this technology enables the human operator to guide the team operation. This ability will improve worker productivity. Currently, there are more than 3000 companies in the U.S. performing composite fabrication. Most of these companies face challenges due to a shortage of workers and high labor churn. These challenges lead to longer delivery times. This project may enable manufacturers to improve quality and lower costs. Moreover, the technology may enable manufacturers to reduce time to part delivery by reducing the reliance on human labor and easily scaling production capacity with the change in demand by adding or removing robotic cells.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to develop a robotic sanding solution for high-mix applications by providing safety under uncertainty during robotic sanding and reducing cycle time by fast execution of safe and efficient trajectories by the robot. This award will make computational advances to enable robots to program themselves by automatically generating and safely executing trajectories based on the task description. The project will also enable the computational algorithms to account for the uncertainties present in the environment, making robots useful for sanding operations in high-mix applications. A robotic sanding cell for handling large parts in high-mix applications will be developed by selecting the appropriate sensors and tools. Algorithms will be developed for fast and safe workpiece localization in the robotic cell while the workpiece is secured with a cost-effective, general-purpose, low-cost fixture. Algorithms will be developed to determine the minimum number of setups needed for sanding large parts in the robotic cell and to generate robot trajectories to produce tool motion patterns that ensure efficient and safe sanding 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. -
GREEN LIGHT LABS, INC.
SBIR Phase II: Data Analytics and Physics-Based Insights into Vehicle Mobility Patterns
Contact
4648 DOYLE CT
San Jose, CA 95129--4315
NSF Award
2036018 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$999,600
Start / end date
08/15/2021 – 07/31/2023 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project is to provide new insight to consumers on their vehicle use, to inform environmental and economic impact. Unfortunately, typical car buyers currently do not understand their mobility patterns, and in particular how electric vehicle (EV) fuel costs and range viability will impact their day-to-day lives. Thus, prospective car buyers may not appreciate the potential financial and practical savings. This SBIR Phase II project proposes to support the development of data collection, processing, and analytical methods to measure an individual's (or fleet) driving tendencies to predict the value and viability of EV use. This can potentially save billions of gallons of avoided petroleum use as well as hundreds of billions in associated costs, and dramatically reduced emissions.
The proposed project advances data science, machine learning, and convex optimization techniques to estimate vehicle performance. This project has three stages: (1) develop mathematical and physics-based algorithms for predicting the energy or charge requirements and range viability for any electric vehicle on any trip, including uncertainty bounds on the calculated results; (2) integrate the trip energy calculations to develop algorithms that predict and optimize EV charging deployments; (3) develop algorithms for use 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. -
GREEN SUN MEDICAL, LLC
SBIR Phase II: Development of a pad and sensor system for a dynamic scoliosis brace
Contact
938 W MOUNTAIN AVE
Fort Collins, CO 80521--2510
NSF Award
2102167 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$965,903
Start / end date
09/01/2021 – 02/28/2023
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to improve clinical care for scoliosis patients. Scoliosis, a sideways curvature of the spine, affects 6-9 million individuals in the US, or 2-3% of the population, and has estimated healthcare costs of $3.5 billion by 2028. Current treatments for scoliosis include bracing and/or spinal surgery. Patients are often treated with a rigid thoracic scoliosis brace that does not typically provide curve correction. Compliance with wearing the brace can be challenging. The proposed technology is an intelligent, active brace that applies corrective forces to the spine via a dynamic, adjustable platform and reports compliance through its sensors. This personalized system may improve clinical outcomes at reduced cost.
This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project seeks to advance the development of an innovative scoliosis brace. The proposed system is designed to be comfortable to increase wear compliance by patients. The brace has a dynamic mechanism that can be adjusted to provide continuous pressure, and will have Bluetooth-connected sensors allowing parents and physicians to ensure treatment quality. The new technology will accommodate patient growth and curve correction while maintaining a precise fit, and may lessen the social stigma of wearing a brace. In this Phase II proposal, functionality and durability of the smart pad and sensor system in a clinical setting will be verified, feedback from end users (orthotists, spine specialists, patients and families) on the mobile application and physician dashboard will be collected, and the system economics and fabrication will be optimized.
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. -
GRID7 LLC
SBIR Phase II: Novel Blockchain File System using aBFT Consensus
Contact
7136 PETURSDALE CT
Boulder, CO 80301--3831
NSF Award
2051878 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,000,000
Start / end date
06/15/2021 – 05/31/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impacts and commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project include the ability to enhance the security and trust of critical infrastructure networks for applications including defense, electric grids, health care, and emerging autonomous systems (i.e., self-driving vehicles and robotics), as many of these systems are mission- and life-critical. The proposed innovation will allow distributed and autonomous systems the ability to make decisions based on highly trusted data sources. More importantly, the innovation addresses an immediate customer need to stop data breaches and prevent unauthorized activity on networks under flaky and uncertain conditions. The proposed innovation will enhance the practical applications of distributed computing fault tolerance and consensus mechanisms by applying them to real-world critical infrastructure networks. Mission-critical systems data are constantly under attack by adversaries at the rate of a billion times per year. For mission-critical systems, compromised data is a serious problem including huge economic losses, potential for mission failures, and in some situations, life-critical consequences. Protecting that data/information is one of the biggest market opportunities of this decade and the proposed work addresses the concerns of information assurance directly.
This SBIR Phase II project will advance an innovation that solves the complex problem of maintaining data integrity for mission-critical data within critical infrastructure networks. The proposed innovation simplifies the extremely complex science of consensus and fault tolerance in distributed systems by combining flexible deployment of state-of-the-art Asynchronous Byzantine Fault Tolerant (aBFT)consensus algorithms with the proposed novel file system innovation, creating highly useful solution to protect data integrity before it can be compromised under varying network operating conditions including asynchronous network conditions (byzantine and crash fault scenarios, ability to retain all transactions, provide liveness guarantees, maintain local node state integrity, and maintain data ordering and timestamps). The proposed file system solution is designed to be an easy to deploy software platform that keeps data safe, tamper-resistant, verifiable, and trusted over the system?s life cycle.
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. -
Geopipe, Inc.
SBIR Phase II: Reconstructing Consistently Detailed City-Scale Environments From Incomplete 2D and 3D Data
Contact
460 W 51ST ST APT 5
New York, NY 10010--5969
NSF Award
1853175 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$800,000
Start / end date
05/15/2019 – 04/30/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is the ability to more completely understand the real world through a perfect virtual copy. This SBIR Phase II project makes it possible to create virtual reproductions of real cities that not only show how the world looks, but reproduce every object and every detail perfectly, allowing users to interact with it. These virtual copies make it possible to quickly and effectively train soldiers and first responders, train autonomous ground and flying vehicles, place new construction into a dense city, simulate the effects of catastrophic weather, and explore imaginary scenarios through games. Billions of dollars are already spent mapping and 3D modeling the real world for these and many other applications, but these virtual cities are created through painstaking manual methods that can take months to years, or lack necessary information about what is in the world. This SBIR Phase II project will make it possible to rapidly and automatically create detailed 3D copies of any area of the real world.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will advance the state of the art in reconstructing highly detailed 3D models of the world for diverse commercial applications. This project introduces new methods for turning raw multimodal sensor data into semantic information describing the world and immersive, interactive-ready 3D models. It will remove the time, money, and manual effort necessary to create accurate 3D models of real world areas today, by using computer intelligence instead of human effort to parse sensor data like photographs and laser scans. The resulting 3D models and underlying semantic information describing the world will be used directly in game engines and simulation software, in analysis tools, in rendering software, and beyond. This research will build on the associated Phase I project, first improving the detail that can be identified and reproduced in virtual copies of the real world, then showing readiness for commercialization with paying customers. The result of the project will be a market-ready product for an initial market segment, capable of accurately reproducing real cities in 3D models that customers can readily use, as well as traction that demonstrates customer need for the product.
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. -
Gigajot Technology, Inc.
SBIR Phase II: Room Temperature High Speed Photon Counting Quanta Image Sensor Camera for Scientific Imaging Applications
Contact
3452 E FOOTHILL BLVD STE 360
Pasadena, CA 91107--3145
NSF Award
1853160 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,241,210
Start / end date
04/15/2019 – 03/31/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will be a revolutionary, high-speed, high-resolution and extremely high-sensitivity camera. This Quanta Image Sensor (QIS) camera will be the only compact complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) camera in the market with photon counting capability at room temperature. This camera can be used in scientific and medical imaging applications where high-sensitivity is extremely important. The current state-of-the-art camera technologies cannot satisfy the needs of the customers in these markets, and customers are desperately seeking a better technical solution. The QIS is a platform imaging technology and can be used in a broad range of imaging applications, such as automotive, augmented-reality & virtual-reality, security & surveillance, among others, where high-sensitivity, high-resolution and high-speed operations are required. The global image sensor market is expected to expand at an annual growth rate of 10.4% from 2015 to 2021, reaching $18.8 billion market value by 2021. Since the QIS technology is compatible with the mainstream CMOS fabrication lines, it has the potential to dominate the image sensor and camera market by high-volume production.
The proposed project addresses the major drawbacks of the state-of-the-art scientific EMCCD cameras, such as high noise (around 1 electron read noise with external cooling), nonlinear response and unpredictable readout gain, low-resolution, low-speed, massive size and extremely high-power consumption. In this project, the second generation Quanta Image Sensor (QIS) chip will be designed and fabricated, and will be implemented into an 8 megapixel QIS camera which can function at 120 frames/s and the whole camera power consumption will be less than a few Watts. The average noise will be around 0.25 electron that unlocks the true photon-number-resolving at room temperature, with about 99% accuracy. The modular compact QIS camera will contain some peripheral digital IC chips, power supplies, FPGA, USB 3 interface, etc. A QIS image processing algorithm will be implemented in the camera module to form an output image from the bits received from the QIS imager. Advanced industrial and commercial standard tests and characterizations will be performed to comprehensively measure the performance of the prototype QIS camera. Also, the camera will be tested by beta-customers and their feedback will be received to improve the QIS camera. The QIS camera will be available in monochrome and color.
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. -
HABITAWARE, INC.
SBIR Phase II: New Wearable for Body Focused Repetitive Behavior Detection
Contact
6465 WAYZATA BOULEVARD, SUITE 720
Saint Louis Park, MN 55426--1733
NSF Award
2026173 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,006,258
Start / end date
09/15/2020 – 03/31/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will help people who suffer from body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs). Over 4% of Americans suffer from skin picking, hair pulling, and nail biting, the majority of whom resort to covering up the problem with makeup, gloves, wigs, and even tattoos due to treatment cost barriers and lack of effective tools to facilitate behavior change. While behavior therapy, and in particular habit reversal training, has shown efficacy, this method is traditionally burdened by unreliable journaling, a lack of access to treatment, and difficulty for patients to perform in real-time because of a lack of awareness. While real-time awareness devices do exist, there is room for improvement in detection accuracy. This project will integrate a novel sensor system into a wearable device that can lead to state-of-the-art detection accuracy of BFRB-related behaviors. This wearable sensor solution is the first of its kind, using the novel sensor to extract meaningful biomechanical information.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will result in new behavior recognition algorithms, a new remote monitoring system, and new data generated from in-field experiments. The project will: 1) develop a new sensor calibration system and characterize signal artifacts that may influence detection accuracy; 2) develop new behavior detection algorithms using data captured in the lab; 3) conduct self-guided experiments in the field using the remote monitoring system proposed; and 4) refine recognition algorithms. Such sensitive measurements require ideal signal integrity, be sufficiently immune to signal artifacts, and tight electronics integration within wearable design constraints. This wearable system can profoundly impact the efficacy of habit reversal training during cognitive behavioral therapy, the leading method for reducing the negative effect of these behaviors.
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. -
HALOMINE INC.
SBIR Phase II: An adjuvant-based antimicrobial coating (COVID-19)
Contact
1411 HANSHAW RD
Ithaca, NY 14850--2730
NSF Award
2126610 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,000,000
Start / end date
09/15/2021 – 08/31/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
This phase II award received additional funding to mitigate the COVID-19 crisis.Abstract
This award is funded in whole or in part under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-2). The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to advance a technology that can provide residual antimicrobial activity against viruses, bacteria, and fungi. The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened concerns about microorganisms of all kinds and the limitations of current disinfecting products. The proposed project advances translation of a spray-on technology that, when dried, leaves a thin transparent film sticking both to the surface and to chlorine, thus enabling the surface to be disinfected for up to a month. The film essentially extends the useful life of chlorine-based disinfectants.
The proposed project will continue development of a novel antimicrobial coating that has proven efficacy against viruses, bacteria, and fungi. This project will optimize the product formulation for the film and a complementary solution with reproducible residual sanitation performance. The project will further advance the manufacturing scale-up to ensure large volume cost-effective production capabilities for the product and conduct field trials.
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. -
HARVEST THERMAL, INC.
SBIR Phase II: A Low-Emissions Heating and Hot Water System
Contact
663 COVENTRY RD
Kensington, CA 94707--1329
NSF Award
2127147 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,000,000
Start / end date
05/01/2022 – 04/30/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project is to enable a novel heating and hot water system that reduces energy use and emissions without compromising comfort. The replacement of gas/oil-fueled heating and hot water systems by efficient electric alternatives is critical to reduce (GHG) emissions from the building sector that accounts for nearly one-third of emissions worldwide. These reductions are achieved through electrification enhanced by ?load shifting,? the practice of consuming energy from the grid at times when it is cheapest and cleanest, and storing that energy for use in the home all day (including peak usage times). The project goals are to improve the reliability, security, and scalable manufacturability of this system, making it affordable to install for most households. Residential-scale load shifting will help the housing industry move from fossil fuel-based heating to meet emissions reduction requirements in a cost-effective way. The load shifting capability using readily available hot water storage allows utilities to balance the energy grid and increase the deployment of renewable energy sources with reduced infrastructure costs, as well as reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
This SBIR Phase II project proposes to address the technical risks facing large scale deployment of heating and hot water load shifting to enable rapid deployment of high-efficiency heat pump systems for residential applications in the United States. The project will systematically build knowledge of system-level performance, reliability, and failure modes. Cost drivers in system integration and storage density will be addressed and improved. Secure cloud computing architecture and machine learning will address technical barriers to wide-spread optimization of loads. Taken together, the program supports the capability to deploy reliable, secure, tested hardware and software as a 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. -
HEAT INVERSE, LLC
SBIR Phase II: Passive Cooling Materials for Transparent Applications in Refrigerated Trucking and Solar
Contact
119 WESTHAVEN RD
Ithaca, NY 14850--3098
NSF Award
2153819 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,000,000
Start / end date
08/15/2022 – 07/31/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to produce and validate the company?s passive cooling thin films to meet specific market requirements such as for refrigerated trailer, inverter, and solar photovoltaic (PV) applications. The product platform may meet the needs of myriad applications and use cases through the development and validation of both transparent and highly reflective/opaque films. The proposed effort may advance the goal of improving cooling technologies by enabling customers in the refrigerated trucking, solar energy, home cooling, and other markets to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions while reducing costs. Examining the annualized refrigerated trucking industry alone, which is valued at $1 billion globally, could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 15 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent per year in the U.S.. In addition, application to solar inverters and PV cells may increase the efficiency of renewable power generation. These uses collectively serve to improve the sustainability of multiple industries, with a long-term impact of offsetting the use of fossil fuels and the negative environmental, societal, and health effects tied to them.
The intellectual merit of this project is based on exploitation of selective photonic emitters that allow certain wavelengths of light to be emitted above the atmosphere, allowing passive cooling of more than 12.5 degrees C (100 W/m2), with zero energy input and no waste heat generation. Given that the passive cooling is inherent in the microstructure of the film and there is no need for electrical continuity, the product may provide seamless cooling capabilities, even in the unlikely event of mechanical failure of the film. Optimization of the thin films for application-specific use requires the successful completion of three objectives, which are the focus of the Phase II project: 1) investigation of fabrication techniques driving improved film performance compatible with the needs of key market applications, 2) development of application-specific installation methods while maintaining high performance requirements, and 3) development of improved manufacturing processes for production scale-up. Successful accomplishment of these objectives will prime the technology for market entry in a variety of applications, whether new or retrofitted. From a technical perspective, the research and development activities may advance the knowledge of passive radiative cooling systems and how they may be applied to support sustainable innovations in temperature control.
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. -
HELIPONIX, LLC
SBIR Phase II: A Rotary Aeroponic Cultivation Chamber (RACC) for Household Use
Contact
800 S SAINT JAMES BLVD
Evansville, IN 47714--2437
NSF Award
2151495 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$970,993
Start / end date
08/01/2022 – 07/31/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovaiton Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to provide a sustainable method to grow healthy produce for individuals residential consumers, independent of location, climate, or season of the year. Rotary aeroponic growing systems have the potential to reduce food waste, potable water consumption, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions by decentralizing the production of highly perishable produce within a consumer's home. Growing fresh produce in the home may not require the use of pesticides or preservatives. Socio-disadvantaged individuals located in food deserts may benefit from an automated indoor gardening appliance by subscribing to low-cost organic seed pods that could be delivered and grown directly in their home, generate long-term returns on investment and lowering instances of obesity through healthier diets. Studying the effects of light interactions in a small rotary aeroponic appliance my encourage a new market for high margin seed pods that could be assembled in mass quantities by disabled individuals. Converting highly perishable goods into non-perishable, subscription seed pods may have the potential to reduce food prices and reduce instances of food insecurity throughout the world.
Rotary aeroponic cultivation is the method of growing plants on a rotating cylindrical tower that is affixed vertically within a controlled environmental chamber. The key innovation in this project is the coupling of rotary aeroponics with tunable lighting to enhance the growing efficiency of the plants. Phase II research will examine how the wavelengths and timing of the lighting can impact plant photomorphogenesis. The tower design is expected to provide a larger surface area for growing plants in comparison to traditional vertical farming methods, increasing the number of plants that can be 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-spectral light will be used to learn how to maximize plant yields, minimize food safety risks, and enhance the taste profiles of different plant types to ensure the best user experience.
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. -
HEN NOZZLES INC.
SBIR Phase II: High efficiency nozzles for fire fighting
Contact
3650 PINON CANYON CT
Castro Valley, CA 94552--5430
NSF Award
2127461 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,000,000
Start / end date
09/01/2021 – 08/31/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
This award is funded in whole or in part under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-2). The broader impact of this Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project is reducing wildfire-related damage in the US, reducing the risk of injury for firefighters, and improving water conservation. Wildfires are becoming major environmental threats in the US. In 2020, over 4 million acres of land were burned in the Western US, displacing tens of thousands of people and forcing millions to breathe unhealthy air. A recent study estimated that 50% of all tiny particles that are two and one half microns or less in width (PM2.5 particles) in the Western US could be attributed to wildfires. With warmer and drier seasons, in places like California, wildfires are becoming a year-round risk. Better fire suppression technologies are highly desired to counter this increasing environmental threat. Fire hose nozzles are the key instrument used by firefighters in the US; However, research improving these nozzles is lacking. The nozzles used by firefighters are centuries old designs that were not optimized for fire-suppression. The proposed Phase II project aims to optimize the nozzles to enable up to two times faster suppression. Faster suppression can prevent billions in dollars of property damage each year and save lives. The proposed technology has the potential to generate up to $50 million in revenue and 40 jobs by 2026. This SBIR Phase II Project will use the fundamentals of thermal management and computational fluid dynamic simulations to design fire-hose nozzles that can increase fire-suppression efficiency by two times while saving 50% of the water. For rapid design iteration, 3D printing techniques will be used to create nozzle prototypes for field testing and conduct the design of experiment studies. Traditional fire-fighting nozzles are classified as smooth-bore nozzles or combination nozzles. Smooth-bore nozzles create solid streams with low coverage. Combination nozzles can generate wide stream patterns but have a significantly smaller ranges in wide mode. By optimizing the flow pathways, a diverging solid stream pattern will be created. The diverging solid stream will combine the long-range and penetration of smooth-bore nozzles and wide coverage of combination nozzles in one system. In the Phase I work, fire-suppression studies showed that such water stream patterns increase suppression rates by three times for vegetation fires while using less than half the water. In the proposed Phase II work, the nozzles will be optimized for structural fires. Additionally, as part of the Phase II work, an adjustable smooth-bore nozzle will be developed. These adjustable nozzles will further increase the suppression efficiency and allow the firefighters to adapt to different fire scenarios. 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.
-
HERMES LIFE SCIENCES LTD
SBIR Phase II: Blood-Plasma Separation for Point-of-Care Diagnostic Testing
Contact
22 VALLEYVIEW DRIVE
Ithaca, NY 14850--9378
NSF Award
2111755 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$925,493
Start / end date
08/01/2021 – 07/31/2023 (Estimated)
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is the development of a system to improve detection of infectious diseases, such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). The proposed project advances a low-cost, efficient system for robust point-of-care blood tests. The end result is a device that can process blood into a sample for improved blood-based diagnostic testing.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will enable a magnetic-bead based separation assay to achieve low-complexity and rapid blood-plasma separation in a resource-independent form factor for clinical settings. Blood testing is currently limited to centralized testing labs due to the requirements of centrifugation, a key first step in most diagnostic testing. However, centrifuges are not suitable for use at the point-of-care and represent a bottleneck. This Phase II effort will explore the design and development of a new kind of blood collection tube capable of performing sample collection and sample processing in one form factor. The Phase II effort will demonstrate the benefit of the underlying technology for companion use with commercially existing point-of-care blood-based diagnostic tests for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). This will be validated by comparison
of enriched plasma obtained with the magnetic bead separation assay with a conventional centrifugation 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. -
HEROWEAR, LLC
SBIR Phase II: Mechanized clothing to enhance productivity and low back health in the logistics industry
Contact
907 HALCYON AVE
Nashville, TN 37204--2616
NSF Award
2139480 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$998,660
Start / end date
09/01/2022 – 08/31/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Phase II project is to enhance the scientific and technological understanding of designing lift-assist exosuits (mechanized clothing), an assistive technology that has the potential to impact society by reducing the fatigue, back injury risk, and back pain of delivery drivers. For employers, the exosuit creates the potential for reduced employee turnover and medical costs. The proposed exosuit has potential commercial impact as the first and only lift-assist exosuit for delivery workers, a ubiquitous and growing job sector that cuts across nearly all commercial markets. This project could additionally impact the economic competitiveness of the United States by increasing the available workforce and reducing the cost of healthcare for Americans.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to address key design challenges associated with assistive technologies that provide lift-assistance for delivery drivers. Surmounting this technical hurdle relies on two key features: (1) the ability to turn assistance on/off when carrying an object, and (2) the ability to sit comfortably for long periods of time while driving. The research objectives of the Phase II project are to: 1) add a new mode-switching capability, 2) integrate a unique method of disengaging assistance that maximizes comfort during sitting, 3) create a novel leg sleeve to maximize comfort when the exosuit is not assisting, and 4) carry out a field study to validate exosuit performance in real-world conditions. This project will combine technical requirements and user stories with a series of rapid design iterations. Using this approach, multiple prototypes will be designed, built, and tested with delivery drivers to assess real-world performance and user acceptance. This project is projected to result in a commercially viable exosuit prototype that fits the daily needs of delivery drivers, as well as objective and subjective evidence of its efficacy in real-world scenarios.
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. -
HUUE, Inc.
SBIR Phase II: Development of a novel indigo dye process using biosynthesized molecules
Contact
2945 WEBSTER ST
Berkeley, CA 94710--2571
NSF Award
2127092 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,000,000
Start / end date
09/15/2021 – 08/31/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
This award is funded in whole or in part under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-2).
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will be an environmentally friendly method for dyeing textiles, providing a cleaner alternative to the toxic coloring agents that plague the $33B global dye market - starting with indigo dyes. Brands and mills are eager for a solution that does not require the industry to compromise between sustainability and performance. This project uses microbial processes to reduce the need for key harmful chemicals in the dye application process, thus minimizing the human and environmental damage caused by denim dyeing.
The proposed project addresses the problem of hazardous conditions and toxic chemical usage in the indigo dye industry. Indigo remains the sole blue dye for denim because of its beautiful blue color and unique fading properties, which has not been successfully replicated by any other dye molecule. This project aims to improve upon an engineered microbial strain that produces an indigo dye precursor molecule via fermentation; this precursor is then purified into a drop-in indigo dye ready for denim mills to use. The objectives are to 1) engineer the microbe to produce less of a toxic byproduct, 2) adapt the strain to increase its tolerance of the final product, and 3) transition from an undefined, complex media composition to a fully defined, more inexpensive medium. This will lead to a more efficient and cost-effective process 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. -
HUXLEY MEDICAL, INC.
SBIR Phase II: Single wearable patch for cost-effective, reliable, and accurate home sleep apnea testing
Contact
1465 NORTHSIDE DR NW U 217
Atlanta, GA 30326--4815
NSF Award
2136470 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$995,933
Start / end date
01/01/2022 – 12/31/2024 (Estimated)
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to help patients with cardiorespiratory conditions, including sleep apnea and cardiac arrhythmia. The project will develop a wearable sensor platform to simultaneously diagnose and monitor conditions. Multiple physiological measurements are collected by a comfortable, wireless sensor patch, resulting in a convenient remote monitoring clinical framework. Interfacing sensor data with an efficient cloud-based provider portal and automated algorithms will enable rapid screening of the 24 million undiagnosed sleep apnea patients in the United States. The proposed innovation will also provide insight into the practical clinical benefits and efficiencies to be gained by bundling multiple comorbid or otherwise related diagnostic pathways into a single workflow, such as reducing time to treatment for comorbid atrial fibrillation. This remote monitoring bundle concept represents the only all-in-one device capable of servicing multiple highly pervasive health challenges in a method unobtrusive and user-friendly for both the patient and the provider - particularly for telemedicine applications made more urgent by the global pandemic.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to develop a simple, accurate, cloud-connected wearable patch and collect clinical comparison data to develop automated, low-power algorithms to simultaneously detect sleep-disordered breathing, sleep stages, and cardiac arrhythmias. The project integrates materials science, mechanical engineering, and signal processing approaches to detect critical physiological signals from the torso, including oxygen saturation and several hemodynamic metrics. The project will also conduct studies that offer early insights into the clinical benefits of bundled workflows across cardiac and sleep medicine specialties.
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. -
Harvest CROO, LLC
SBIR Phase II: Orchestration of Multiple Robotic Subsystems into a Commercially Viable Robotic Strawberry Harvesting System
Contact
100 STEARNS ST
Plant City, FL 33563--5045
NSF Award
1831161 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,249,719
Start / end date
08/15/2018 – 09/30/2023 (Estimated)
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this project includes development of berry post-picking screening and handling that will provide a safe and efficient way to remove contaminated berries from the processing stream of an automated harvester. The project will advance machine vision technology for robotic harvesting and will be a key enabling technology leading to acceptance of automated harvesting as safe and effective. The market sector addressed by this project is strawberry farmers, though the technology will be applicable to other types of fruit and vegetable farming as well. The automated harvesting technology advanced by this project will alleviate chronic and worsening labor shortages faced by strawberry farmers and will ensure that strawberries remain affordable and available to consumers. Filling the need created by farming labor shortages is a $1 billion business opportunity.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop new vision processing and inspection methods vital to enabling use of an automated, robotic strawberry harvester. Acceptance of automated harvesting technology by strawberry farmers hinges on the ability of the harvester to remove bad berries from the plant without allowing the undesirable berries from entering the harvester packaging stream and potentially contaminating large quantities of berries. To achieve this, it will be necessary for the harvester to identify and eliminate diseased, rotten, damaged, or infested berries at multiple stages in the stream from automated picking to final packaging. The classification method that identifies the berries to be eliminated will be extremely accurate, with a very high detection rate and a low false alarm rate. The methods developed will be suitable for installation on a farming machine that is subject to a harsh outdoor environment as well as the shock and vibration environment found on a robotic harvesting device. New handling processes will be developed that will allow automated inspection of the entire berry without damaging the fruit or creating a risk of cross contamination from infected berries, significantly advancing the state of the art for automated strawberry processing.
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. -
Health Technology Innovations, Inc.
SBIR Phase II: A Cryo-EM Automation and Intelligence Platform for Drug Discovery
Contact
4640 SW MACADAM AVE STE 200D
Portland, OR 97239--4243
NSF Award
2135832 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$999,956
Start / end date
02/01/2022 – 01/31/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to improve disease research and drug discovery. Cryogenic Electron Microscopy (cryo-EM) is one of the most impactful and vital tools of biological structure analysis today. The proposed project improves the current methods to achieve better accuracy and productivity, with faster user training.
The proposed project improves imaging by cryo-EM. The images currently generated by cryo-EM are highly noisy and thus requires extensive processing to build recognizable structures (proteins and others). Single-particle cryo-EM is a method that produces images of individual particles and can potentially analyze biological structures at the single-molecule level. This project uses Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) techniques to mitigate the issues. AI/ML algorithms can automate the workflow, facilitating quality data and the development of 3D 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. -
Heila Technologies Inc.
SBIR Phase II: Decentralized Control and Optimization Platform for Advanced Microgrids
Contact
444 SOMERVILLE AVE
Somerville, MA 02143--3260
NSF Award
2035845 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$999,597
Start / end date
05/01/2021 – 04/30/2023 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to accelerate the widespread adoption of clean distributed energy resources (DERs) by developing and commercializing a decentralized control and optimization platform capable of aggregating and managing millions of independent energy assets connected across the U.S. electric grid. The resulting end-to-end solution will enable private and public project developers, as well as utilities to quickly commission and cost effectively operate DER systems composed of solar arrays, batteries, generators, fuel cells and many other kinds of energy assets in residential, commercial, and industrial sites with complete confidence on the reliability, seamless grid integration, and economic performance of the systems. By making it that much easier and cheaper to own, integrate, and operate clean energy equipment, the resulting solution will transform the energy industry from the ground up, using DERs as the pillars of a new clean, resilient, and equitable grid.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will drastically simplify the way distributed energy resources (DER) systems are commissioned, aggregated, and operated. Such deployments are complex due to an endemic lack of standardization, the sheer number of key variables to control and optimize, and the lack of modularity in conventional approaches. Properly coordinating them as they continue to rapidly increase in number on the grid requires a decentralized approach that puts the decision-making at the DER level. The project consists of two stages: (1) A development phase, where the algorithms will be integrated into a best-in-class solution, which will include all the necessary end-user facing tools, cloud infrastructure, and edge devices to enable full automation of deployments and satisfy technical requirements of customers in the mainstream market; and (2) a demonstration phase, where the resulting solution will be used at two different sites and benchmarked against critical use cases to validate its benefits and leverage the results to scale up market penetration.
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. -
Hexalayer, LLC
SBIR Phase II: High Energy Density Lithium-ion Battery Cells With Graphenic Anodes
Contact
1816 PRODUCTION CT
Louisville, KY 40299--2102
NSF Award
2034703 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$999,913
Start / end date
09/15/2021 – 08/31/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
This award is funded in whole or in part under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-2).
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project is the development and adoption of next generation portable energy storage devices. Lithium-ion batteries are the most common energy storage technology for a wide variety of applications. Most recently, they have been adopted by small to medium sized Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and electric vehicles (EV). The weight carrying capacity and flight/operating time and range of these UAS and EV are issues mainly dependent on battery components and materials. With the proposed lithium-ion battery technology, high-capacity, lightweight, and advanced batteries may store significantly more energy without increasing their weight. The development and integration of the next generation battery technology may significantly increase the performance of battery powered vehicles and their adoption by society. This technology has the potential to have a drastic commercial impact in the UAS/drone industry; For example, with successful batteries, medicine, blood, and organs can be quickly delivered to remote locations on unmanned platforms. Utility workers may be able to identify pipeline leaks or transmission line damages in advance of an accident and packages may be delivered faster, with significantly less carbon footprint, along with myriad of other applications.
This SBIR Phase II project seeks to develop high capacity, lightweight lithium-ion battery (LIB) cells with a novel carbon-based anode component. Existing LIBs still utilize graphite with additives as the primary anode material due to their ability to restore the charge and provide consistency in voltage. However, graphite's limited capacity (theoretically, 372 mAh/g) prohibits the development of long lasting, higher energy density (over 340 Wh/kg) LIBs. Graphite's internal structure limits sufficient lithium diffusion into interlayer spaces. This project offers a new class of higher energy density (over 500 Wh/kg) LIBs, with an innovative multilayer graphenic anode. Replacing graphite with the multilayer graphenic anode offers a solution in overcoming the issue of the limited capacity of the carbon anode. This patent-pending, commercially feasible, only carbon-based anode has the unique capability of an intense lithium (Li) intercalation within its networks. The large Li/electrolyte interface contributes enhanced charge-transfer kinetics, resulting in effective charge/discharge cycling throughout hundreds of cycles with over 1500 mAh/g specific capacity.
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. -
Howe Industries LLC
SBIR Phase II: A Solar Thermal CubeSat Propulsion System
Contact
16674 N 91ST ST STE 103
Scottsdale, AZ 85260--2761
NSF Award
2111853 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$996,231
Start / end date
01/01/2022 – 12/31/2024 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II Project addresses the need for small, low cost space satellites to have on-board propulsion capabilities. The advent of very small satellites is opening up space to entrepreneurs and researchers to improve telecommunications, monitor climate patterns, look out to the stars, or launch their own new and unique ideas. Unfortunately, many of these small satellites have no method of maneuvering in space, and so their capabilities are limited. Having a safe, green, and inexpensive propulsion system will allow the growing small satellite market to perform many new tasks that were previously unachievable. By 2026, it is expected that the small satellite market will reach over $30 billion. By developing this technology now, users can overcome a major obstacle in space exploration.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a small satellite system capable of using water and sunlight for propulsion. The system functions by selectively filtering sunlight to heat water to high temperatures by limiting radiative heat emissions. The high temperature steam is exhausted through a nozzle and is able to control the satellite with high efficiency. This system is capable of extending satellite lifetimes to over 300% of an unpropelled option, avoiding debris, and performing orbital maneuvers. The major goal of this effort will be to build a prototype to demonstrate system operations. Other goals will be to test individual systems, determine lifetime, and investigate the resulting savings to satellite users. The team seeks a technology that is reliable and cost effective for expanding humanity?s capabilities for space exploration.
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. -
Hyphae Design Lab
SBIR Phase II: Ecosystem Design Tool
Contact
942 CLAY ST STE ACCT2
Oakland, CA 94607--3906
NSF Award
2218499 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$999,592
Start / end date
02/01/2023 – 01/31/2025 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader/commercial impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to enable communities impacted by air pollution and extreme heat to design and implement solutions to these problems in a fast and cost-effective way. Air pollution increases the risk of cancer, stroke, heart-disease, and respiratory infections, and may play a role in Alzheimer?s and diabetes, resulting in human suffering and trillions of dollars of health care costs globally each year. Extreme heat is a growing source of additional health-care concerns and costs. These costs are shouldered by insurance companies, governments, businesses, and citizens. Air pollution can be reduced by carefully placed trees. These trees also reduce extreme heat by shading and evaporation of water. There is potential for improving human health via targeted engineering of tree placements. This project will develop analysis and design tools to help with such tree plantings to generate the maximum possible health and financial benefits, at the lowest cost and with the shortest timelines. Local businesses can use this tool to make sure that they get paid fairly for reducing health care cost burdens of health insurance companies, governments, and pollution producers, while making communities and the environment more resilient.
While existing literature indicates that trees may provide an effective air pollution and heat-island mitigation strategy. Stakeholders seeking to implement such strategies need tools to ensure that the plantings are as effective as possible. Existing planning tools are not of sufficient resolution or site specific, and often do not employ evidence-based design strategies. This project will perform high resolution vegetation analysis on a wide variety of neighborhoods. This data will be used to train a set of algorithms to infer high resolution vegetation properties from widely available, low-cost data streams. These inferred vegetation metrics will be integrated with a geospatial ecosystem design automation pipeline to create a software tool. The software tool will provide environmental justice communities, ecosystem designers, health insurance companies, governments, and local businesses with the ability to implement cost-effective ecosystem interventions with quantifiable air quality and heat island benefits. These benefits can be used to calculate financial health benefits. Because the benefits quantification will be based on ongoing validation and monitoring projects, the tool can be used to leverage private financing for improving public health and improving the 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. -
IASO THERAPEUTICS, INC.
SBIR Phase II: A Novel Bacteriophage Mutant as a Platform Carrier for Next Generation Vaccines
Contact
4942 DAWN AVE STE 108
East Lansing, MI 48823--5606
NSF Award
2150936 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$978,597
Start / end date
03/01/2022 – 02/29/2024 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is the contribution to the field of conjugate vaccines, which have made revolutionary and tremendous contributions to public health. When successfully developed, the proposed platform will be available for use by biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to develop next-generation conjugate vaccines against a wide range of antigens, including cancer and emerging infectious diseases, for improved clinical outcomes. In addition to vaccines, the platform offers an excellent starting point for the generation of monoclonal antibodies for both basic scientific research and therapeutic application.
This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project aims to establish the applicability, robust manufacturing and characterization protocols of a proposed mutant bacteriophage based carrier platform. This work will establish superior and long-lasting antibody response against weakly immunogenic subunit antigens, while reducing the anti-carrier antibody responses. This project will advance the demonstration of the proposed platform's performance in boosting the immune responses against the target antigens, relative to that of the wild-type bacteriophage and commercially available carrier 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. -
ICTERO MEDICAL, INC.
SBIR Phase II: High Surface Area (HSA) Intraluminal Cryoablation for the Treatment of High-Risk Patients with Gallstone Disease
Contact
2450 HOLCOMBE BLVD
Houston, TX 77021--2041
NSF Award
2214634 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$966,649
Start / end date
12/15/2022 – 11/30/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will be the development of the first minimally invasive cryoablation solution to treat high-risk patients with gallbladder disease. The current gold standard for treating gallbladder disease is surgical removal of the gallbladder. While this procedure works well for healthy patients, the use of general anesthesia has been shown to increase complications in elderly patients with underlying chronic medical conditions, leading to a $675 million cost to the US healthcare system each year. Furthermore, patients too sick for surgery have no definitive treatment options, underscoring the need for a safer alternative. Phase I efforts demonstrated the ability to safely deliver cryoablation energy via a minimally invasive catheter system to chronically defunctionalize porcine gallbladders without removal. Phase II efforts will focus on product development of the cryoablation system and optimization of clinical delivery parameters. The goal of the technology is to allow clinicians to provide their patients with the benefits of surgery, without the risk.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes to continue the development of a minimally invasive cryoablation system capable of safely and effectively targeting the gallbladder. Initial testing of the cryoablation system has demonstrated the ability to uniformly generate lethal cryoablation temperatures (<-20?) across the gallbladder lumen, leading to durable gallbladder scarring and defunctionalization in porcine animals up to 60 days post-procedure. Key technical objectives of this project are to develop the industrial design of the introducer, cryoablation catheter, and control system for improved clinical usability and manufacturability, to further test and characterize clinical delivery parameters to inform treatment planning, to improve sensor reliability and control system response time to optimize safety profile, and to validate the integrated system in vivo to demonstrate system performance with optimized dosing parameters. The system will be evaluated in an advanced benchtop model gallbladder under a thermal load, ex vivo gallbladder tissues, and an in vivo chronic animal model to optimize and validate the cryoablation catheter and integrated control system. The anticipated result of this project is a clinically viable gallbladder cryoablation system with established clinical delivery parameters and dosing guidelines.
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. -
IDEM, LLC
SBIR Phase II: Novel Field Drug Test System for Law Enforcement
Contact
311 6TH AVE
Indialantic, FL 32903--4301
NSF Award
1951074 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,099,661
Start / end date
05/01/2020 – 05/31/2023 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to develop technology that will improve law enforcement (LE) effectiveness in combatting the U.S. illegal drug epidemic, which contributed to over 67,000 drug overdose deaths in 2018. An affordable, effective field drug test system, superior to conventional color test kits and Raman-based test systems, would address this challenge, particularly because the widely used color test kits are outdated, hazardous, and susceptible to a high false positive rate. This novel drug test system will improve the accuracy, reliability, ease of use, safety, and affordability of field drug identification and permit data analysis that will help LE reduce the supply of dangerous drugs from the communities they serve. This innovation has the potential to expand into other markets, including medical diagnostics and environmental analysis.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will implement a novel system for on-site presumptive drug testing and collection of drug intelligence for LE. Conventional color tests are inaccurate and highly flawed, often resulting in failure to accurately detect common drugs and novel drug analogues as they are introduced into the illegal substance market. Commercially available handheld devices that utilize Raman spectroscopy are superior to color test but are too expensive for local and state LE agencies to widely adopt. The research objectives involve further developing a system that leverages photoluminescence spectroscopy in a low-cost handheld spectrometer, a sampling device that uses a drug-indicating chemosensor, and software that consists of a mobile app and cloud-based technology to help identify illegal substances and specific drug signatures. The anticipated technical results will be the optimization of the handheld spectrometer design and drug-sampling device, identification of new photoluminescent chemosensors for controlled substances, and software to enhance the accuracy of the sample data analysis. This system will establish tools for forensic analysis of drug signatures and regional trends in illegal drug trafficking.
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. -
IMAGINAG TECH, LLC
SBIR Phase II: An Automated Drone-Based Cattle Monitoring Service
Contact
4339 UNIVERSITY PKWY
Beachwood, OH 44122--1664
NSF Award
2036703 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$997,350
Start / end date
06/15/2021 – 05/31/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will result from the development of disruptive technologies that use drones and artificial intelligence to monitor livestock. Almost 75% of United States cattle are purchased by taking out bank loans, and lenders need to audit cattle inventories for collateral verification and appraisal purposes. Additionally, more than 140,000 ranchers need to monitor their herds and detect cattle illnesses before infections spread. The proposed technology will leverage aerial imaging and artificial intelligence to count cattle, characterize cattle weight, and diagnose cattle illnesses up to one week before clinical symptoms appear. The ability to count herds regularly will enable ranchers to discover cattle rustling issues early and provide banks with a reliable way to perform collateral verification on ranches and feedlots, ensuring that banks can continue extending livestock operations the loans that they need to survive. The ability to detect cattle illnesses early is expected to reduce cattle mortalities, the economic cost of antibiotic use, and possibly antibiotic resistance in humans. Ultimately, the proposed technology that will be developed for monitoring cattle promises to also transform the way that land and marine wildlife, fisheries, and endangered species are monitored.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will provide cattlemen and bankers with an efficient way to detect and count cattle on pastures and ranches, estimate livestock weight, and identify ill cows before they spread infection further. Despite daily monitoring of cattle herds, small discrepancies and losses are undiscoverable, and bovine illnesses are often left undetected until they spread, infecting more cattle and requiring large-scale administration of antibiotics. Machine learning and image processing tools will be developed that (a) automatically analyze natural and thermal drone images to count cattle on multi-topography ranches and estimate livestock weight and (b) discriminate between healthy and ill cattle based on aerial radiometric imaging. The outcomes will be (1) a ready, drone-agnostic solution for counting cattle and estimating their weight and (2) a pilot-tested drone-and-software system for monitoring cattle health via radiometric imaging and notifying cattlemen about cows with suspected illness 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. -
IMPACT PROTEOMICS, LLC
SBIR Phase II: Universal Proteome Sample Preparation Kit Development
Contact
1406 BROWNING RD
Pittsburgh, PA 15206--1738
NSF Award
2036199 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$999,684
Start / end date
04/15/2021 – 03/31/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to develop a universal protein sample preparation kit that extracts proteins from any biological sample, removes contaminants, and prepares them for downstream analytical methods with higher yields and deeper coverage than currently available technology. Proteins are the molecular machines of the cell that do all the work required to keep humans healthy, and incorporation of protein analysis is becoming increasingly important for developing a clear understanding of integrated biological systems, realizing the promise of precision medicine, and rapid drug discovery. Sample preparation is the first step in any protein-based project workflow and without a high-yield, fast, and reproducible way to prepare samples, downstream analyses are difficult to interpret and highly variable, leading to long project times and wasted resources. The proposed innovation improves sample yields, reproducibility, and speed, accelerating research seeking to discover new therapies and diagnostics and improving cost-effectiveness. It will also purify other important biomolecules from the same sample, such as DNA, RNA, and metabolites, allowing researchers to obtain more information from each sample, prepare multiple samples in the time it takes to prepare one, and improve reproducibility by using the same starting material.
The proposed project will utilize reversible protein tagging chemistry to create a one-tube workflow for the capture, wash, and elution of protein samples for analysis. Because this novel reversible protein tagging chemistry is not dependent on a catalyst, does not produce byproducts, and is completely biorthogonal, it has the potential to work universally with all types of buffer systems, including harsh denaturants and detergents commonly used for cell lysis and protein solubilization. This proposed work will optimize the utilization of this sample preparation technology in the most used buffer systems, model organisms, and will show superior yields in the preparation of diagnostic sample types such as blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid. Additionally, because our reversible protein tag does not cross react with other biomolecules, we will show that we can also use this technology to purify other important biomolecules such as DNA, RNA, and metabolites. The technology developed in this project will revolutionize how researchers prepare samples for analysis, providing them with modular tools that can purify any biomolecules they need from the same starting sample, reducing time, improving yields, and decreasing batch to batch variability by comparing within the same starting 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. -
IMVELA CORP.
SBIR Phase II: Harnessing Untapped Food-borne Microbial Diversity to Rationally Engineer Novel Healthy Foods
Contact
141 FLUSHING AVE BLDG 77 STE 907
Brooklyn, NY 11205--1095
NSF Award
2054208 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,000,000
Start / end date
06/15/2021 – 05/31/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation (SBIR) Phase II project is to develop a microbial starter culture that allows beverage manufacturers to produce a low-sugar, shelf-stable, nonalcoholic fermented beverage. This solves urgent challenges with existing products (e.g. kombucha, which is high in sugar and requires refrigerated distribution) and enables beverage manufacturers to replace unhealthy and artificially produced sodas ($40B+ market) with fermented and naturally produced versions. In addition, this proposal will develop underlying capacities to design new microbial communities (consortia of multiple microbes) that can work together and perform better than state-of-the-art single strains. This technology has important applications across food manufacturing, but also in other disparate verticals, such as manufacturing, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, waste remediation and more.
The proposed project will continue the technical development and commercialize a novel starter culture that can be used to produce a shelf-stable, low sugar fermented beverages. A large biobank of food-borne microbial strains will be generated and screened utilizing next-generation metagenomic and metabolomic approaches. Novel microbial community compositions will be assembled, tested and refined from a large design space, relying on new ecological design and statistical approaches. The communities will be optimized for taste, flavor and fermentation speed and resilience. Final starter culture candidates will be advanced and validated in successively larger fermentation scales, and the ultimately output of this work will be a novel lyophilized microbial starter culture product line that will be supplied and licensed to commercial beverage manufacturers.
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. -
INFINID LEARNING LLC
SBIR Phase II: Helping Students Acquire 21st Century Skills Through Immersive Group STEM Simulations
Contact
2230 N UNIVERSITY PKWY STE 6A
Provo, UT 84604--1584
NSF Award
1853212 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$969,999
Start / end date
04/15/2019 – 01/31/2025 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will contribute to the introduction into the educational market of a product uniquely designed to help educators prepare today's students for the challenges of tomorrow's workforce. The ability to think critically and creatively, to communicate effectively, and to solve problems in a collaborative, technology rich environment previously defined 21st Century Skills. New research indicates that in addition to the need for literacy, numeracy, and these advanced cognitive skills, students must also be equipped with social and emotional skills. These social-emotional skills range from self-awareness to empathy for others and from self-management to leadership.
The demand for higher order skills makes it more important than ever for school administrators and teachers to find the answer for students who are disinterested and difficult to motivate, especially in the areas of science and math. Students complain that they are bored and do not see the purpose for what they are being taught; they desire meaningful application for what they learn and the ability to direct their own learning. Designed to address these needs, the proposed program offers students a distinctly different learning experience. The immersive platform gives students the ability to exercise autonomy and a new opportunity to interact and work together. Important life skills come to the forefront as students begin to understand how one's ability to negotiate interactions with others in socially, ethically, and culturally appropriate ways is key to achieving one's goals.
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. -
INNOGIZED TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
SBIR Phase II: Advanced in-home technologies for infant thermoneutrality
Contact
11240 W WALNUT RIDGE RD
Chesterland, OH 44026--1243
NSF Award
2051808 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$981,746
Start / end date
07/15/2021 – 06/30/2023 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Phase II project will be to empower and educate caregivers to make scientifically guided decisions that enable safer and optimally nurturing sleep environments for infants. Every year more than 130 million babies are born and over 4 million of those are born in the U.S. Due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), 300 babies every month may not live to see their first birthday. SIDS remains the leading cause of death for babies aged one month to one year. Infant mortality rates in the U.S. are higher than in the 20 wealthiest nations. Innogized Technologies has developed a transformative Internet of Things technology (IoT) that combines hardware and analytics to enable caregivers to make better sleep-time decisions, avoiding overheating, a known stressor for SIDS. The technology guides caregivers to deliver optimal conditions for safe, regenerative and developmental growth for their infants anywhere and anytime, while at the same time relieving anxiety. This technology is poised to immediately capture a sizable portion of the rapidly growing $1 billion US baby monitoring solutions market.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will support the development of a novel consumer product that works with caregivers to proactively mitigate the risk of under/overheating events in newborns. Sleep-time clothing choices are thermodynamically matched with environmental conditions to create baby-specific safe sleep environments. The temperatures are maintained by leveraging the inherent connectivity of the IoT platform. The technology integrates thermal resistance measurements, thermal models and maps, advanced algorithms, and predictive monitoring. The research objectives of the project tackle the most important remaining technical challenges driving towards successful commercialization and adoption of a product that is essentially an intelligent system, capable of understanding context and tracking and managing complex interactions while anticipating requirements. The technical product of this research will advance caregiver knowledge and increase understanding of the applied thermodynamics leading to the advantageous state of thermoneutrality as well as increase infant wellbeing.
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. -
INNOVEIN, INC
SBIR Phase II: Venous Valve Prosthesis as a Cure for Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Contact
1745 COPPERHILL PKWY STE 7
San Carlos, CA 94070--4131
NSF Award
1927074 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,371,596
Start / end date
10/01/2019 – 03/31/2023 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will be to develop a medical device for valve replacement treatment of chronic insufficiency of the veins (CVI). Currently, no definitive treatment option exists to address the underlying cause of the disease, valvular reflux, which leaves millions of patients with chronic venous ulcers, skin thickening, and pain for years to decades. When brought to market, the proposed novel prosthetic valve and delivery system will provide a viable curative therapy superior to current treatment options and mitigating complications associated with existing valve prostheses, such as thrombosis and valve incompetence. The proposed product will curtail substantial health care expenditures associated with CVI, such as wound care, hospitalizations for infections, and associated secondary procedures. Because implantation of this valve does not require the complex or invasive surgical interventions of existing technologies, its use also will avoid expenses associated with open surgical procedures and rehabilitative care. The commercialization of this innovation is expected to benefit CVI patients, while significantly reducing costs.
This SBIR Phase II project aims to develop a novel, reliable, and marketable prosthetic valve and delivery system for the treatment of incompetent veins. In Phase I, a design was created for a device that exceeded laboratory and animal benchmarks. Phase II proposed development improves the design for broader deployment by demonstrating the the valve's ability to minimize thrombosis as well as the capability to be produced at scale. Phase II objectives are to: 1) Develop and produce the next generation valve for in vitro and animal testing; 2) Compare safety of valve designs in an in vitro study; 3) Demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the leading design in a chronic animal study; 4) Complete biocompatibility testing on the design to ensure it is appropriate for human testing; and 5) Establish manufacturability of the device. These steps will provide the foundation for future clinical trials to demonstrate safety and efficacy of the device in humans.
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. -
INTUITAP MEDICAL, INC.
SBIR Phase II: Tactile sensing for spinal-needle placements
Contact
2450 HOLCOMBE BLVD STE X
Houston, TX 77021--2039
NSF Award
2129691 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,000,000
Start / end date
12/01/2021 – 11/30/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to support needs in emergency medicine, neurology, and anesthesiology for a low-cost, non-radiative device that allows for accurate, efficient, and intuitive placement of needles in the spine. By reducing the number of required injection attempts, the device reduces patient pain, number of complications, and the need for radiation. The device could also be employed as a training tool to improve physician skill and familiarity with lumbar punctures, thus reducing errors. While the currently proposed device is limited to use in the lumbar region, future versions will expand its use to other regions on patients? spine, greatly impacting injections for pain management. In the future, the device can also offer an imaging option for the current blind techniques in other clinical procedures such as joint injections.
This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will expand functionality of the first device. A prototype device has been shown to improve the accuracy and efficiency of lumbar punctures. However, in response to clinician needs, the functionality will further be expanded as follows: The first objective adds external needle position tracking by adding full needle insertion and lateral adjustment functionalities to the needle guide. Tracking mechanisms will be developed to detect and display the needle?s position on the image. These modifications will be tested on a bench model by clinicians and compared to the previous device. The second objective incorporates feature detection into the image. Physician feedback will drive the selection of necessary features and propriety algorithms will be developed to highlight the features on the image. This project will test algorithms on existing data and then incorporated into a bench model. The third objective incorporates an external digital pressure sensing mechanism to alert the user of entry of needle into epidural space to prevent complications from inadvertent punctures beyond the epidural layer. The accuracy of this design will then be tested by clinicians on a bench 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. -
ITERATIVE METHODS, LLC
SBIR Phase II: Ground-Loop Heat Exchanger Solution for Low Cost Ground-Source Heat Pumps
Contact
810 VICKERS AVE
Durham, NC 27701--3143
NSF Award
2126966 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$977,576
Start / end date
05/01/2022 – 04/30/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project is that it will significantly lower the initial cost of residential and commercial ground-source heat pump (GSHP) systems used in space heating and cooling applications. GSHPs are inherently more energy efficient than most heating and cooling technologies. This technology will accelerate electrification of the US economy, lessen the nation?s dependence on fossil fuels, reduce peak electricity demand, and lower emissions of greenhouse gases such as CO2. GSHPs operate quietly and reliably, provide humidity control, and can provide both heating and cooling, greatly increasing the comfort of building environments and quality of life. GSHPs can also reduce and levelize utility bills in low-income housing and enhance the ability to provide energy assistance programs to those in need.
This SBIR Phase II project proposes to further develop a novel technology that will overcome barriers in the applicability, desirability and cost-competitiveness of GSHP systems. The project?s chief technical objectives are to improve tools and knowhow relating to the application of the proposed novel in-ground heat exchanger technology and to demonstrate the feasibility and performance of this technology in real-world applications in targeted geographical markets. Specifically, the project will further refine the computational modeling tools used to size heat exchanger systems; and develop and integrate sophisticated geospatial data sets that these models will use/ This will result in more accurate and more rapid heat exchanger sizing on a site-specific basis. Next, the project will validate these tools through extended testing and data collection on a prototype system installed on a home system. Finally, this project will apply these tools during the deployment of three commercial systems in targeted geographic markets and collect additional data regarding their performance over 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. -
Imagen Energy, LLC
SBIR Phase II: Extremely Compact, High Efficiency, Integrated Converter and Energy Storage System
Contact
115 E REINDL WAY STE 295
New Berlin, WI 53151--1915
NSF Award
1831221 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$752,227
Start / end date
09/15/2018 – 03/31/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this project is to enable vast deployment of energy storage to increase installation of renewable energy for reduced pollution and greenhouse gases, to improve energy security, and to improve energy efficiency and safety. The project will realize a dramatic reduction in cost and size of Energy Storage Systems (ESS) that will allow penetration of ESS into markets served by fossil fuels. One key market is grid ancillary services which includes Frequency Regulation (FR) that regulates grid frequency and stability. With the potential of this project, the FR market for battery based ESS is expected to grow from $100M/yr to over $4B/yr. This project has the societal benefits of replacing fossil fuel based ?peaker? plants that are commonly used to perform FR, with clean Li-ion battery based ESS. Furthermore, by providing lower cost FR capability for the grid, the project will enable grid penetration of more renewable energy, which requires additional FR capability.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a highly compact integrated modular inverter/energy storage system to revolutionize deployment of energy storage system for grid, micro-grid, energy efficiency, and energy reliability support. The development effort proposed here includes an advanced energy storage system consisting of an extremely compact 150kW high frequency 3-level inverter, an integrated 100kWhr compact Li-ion battery system, proprietary battery management systems and internet communications capability. This will provide a highly integrated and scalable 150kW Energy Storage System with an integrated battery string inverter with 60% reduced system cost and 10X reduced size that will open new markets for energy storage and renewable energy. The project will develop key technology innovations which work together with advanced Li-ion batteries to form a revolutionary new product. These innovations include: high frequency 3-level inverter with innovative high frequency control and output filter to achieve >10X reduction in volume; a novel topology that integrates inverters into each cell string and eliminates many components resulting in 60% system cost reduction; a modular and scalable design that is fault tolerant and allows easy optimization for multiple system uses.
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. -
Immersed Games, Inc.
SBIR Phase II: A Group Video Game Challenge for Integrated Applied Science Learning
Contact
1160 MAIN ST STE 2
Buffalo, NY 14209--2331
NSF Award
1853068 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,444,730
Start / end date
04/01/2019 – 06/30/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
This phase II award received additional funding to mitigate the COVID-19 crisis.Abstract
This SBIR Phase II Project will produce a cooperative applied video game challenge where students work together within an active, simulated environment to collect and analyze data, construct explanations, then test and iterate solutions to a problem. Only 22% of the United States? graduating high school seniors are proficient in science. This is important due to the estimated 2.4 million unfilled jobs in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) in the United States, to provide higher-paying STEM jobs to citizens, and promote a scientifically literate citizenry. Recent research supports new approaches for how to improve this scientific literacy, and states across the country are adopting new science standards to support this effort. The outcome of this project will support development of students' scientific literacy with a novel approach which utilizes cooperative, interdisciplinary, problem-based learning within a video game. Commercialization of this product will transform the process of inquiry-based learning by putting the tools in the hands of student scientists as they test their own solutions. The project supports the NSF's mission by empowering students to develop strong science and engineering skills, as well as supporting development of 21st century skills such as collaboration and problem solving that are desired by employers.
The technology developed by this Phase II project will produce a group problem-solving experience for up to five students to analyze a problem and implement an engineering solution within a live simulated environment, providing educators with a powerful curricula tool to engage their students in the real problem-solving cycles a scientist would engage in, within a feasible setting using the video game. The research goals include creating a flexible content authoring tool that designers and educators can use to generate their own unique scenarios and creating an easy-to-use educator dashboard to accompany it. The content authoring and customization options empower educators to reflect local context, student interest, and student background knowledge, strategies which are essential for educators of diverse populations currently underrepresented within STEM. The technology and its dashboard will also serve as a powerful formative assessment tool, enabling group assessment that is able to parse group and individual participation, and is designed to promote balanced group problem solving. The result of this research will create a uniquely flexible tool that will enable educators to engage learners in deeper, contextual learning, encourage transfer of information, cooperative learning, development of science and engineering skills such as data literacy, and be utilized for assessment of these skills.
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. -
Impactivo LLC
SBIR Phase II: Linking eLearning to patient outcomes
Contact
1606 AVE PONCE DE LEON SUITE 703
San Juan, PR 00909--1827
NSF Award
1926846 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$750,000
Start / end date
05/01/2020 – 06/30/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader/commercial impact of this SBIR Phase II project focuses on improving the management of chronic disease by enabling team-based primary care is key to achieving clinical results and taking advantage of new ?value based" payment reforms. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control, six out of ten adults have a chronic disease and 90% of the national annual healthcare expenditures are spend on people with these conditions. Our technology proposes to apply precision-education instructional theory to enhance primary care team competencies and promote situational awareness, enhanced communication, defined role clarity, improved coordination and leadership support to improve patient outcomes which is directly aligned to the National Science Foundation?s mission of promoting science to advance the nation?s health. This project is being designed for commercial use in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) which serve one in twelve people in the United States. There are 1,373 FQHCs in the US serving 27 million patients annually in medically underserved areas. Public and private payment models are rapidly moving toward incentives/bonuses for team-based care and demonstrated outcome improvements. Improvements in the cost and outcomes of care for this patients with chronic disease will have enormous social and economic benefit for the Nation.
This SBIR Phase II project uses machine learning to integrate individual-level clinical and social characteristics into suggested treatment paths and to apply precision training techniques that improve the skills of individual members of the care team. Our objectives focus on validating the feasibility of machine learning to provide health professionals with recommended workflows and continued education based on trends and gaps in care identified from patient data. The method includes a computational engine to guide reinforcement learning. Machine learning has made possible the development of statistical models to establish effect sizes of clinical interventions, enabling personalized instruction and support to health team members based on patient outcomes.
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. -
Indrio Technologies
SBIR Phase II: Laser-based in-exhaust NOx sensor for automotive applications
Contact
795 E BROKAW RD
San Jose, CA 95112--1014
NSF Award
2136833 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,000,000
Start / end date
03/01/2022 – 02/29/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will improve the environment with cleaner diesel engine exhaust. Diesel engine manufacturers currently cannot precisely control their exhaust after-treatment systems due to the lack of widely deployable sensors that can differentiate between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and other species in the exhaust stream. This project advances a novel on-board sensor for detecting NOx in diesel exhaust streams with sensitivities and molecular specificity unmatched by existing technologies. It can result in 10% greater fuel efficiency while matching new stringent NOx emissions standards. Fleet-wide fuel economy improvements and NOx emissions reductions enabled by this technology 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 advances 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, all while maintaining a form factor similar to those used in 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 NO 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. -
IngateyGen LLC
SBIR Phase II: Development of An Allergen-Free Peanut Using Genome Editing Technology
Contact
410 INTERPATH PKWY STE J
Elizabeth City, NC 27909--2738
NSF Award
2036153 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$996,698
Start / end date
04/15/2021 – 03/31/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to address health concerns associated with peanut allergies. Peanut allergies affect a large population and can be extremely dangerous for those with the most severe forms. Given the ubiquity of peanut products, peanut allergy is a significant medical and legal concern worldwide, with a rising incidence of this potentially fatal condition in children. An allergen-free peanut developed from this project has the potential to significantly dampen the life-threatening reactions to peanuts, as well as the following benefits: (1) reducing the overall incidence of food allergy, (2) preserving human lives by eliminating anaphylaxis and death caused by accidental ingestion of peanut, (3) eliminating emotional distress of peanut allergic individuals and their families, (4) enhancing the public perception of peanuts as a health-promoting food, and (5) reducing the number of product recalls due to peanut contamination.
The proposed project aims to develop and to commercialize an allergen-free peanut devoid of all clinically documented allergens using a genome-editing tool such as CRISPR/Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and CRISPR-associated system). Allergic reactions to peanut occur shortly after contact of peanut allergens with their specific IgE antibodies already bound to mast cells. The crosslinking of allergen specific IgE by the respective peanut allergens stimulates mast cells to release chemical mediators responsible for the clinical symptoms including sometime anaphylactic shock or death. Ara h 1, Ara h 2, Ara h 3 and Ara h 6 are the most clinically documented peanut allergens. The objectives of the project are: (1) Construct and validate vectors for Ara h gene editing, transform peanut embryogenic callus and regenerate T0 peanut plants; (2) Identify T0 individuals with deletions in Ara h genes; (3) Assemble lines carrying homozygous deletions in all target Ara h genes; (5) Characterize the selected lines for Ara h mRNA and protein expression; (6) Assess vegetative development of Arah-free lines under greenhouse conditions. If the resulting plants demonstrate tolerance to the gene deletions, the allergen-free peanut will be very significant in protecting the peanut sensitive populations and promoting peanut sales.
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. -
InnovBot LLC
SBIR Phase II: Use of Robotic Inspection and Data Analytics to Localize and Visualize the Structural Defects of Civil Infrastructure
Contact
2254 SULTANA DR
Yorktown Heights, NY 10598--3703
NSF Award
2112199 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$866,830
Start / end date
06/15/2022 – 05/31/2024 (Estimated)
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to produce two robotic systems for ground survey applications and inspection of vertical surfaces to detect and visualize both surface flaws and subsurface embedment in concrete structures using a camera and a ground penetrating radar (GPR). The instrumentation may reduce the time, difficulty, and cost to layout gridlines in civil infrastructure and make it possible to automate data collection at difficult-to-access locations with minimum human intervention. The use of the robotic inspection systems may allow the evaluation and inspection tasks to be performed faster, more thoroughly, with minimal safety risks to workers, and at a lower cost by eliminating the need for scaffolding and blocking traffic. The proposed research and development may advance the state-of-the-art robotic technology and produce climbing machines, vision-based accurate positioning, and 3D Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) imaging software as a holistic solution to improve the way GPR data is collected, interpreted, and visualized. The solution can be extended to other non-destructive testing (NDT) applications and may help make the national infrastructure (e.g., bridges, tunnels, dams, and buildings) more secure.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to improve the accuracy and robustness of vision-based positioning and 3D GPR imaging algorithms while developing new software functions and integrating them into two robotic systems deployed to inspect both ground surfaces (e.g., bridge decks and highway pavement) and vertical surfaces (e.g., building facades and bridge foundations). The intellectual merit of this project is the automated 3D GPR data collection and imaging method that combines robotic control and vision-based accurate positioning with GPR signal processing for locating the subsurface defects and embedment (rebar, pipes, fractures, voids, delamination, etc.) in concrete structures. This method enables the robots to scan the surfaces in arbitrary and irregular trajectories rather than along gridlines to locate subsurface targets and discover the areas of delamination. Tagging the GPR measurements with accurate position information in a synchronized way at each sampling step enables high-resolution 3D GPR imaging.
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. -
Instapath Inc.
SBIR Phase II: An automated digital pathology lab for rapid on-site processing and imaging of tissue biopsies
Contact
2450 HOLCOMBE BLVD STE J
Houston, TX 77021--2041
NSF Award
2039417 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,000,000
Start / end date
03/01/2021 – 02/28/2023
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact/ commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project supports digital pathology. For the past century, pathology has been performed on microscopically thin sections of tissues that are stained and mounted onto glass microscope slides for analysis by a pathologist. This process is labor-intensive, costly, and the turnaround time is typically one week. For the vast majority of biopsy procedures, the diagnostic result is not obtained for days or even weeks after the procedure. Current bedside pathology techniques for rapid diagnosis and quality assurance of biopsy samples are slow, inaccurate, destructive to the tissue, and require the presence of multiple trained personnel, which prevent them from being widely used. Recent technological advances allow digitizing of the physical microscope slides and enable a fully digital pathology workflow. However, to date no system can take a fresh tissue sample through the entire long, laborious processing lifecycle prior to imaging. This project will develop a tissue processing and imaging platform to enable fast, automated processing from the fresh sample to the digital image within minutes of tissue removal. This will provide better care and patient outcomes and enables new opportunities to provide care in clinical settings with more limited pathology resources.
This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project continues development of an integrated technology platform that automates the entire process of tissue processing and digital imaging, obviating the need for trained personnel to be on-site. This project will support the development of new strategies to automate the acquisition of high-quality microscopic images from samples with widely varying surface topographies, while simultaneously improving both speed and image quality to meet clinical needs. The new technologies will support parallel, hands-free automated sample processing to increase throughput for analysis of multiple samples in a single session. The project will culminate in verification and clinical validation of the integrated 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. -
Isolere Bio, Inc
SBIR Phase II: Non-Chromatographic Method for the Purification of Viral Vectors
Contact
701 W MAIN ST, STE 410
Durham, NC 27701--5013
NSF Award
2132838 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$902,504
Start / end date
03/01/2022 – 02/29/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact /commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is the creation of a scalable platform technology to deliver new therapies and vaccines through manufacturing viral vectors. This sector has been hampered by inefficient manufacturing methods designed for small molecules 10,000 times less complex than the current effort. The technology developed herein will provide a durable competitive advantage by offering ?plug and play,? broad compatibility, and improved productivity for virus manufacturing compared to existing industry solutions. The technology will improve yields, shorten manufacturing lead times, and accelerate time-to-market for potentially life-saving therapies and vaccines. This research project seeks to validate scalability and establish a production method to deliver quality reagents to developers of adenoviral vectors.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to advance a scalable downstream purification process for gene therapy vectors. Viral vectors have remarkable utility as therapeutics and vaccines, but their impact has been plagued by downstream purification inefficiencies that lead to single digit yields. The technology developed in this project will address this bottleneck using a polypeptide-based reagent that combines affinity-capture with phase separation and filtration equipment. The technology aims to improve capacity, step yield, final vector purity, and productivity. To validate the lead adenovirus reagent, a tangential flow filtration process will be optimized using harvests with a wide range of starting impurities and across various adenovirus serotypes to ensure a broadly compatible product. The reagent?s ability to stabilize adenovirus will be further explored toward an efficient and scalable filtration process. Finally, a method for reagent manufacturing will be developed to ensure consistent and low-cost supply. Completion of these objectives will yield a mature downstream process for one-step adenovirus purification, a manufacturing method that ensures sufficient quantity of quality reagents to support adenovirus clinical development, and rapidly deployable adenovirus vaccine manufacturing to meet future needs.
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. -
JuneBrain, Inc.
STTR Phase II: A novel retinal imaging device
Contact
155 GIBBS STREET, #528
Rockville, MD 20850--0395
NSF Award
2053315 – STTR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,000,000
Start / end date
06/15/2021 – 05/31/2023 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to help advance the health and welfare of individuals living with retinal and neurological disease. This includes multiple sclerosis (MS)?a debilitating autoimmune disease affecting nearly 1 million people in the United States. A fully automated, wearable, and low-cost retinal imaging device will be developed for use in both clinical and home settings that detects changes in the retina, allowing patients and their physicians to more routinely track treatment efficacy and ocular side effects. Early detection and treatment of MS is crucial to reducing the risk of disease progression and disability. Current practice relies on infrequent neurological and radiological exams to assess changes in disease activity and treatment efficacy. However, there is currently no way to monitor MS in real time between these visits. Research relating retinal pathology to MS processes in the brain demonstrate that retinal imaging can provide early detection of disease events, offering an alternative monitoring pathway. This device will thus help reduce patient healthcare costs associated with increasing disability, and positively impact the research and care of other retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH).
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will yield a novel retinal imaging device that uses optical coherence tomography (OCT) to assess retinal pathology. While OCT is a widely-used modality for imaging the retina, the proposed device differentiates itself from current technologies in that it is specifically designed for unsupervised use by patients at home. This includes a ruggedized and ergonomic design suited for those who suffer from low vision, low mobility, and other symptoms that make frequent trips to a clinic difficult. Patients will use the device briefly as often as prescribed by their doctor, during which time retinal images will be automatically acquired, analyzed, and sent to a physician for remote review. As such, it will further increase engagement between patients and physicians by making patients more proactively involved in their disease management. For this project, the following objectives are planned: 1) Complete development of a clinical-grade beta prototype that is suitable for use in clinical and home settings, 2) Develop a software pipeline for automated image analysis and report, and 3) Conduct a usability study in a cohort of AMD patients with varying degrees of vision loss.
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. -
KNOX Medical Diagnostics Inc.
STTR Phase II: User-Friendly Spirometer and Mobile App for Self-Management and Home Monitoring of Asthma Patients
Contact
345 CALIFORNIA ST STE 700
San Francisco, CA 94107--1552
NSF Award
1738560 – STTR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,209,998
Start / end date
09/15/2017 – 02/28/2023
Errata
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This phase II award received additional funding to mitigate the COVID-19 crisis.Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project is the development of a user-friendly asthma management solution. The asthma management tool consists of a portable medical device and mobile app combination that measures lung function with the consistency and accuracy of a trained lab technician, displaying current asthma status, and providing health insights to act upon. During the 2-year duration of this proposal, the applicant will further develop a machine-learning algorithm that obtains the same level of consistency and accuracy as if a trained lab technician were coaching and correcting the asthmatic patient on proper usage. Steps will be taken to establish the efficacy of such technology through verification of classification by pulmonologists. In order to engage users to continue using the product over several months, gamification elements will be implemented into the mobile app. By expanding on the machine-model through a longitudinal study, earlier detection of asthma exacerbations may be identified. Early detection leads to improved self-management as measured by the reduction of severe asthma attacks, the use of systemic corticosteroids, hospitalizations, emergency department or urgent care visits related to asthma.
The proposed project aims to develop an asthma management tool that provides parents a simple way to reliably monitor their child's lung health, eliminating the guesswork associated with relying on symptoms alone. The rate of asthma continues to rise, with an increasing amount of healthcare utilization among asthmatic individuals. Effective technologies for proper management remain trapped within the hospital due to high costs and requirement of a skilled lab technician for proper measurement collection. This proposal aims to develop an algorithm alongside UCSF pediatric pulmonologists to gain consistent and accurate spirometry measurements, so that only proper measurements are acted upon. Our machine-learning algorithm will determine the cause of failure and prompt the user on corrective action to achieve a good quality measurement on a subsequent effort. By the end of this proposal period, the applicant will have a mobile app algorithm that is able to achieve the consistency of a trained lab technician, provide effective corrective feedback, engage users over the span of months for consistent lung monitoring, and potentially predict the onset of an asthma attack. -
Katz Water Technologies
SBIR Phase II: Modified Finned Tube Heat Exchangers for Economically Purifying Produced Water
Contact
10101 FONDREN RD., SUITE 575
Houston, TX 77056--1884
NSF Award
1951190 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$745,127
Start / end date
05/01/2020 – 04/30/2023 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project will improve the use of water for the oil and gas (O&G) industry, especially during hydraulic fracturing, transforming the industry into a producer of fresh water and changing produced water from its current status as a waste product to a commodity. The proposed technology creates two reusable products: purified water and heavy brine. In addition to the high cost, disposal of produced water through deep injection wells has recently been linked to seismic activity and may impact groundwater quality, prompting policy solutions. The O&G industry competes with other water uses, especially in US arid regions where significant O&G production occurs. Produced water, contaminated with salts, hydrocarbons, and metals, is generated each year through O&G production, costing $37B to manage in the U.S. Current demand for global fresh water resources for agricultural, industrial or domestic purposes is increasing, primarily due to reduction of water supplies in areas affected by drought, climate change, population growth, and expanding industries, as well as degradation of water quality due to contaminants from industry, flooding, or runoff. The proposed project will provide a new treatment for water used in O&G production, creating a renewable source of fresh water from otherwise unusable wastewater or impacted water sources.
This SBIR Phase II project proposes to advance the development of an innovative thermal distillation treatment system for produced water generated during O&G production. Current treatment technologies, like reverse osmosis, cannot handle the high-total dissolved solids (TDS) content of most produced water, and thus only a small portion may be reused currently. Disposal is generally through permitted deep injection wells, with water transportation typically serving as the largest disposal cost component. The proposed system accomplishes the entire thermal distillation process in one piece of equipment - a technological advance over state-of-practice thermal distillation units requiring separate energy sources, heat transfer, distillation, separation, and condensation units. It reduces manufacturing and maintenance costs, and it uses less energy in operation. The system can be set up on-site at the well, eliminating the need to transport produced water off-site for disposal. The proposed treatment process yields two reusable products: (1) purified water, which may be sold for use at the well site, sold for agriculture/industrial uses, or discharged to surface waters; and (2) heavy brine, which may be sold as a drilling fluid.
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. -
Kepley Biosystems Incorporated
SBIR Phase II: A Rapid, Sensitive Pathogen Typing and Antibiotic Sensitivity Test for Bloodstream Infections (COVID-19)
Contact
2901 E GATE CITY BLVD
Greensboro, NC 27401--4904
NSF Award
2212920 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$999,999
Start / end date
12/01/2022 – 11/30/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to develop an improved era of infectious disease management, allowing rapid intervention for antibiotic therapy to stem the 30% mortality rate and associated cost impact of sepsis. With some 49 million cases worldwide and a 25-30% mortality rate, sepsis claims 11 million lives annually. Sepsis cases have been increasing 8.7% per year. To address the full spectrum of infectious diseases, innovations must deliver simple and affordable testing capabilities similar to routine hospital admission blood analyses. The proposed antifungal and antibacterial susceptibility test for the detection and treatment of bloodstream infections could benefit patients by improving patient management and hospital logistics. Sepsis is the most expensive healthcare challenge, with an estimated financial impact of more than $62 billion per year. This bloodstream infection screening assay could impact the entire continuum of care ? from initial hospital interactions through patient care and discharge ? by identifying infections early, optimizing treatment, and increasing survival. Direct customer survey-based estimates and independent information sources project a U.S. commercial opportunity of 226 million annual assays (36 million hospital admissions, 40 million intensive care patients, 130 million emergency walk-ins, and 20 million presurgical evaluations).
The proposed project could result in the development of a user-friendly and affordable analytical tool for early detection of bloodstream infections that differentiates bacterial and fungal pathogens associated with sepsis and determine their antibiotic sensitivity in hours. Sepsis is a major public health and economic concern that results in one human death every 2.8 seconds. If bloodstream infections go undetected or untreated, patients can quickly escalate into sepsis or septic shock with mortality chances increasing by 8% per hour without appropriate antibiotic administration. Rapid and accurate detection of a bloodstream infections prior to the onset of sepsis is critical to limit the extent of tissue and organ damage, mortality, and associated hospital costs. The proposed innovation includes the use of an FDA-approved reagent called Limulus Amebocyte Lysate for clinical bloodstream infections and antifungal antibacterial susceptibility testing to guide therapeutic interventions, and routine surveillance of high-risk patient populations. The technical approach for this Phase II encompasses proficiency studies that would validate high-throughput detection of pathogens, as well as their antimicrobial sensitivity and resistance profiles in clinical blood specimens. Additionally, assay miniaturization and automation would be performed and are considered critical for future in vitro diagnostic partnership adoption.
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. -
Kintsugi Mindful Wellness, Inc.
SBIR Phase II: Augmenting Virtual Healthcare with Voice Biomarkers
Contact
2790 HARRISON ST
Berkeley, CA 94705--1346
NSF Award
2036213 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,000,000
Start / end date
05/15/2021 – 04/30/2023 (Estimated)
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to develop smart, robust healthcare infrastructure in the U.S. by leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence to streamline clinical decision support. Voice biomarkers detect a variety of health conditions, emotions, and diseases and provide a unique, seamless feedback for real-time triage. Transforming voice intonations into voice biomarkers would allow disease prediction and monitoring. The proposed voice biomarker technology is potentially a scalable behavioral health screener to provide equitable care in all virtual care visits, mitigating the complex and costly (2-3X) comorbidities of depression and anxiety in 80% of $3T in chronic conditions.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is dedicated to providing scalable mental health screening in primary care. The research objectives are to understand the underlying behavioral health triggers for chronic health conditions from global voice biomarker data combined with unique, longitudinal metadata. The major technical challenges in this proposed research include (1) collecting sufficiently diverse metadata labels on environmental and physiological variables,(2) training distinct models based on gender, age, and other features that have high variance through principal component analysis, (3) identifying and minimizing bias for sparse populations in design, validation, and deployment phases, and (4) improving the current voice biomarker diagnostic on dimensions of sensitivity, specificity, and diagnosability in various call center, telehealth platform, remote patient monitoring, and care management platform modalities. The highly complex deployments across infrastructure in healthcare require multiple models tuned for specific health populations and a deep understanding of classical and deep learning techniques for improving both accuracy and generalizability across unseen populations. The anticipated technical results in solving this series of highly challenging machine learning tasks is profound for real-time triage and access to reliable mental healthcare 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. -
LEAF GLOBAL FINTECH CORPORATION
SBIR Phase II: International Blockchain-Backed Financial Transactions in Low-Bandwidth Environments
Contact
1102 WOODLAND LN
Evergreen, CO 80439--9732
NSF Award
2112021 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$855,394
Start / end date
02/01/2022 – 01/31/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to facilitate access to banking services through use of blockchain/distributed ledger technology, even with limited internet access. The proposed technology can make transfers more affordable and convenient. Digitizing transfers increases speed, reduces exchange and transfer fees, and lowers the risk associated with carrying cash. This proposed technology enables access for the 13 million people currently underserved by the financial industry. If successful, this technology could improve efficiency and resilience of transfers worldwide. The project's anticipated results include 60% cost reduction compared to traditional transfer systems, <30 second transaction completions, and an anticipated 0% fraud rate.
This SBIR Phase II project proposes to research and develop a blockchain-based solution to store, send, and make transfers without a smartphone or internet. The proposed core technology includes a blockchain back-end that powers an Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) front-end, allowing mobile devices to securely send and receive data without an internet connection. This project?s intellectual merit lies in (1) developing the first-of-its-kind blockchain-based system for international transactions with access even in low bandwidth/no bandwidth environments; (2) creating a digital identity protocol that is distributed, accessible offline, and usable by any entity without exposing personally identifiable information (PII); and (3) developing the first machine learning-based microlending algorithms using offline behaviors to predict, prompt, and automate actions.
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. -
LEARNICS, LLC
SBIR Phase II: Actionable Learning Analytics for the Classroom
Contact
3720 SOUTHWOOD DRIVE
Easton, PA 18045--5730
NSF Award
2054629 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$945,159
Start / end date
09/01/2021 – 08/31/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is the development of practical methods of collecting, analyzing and utilizing student online learning activity data to improve teaching and learning. COVID-19 caused an accelerated adoption of educational technologies. The new normal of education may be much more infused with technology. This project provides the analytic tools for educators to get the data insights necessary to design effective digital learning experiences and fully support students. Data analytics provide immense value to many online commercial organizations and businesses. These commercial analytics are used to better understand customers, promote desired customer behavior, predict future interactions and support many organizational decisions. This project seeks to make these insights available to educators and students. There are over three million teachers in the United States who currently have no practical way of reaping the value of analytics to gain insight into the online experiences that they are designing for their own students. The objective of this project is to provide teachers with the analytics and insights necessary to hold students accountable, provide instructional support, and design effective digital lessons.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will explore ways to create automated processes that extract key data from student online learning activity records. In turn, the project seeks to translate this data into useful analytics that will offer teachers insights into students? online learning experience. This project may improve the collection and display of targeted online learning analytics that provide educators with critical information about how students interact with online content. These advances will be coupled with doctoral research studies at East Stroudsburg University to collect and analyze student online learning data in order to create automated ?Key Learning Indicators? and ?Learning Experience Scores.? This project will work toward creating an industry standard for how student online learning data should be ethically collected, analyzed, and presented to educators.
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. -
LELANTOS INC.
STTR Phase II: Complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) integrated piezoelectric vapor sensors
Contact
500 W 120TH ST RM 1300
New York, NY 10027--6623
NSF Award
2126910 – STTR Phase II
Award amount to date
$999,251
Start / end date
09/01/2021 – 08/31/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to improve personnel safety from flammable gas leaks in industrial, commercial, and residential facilities. Additionally, the technology contributes to combating climate change by tackling one of the leading sources of carbon emissions, methane emissions from oil and gas facilities. The technology enables the mitigation of methane and refrigerant leaks that constitutes a significant market opportunity in the oil, gas and HVACR (heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration) markets. The innovation may solve important technical bottlenecks that have prevented widespread adoption of pervasive gas sensing in Internet of Things (IoT) applications. As an enabling system, it may be utilized in a variety of other applications area such as the detection of explosives, narcotics, chemical weapons, indoor air quality monitoring, and diagnosis of disease via breath analysis.
This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase II project seeks to develop a gas sensor with an unparalleled combination of size, power, and cost while offering high detection performance. The proposed architecture fabricates high-frequency bulk acoustic resonators directly on the backend of CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) integrated circuit chips which permits low-cost, mass-production and improved noise characteristics of the sensors. The direct co-integration also allows the fabrication of a receptor array to obtain responses from multiple target analytes that can be used to classify materials and for real-time calibration against environmental confounders. The objective of this project is the development of a single-chip gas sensor based on co-integrated piezoelectric materials. This effort will consist of the design, fabrication and characterization of integrated resonator arrays onto silicon circuits; integration of the chips with receptor materials, allowing selective adsorption of target gas molecules; and testing to assess the gas sensing 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. -
LEVATE LLC
SBIR Phase II: A portable, powered lift to instantly increase independence of all manual wheelchair users
Contact
13431 N BROADWAY AVE SUITE 120
Oklahoma City, OK 73114--2202
NSF Award
2040483 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$999,935
Start / end date
03/01/2021 – 02/28/2023
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II is to improve the mobility of wheelchair users. There are more than 2.5 M wheelchair users in the US. This project will develop an electronic aftermarket add-on accessory to increase manual wheelchair users? height up to 18 inches or more in 5 seconds. The new wheelchair lift (WL) will increase their Quality of Life and their ability to independently perform activities of daily living (feeding, bathing, dressing) and instrumental activities of daily living (transportation, shopping, cooking, doing laundry, and housework). The solution will replace expensive home retrofitting ($20 K) and will reduce the need for help in outside settings, such as reaching for items on shelves, empowering the users. The WL will bridge the gap between the disabled and the able-bodied population, providing a means to increase wheelchair users? participation in the labor force (currently only 20%) and enabling more employment options. Similarly, the WL will offer employers an effective way to support workers with disabilities and reduce costs to adapt the work environment to provide reasonable accommodations.
This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project seeks to generate a final functional prototype of the wheelchair lift (WL) ready for usability tests with end-users. The Phase II project extends prior work on a prototype satisfying the major design specifications of weight, lift maximum load, and time of ascension, de-risking the most significant technological challenges associated with the project. The proposed activities will enable systems engineering of hardware and electronics development and the next generation prototype for testing and regulatory clearance. The prototype will be produced under Quality Management Systems and an industrial manufacturing process will be established.
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. -
LIATRIS INC.
SBIR Phase II: Mass Produced, Flexible Insulation for Non-Combustible Buildings and Other High-Temperature Applications
Contact
4825 CORDELL AVE # 208
Bethesda, MD 20814--3041
NSF Award
2136493 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$999,495
Start / end date
03/01/2022 – 02/29/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is utilizing thermal energy management to simultaneously improve the affordability, comfort, and safety of buildings, with an initial focus on meeting urgent market demand for non-combustible building insulation. This project will focus on developing a lightweight, easy-to-install, non-combustible insulation product which is also eco-friendly and non-toxic. Structure fires represent 37% of all fires in the US. These fires caused $12.3 billion in property damage and 80% of civilian fire deaths. Wildfires in the Western US, where >$220 billion in residential construction is in ?extreme? wildfire-prone areas, add to the urgency of this situation. Mineral wool is the only non-combustible insulation product available today but requires personal protective equipment for installation and was recently classified as carcinogenic. Fully non-combustible building insulation is a high growth market, and the broader market for all types of non-flammable insulation represents a significant opportunity. This Phase II project seeks to cost-effectively increase the supply of energy-efficient, non-combustible buildings for both new and retrofit construction, while also addressing high-temperature industrial markets which have the most intensive energy use.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to scale up a novel nanocomposite insulation product using a proprietary foaming process for inorganic aerogel-based insulation that minimizes shrinkage (thus maximizing porosity for insulation performance and minimizing material and processing cost). This approach leverages readily available materials such as clay and silica, as well as potentially renewable cellulose biomass, to produce an environmentally friendly, high performance insulation product for non-combustible buildings which is easy to install, lightweight, and non-toxic. Successfully scaling this approach on existing manufacturing equipment may solve a significant materials research challenge, creating organic-inorganic nanocomposites for thermal insulation with a competitive cost / performance ratio versus incumbent products such as fiberglass, mineral wool, and plastic foams. The Phase II project may result in the first industrially-engineered composite material for thermal insulation which is fully non-combustible. The integration of flexible polymers and radiation blocking additives would also enable use for high-temperature industrial pipe insulation, a critical energy-saving application where most existing products have significant limitations due to radiation loss.
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. -
LILU, INC.
SBIR Phase II: Sensor-based bra to measure breast milk output and monitor changes in breast volume before and after breastfeeding or breast pumping
Contact
447 W 18TH ST
New York, NY 10011--3855
NSF Award
2210952 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$999,997
Start / end date
01/01/2023 – 06/30/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project impacts mothers and babies during the breastfeeding period. Although breastfeeding benefits for the mother and the baby are recognized worldwide, many mothers are unable to attain their breastfeeding targets due to common discontinuance problems. The proposed solution may increase breastfeeding rates by supporting mothers who are breastfeeding or breast pumping, providing them with resources to sustain breastfeeding. Access to valuable information on the volume of breastmilk expressed could enable mothers to carefully monitor their milk production. At the same time, it may allow the prediction of clogged milk ducts, avoiding serious complications such as breast engorgement or lactational mastitis that can be avoided with early intervention. This intervention could prevent not only early discontinuance in breastfeeding but also promote increased health for mothers by reducing the risks of disease. The monitor may also impact babies? health since breastfeeding is recommended to achieve optimal growth and development. Further, the proposed monitor may provide the scientific community with data to enable research into different aspects of mothers? health, for example, determining the reasons for the formation of mastitis.
This project may lead to a new paradigm in lactational health for the baby and the mother. There is an important need to meet breastfeeding objectives by reducing discontinuances and reducing common conditions such as lactational mastitis. The proposed solution aims to increase breastfeeding rates by providing mothers with a comfortable and effective method for measuring the milk volume expressed and for determining if milk ducts are clogged. Research objectives include: (1) sourcing and testing fabrics for the bra from multiple vendors; (2) designing and developing of the embedded system and the bra, so that will be able to accommodate a wide range of breast shapes and sizes; (3) designing and developing mobile applications and algorithms, which will include data analytics and prediction; and (4) optimizing the bra and mobile applications. The project could result in a smart, all-day wearable, comfortable garment designed for breastfeeding mothers that is paired with a mobile app to show analysis and results adapted to each mother.
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. -
LUCENDI, INC.
SBIR Phase II: AI-based automated, portable, and high-throughput platform for early identification and characterization of potentially harmful microorganisms in aquaculture
Contact
11040 SANTA MONICA BLVD STE 220
Los Angeles, CA 90025--7522
NSF Award
2052393 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,000,000
Start / end date
09/01/2021 – 08/31/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is the development of a cost-effective, high-performance platform to monitor and characterize plankton and other microorganisms in water. Some of these aquatic microorganisms may be harmful or even fatal resulting in significant public health concerns and economic consequences, such as billions lost annually in the aquaculture industry due to harmful algal blooms and sea lice. The current state of the art in monitoring technology includes laborious and expensive manual sample collections and evaluation. In contrast, the proposed platform may enable low-cost, portable and fast monitoring, as well as automated characterization of harmful aquatic microorganisms. Furthermore, this platform will enable a much wider application of the technology to other markets such as marine biology science and STEM education, general monitoring of particles and pathogens at the water treatment facilities, and production algae monitoring. The proposed technology is envisioned to have a significant societal impact and commercial potential.
This project may result in a versatile, cost-effective, and high-throughput aquatic microobjects monitoring instrument. The instrument will have a wide spectrum of applications and initial focus on aquaculture market. The technology will initially focus on early identification of specific microorganisms, such as sea lice and harmful algae as they are detrimental to the wellbeing of aquaculture animals. This demonstration will provide high quality data at an affordable price to ensure confidence and credibility to aquaculture farmers, marine scientists, and other users interested in aquatic microobjects characterization. To accomplish this plan, several operating regimes will be implemented enabling the device to switch from high-resolution (monitoring harmful algae) to high-throughput (identifying sea lice). An autofluorescent camera module will be developed to further assist with differentiating microorganisms. Next, an innovative neural network framework will be developed and tested for identification of different types of sea lice and harmful algae. Finally, the system will be integrated into an environmentally protected enclosure and rigorously tested in laboratory, as well as in-field in realistic conditions. At the end of the Phase II program a prototype will be completed that will be designed in coordination with aquaculture partners and prospective users.
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. -
LUNAR RESOURCES, INC.
SBIR Phase II: Protoflight Design and Validation of Molten Regolith Electrolysis Facility For Lunar In-Situ Resource Utilization
Contact
6721 PORTWEST DR STE 100
Houston, TX 77024--8057
NSF Award
2112076 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,000,000
Start / end date
01/01/2022 – 12/31/2024 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to open the path for resource extraction on the Moon, creating an in-space manufacturing industry, allowing for a permanent presence on the Moon, and expanding the ability to explore the inner planets of the solar system. The technology may result in the ability of humans to operate and live in space: building state-of-the-art research infrastructure, exploring the solar system, creating a space economy independent of Earth, and moving terrestrial manufacturing and power generation into space.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project may provide new insights into electrorefining metal oxide feedstocks, specifically lunar regolith simulants, through high-temperature electrolysis to yield oxygen and metals. Additionally, the proposed technology will address anode stability and advance studies in novel platinum group metal anodes. The team will use multi-physics modeling for high-temperature electrolysis and for modeling low gravity and lunar vacuum environments. The project may result in the ability to extract oxygen and raw metals from lunar regoliths advancing research in space resource extraction efforts. This advancement in knowledge may aide in the research and development efforts in the fields of materials science, inorganic chemistry, and metallurgy which could result in the carbon-free production of steel and other metals on Earth, new anode materials for high-temperature electrolysis, new electrochemical processes for electrorefining raw feedstocks, and the ability to source oxygen and metals from the Moon and other planetary bodies.
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. -
LangInnov
SBIR Phase II: Bilingual Literacy Assessment and Skill Tracker
Contact
653 E 14TH ST APT 8G
New York, NY 10009--3136
NSF Award
2112298 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$898,537
Start / end date
09/15/2021 – 08/31/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is related to the underserved, emergent bilingual population in US school systems. In spite of their growing size (approximately 20 percent of the total US population), emergent bilinguals still do not have adequate support to succeed in academic settings and are often victims of a subtractive bilingualism process that favors the acquisition of English at the expense of the home language. The lack of adequate bilingual resources has led to a disproportionate misplacement of emergent bilinguals in special education as well as an increased drop-out rates in bilingual populations, in general, and Latino communities in particular. To address these problems, a recommendation system powered by machine-learning algorithms that will generate a personalized bundle of fun, bilingual literacy activities linked to a fully-automated bilingual assessment is proposed. The unique characteristic of this solution is that the personalized activities are generated automatically based on assessment results and activity performance. The goal of the activities is to develop the skills identified by the assessment as needing improvement, both in English and in the home language of the child.
This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project addresses the educational needs of the growing, school-age, emergent bilingual population (i.e. children in the school system whose home language is not English or only English), as well as the loss of cultural diversity and linguistic acumen for society as a whole. The main research objectives involve: a) designing game-like bilingual activities that can get the young child?s attention, b) developing age-appropriate and culturally-sensitive content for the bilingual activities, c) refining the speech recognizer to work well with children's speech in both Spanish and English, and d) implementing the latest trends in data-analysis and machine-learning technologies to develop a recommendation system that proposes personalized activities tailored to each child?s needs based on assessment results and activity performance. The research and development plan aims at developing an innovative product that stands out from existing solutions. The key differentiator features are: 1) its focus on bilingual children and its adaptability in accepting bilingual answers for the activities, 2) its capacity to help children develop speaking skills due to the integration of automatic measures of speech performance, and 3) its recommendation engine that suggests personalized bilingual activities for each student tailored to their specific needs.
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. -
Levisonics Inc.
SBIR Phase II: Innovative Platform for Low Volume Blood Coagulation Analysis
Contact
1126 WEBSTER ST APT B
New Orleans, LA 70118--5956
NSF Award
2134020 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$998,857
Start / end date
03/01/2022 – 02/29/2024 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project addresses the problem of blood clotting and associated bleeding risks in neonatal and pediatric patients as well as vulnerable adult patients. Existing systems put these patients at further risk because they cannot operate with low volumes of blood, and because they are less reliable owing to the requirement for test sample contact. Using only a single drop of blood, the proposed non-contact technology platform enables safe and reliable assessment of blood clotting for all patients and provides an opportunity for development of newborn screening tests for coagulation abnormalities. This technology can reduce side effects for neonatal and pediatric patients by using 1/100th the sample volume required by technologies developed for adult healthcare and improve diagnostic response time for critical care providers by more than 3x. This technology could decrease the cost of blood coagulation analysis by over 30%, thus allowing for patients in the United States to save $1.1 billion annually.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project develops an innovative technology for non-contact blood coagulation analysis that integrates photo-optical and viscoelastic measurements in a single drop of blood. The basis of the technology is to levitate a small sample in a host fluid (air) by the acoustic radiation force and measure its physical properties under deformation during levitation. Due to its non-contact feature and low sample volume requirement, this technology can rapidly (<10 minutes) and reliably assess bleeding/thrombotic risks and is sensitive to temporal changes in shear viscosity and elasticity during blood clotting and fibrinolysis. The goal of this project is to develop and test a system for fast, reliable, and easy-to-use drop-of-blood coagulation analysis under sterile conditions. This goal will be achieved by meeting four objectives: 1) develop the module for automatic sample deployment from standard blood collection tubes; 2) implement environmental control and sample containment (?acoustic cartridge?); 3) assemble prototype devices and develop the control software with improved workflow and a user-friendly interface; and 4) assess prototype reliability, standardize it for coagulation measurements, and conduct initial clinical 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. -
Li Industries, Inc
SBIR Phase II: A Direct Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Process Yielding Battery-Grade Cathode Materials
Contact
1872 PRATT DR STE 1500
Blacksburg, VA 24060--6322
NSF Award
1951107 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$800,000
Start / end date
06/01/2020 – 05/31/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this SBIR Phase II project is to significantly improve the economics of lithium-ion battery (LIB) recycling, while minimizing its environmental impact. Direct recycling uses less energy and generates less pollutive waste and fewer emissions than alternative recycling approaches, while simultaneously producing more valuable products. The proposed project will advance the development of a recycling technology that will lower LIB cost, reduce the reliance of LIB production on the mining of expensive virgin metals, create a local supply of LIB materials, and facilitate the adoption of clean energy products (e.g., electric vehicles, grid storage).
This SBIR Phase II project proposes to develop a cost-effective and scalable direct recycling process at a pilot-scale level. The proposed project will study LIB deactivation, component separation, purification, and regeneration processes that can be economically reproduced on a large scale. For example, a battery deactivation process that is quicker, safer, and cost-effective can be used in other waste management processes as well to discharge batteries. This project also will enable a better understanding of the key parameters of electrode extraction and purification processes able to preserve electrode chemistry and morphology. By focusing on the characterization of structure, morphology and electrochemical performance of the recycled materials, this project will lead to a more profound understanding of the effect of relithiation and heat treatment conditions on the quality of recycled cathode materials. Together, these studies will advance the knowledge and understanding of not only the process, chemistry, and mechanics behind the direct recycling process but also process optimization for a production-scale LIB recycling 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. -
LinkDyn Robotics Inc.
SBIR Phase II: Force And Impedance-Based Exoskeleton Robots For Seamless Assistance And Neurologically Sound Rehabilitation
Contact
11740 JOLLYVILLE RD STE 200
Austin, TX 78759--4284
NSF Award
1853183 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$957,139
Start / end date
04/15/2019 – 06/30/2023 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
The broader societal impact/commercial potential of this project centers on improving rehabilitation outcomes for individuals suffering from motor dysfunction due to stroke, spinal cord injury, and other conditions. In the US alone, there are 600,000 new stroke patients each year who rely on conventional one-on-one therapies for recovery. Due to cost and labor limitations they do not receive consistent, frequent, and intensive training needed for full recovery and optimal quality of life. As a result, stroke care guidelines recommend robotic rehabilitation in all care settings. Providing robotic rehabilitation using the proposed exoskeleton robots is a compelling solution for hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and senior living communities. In addition to providing frequent and intensive therapy, the devices can accurately measure patient progress and performance for personalized care. The exoskeletons are also a powerful research tool into effective rehabilitation methods and have the potential to transform the manufacturing sector by providing a solution for industrial processes that are too complex for full automation and too physically demanding for humans. The proposed exoskeleton devices reduce the risk of injury from accidents and overexertion for individuals performing repetitive, high-stress tasks. Additional results include increased productivity and decreased absenteeism and turn-over.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project advances the development of exoskeleton robots targeted at rehabilitation. A substantial portion of the US population requires intensive rehabilitation services for neuromuscular impairment. Robotic rehabilitation has attracted attention due to the potential for better patient outcomes. Current robotic solutions lack the anatomical mobility and compliant dynamic behavior to produce neurologically-sound therapeutic behaviors. The proposed project addresses these deficits and will result in exoskeleton robots capable of essential advanced rehabilitation behaviors. During the Phase I project, a high-performance, force-controlled actuator was developed and will be the core component enabling the desired behavior. In this project, the physical structures and control algorithms of the exoskeletons will be designed and built with a focus on dynamic transparency and kinematic compatibility with the human body to capitalize on the capabilities of the actuator. Additionally, the control software will use feedback loops and a visually interactive environment with performance metrics to keep patients engaged.
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. -
Living Ink Technologies, LLC
SBIR Phase II: Engineering novel pigmented cyanobacteria for the use in the ink, printing and colorant industries
Contact
6045 E 76TH AVE STE 9
Aurora, CO 80045--0000
NSF Award
1758587 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$909,999
Start / end date
03/01/2018 – 03/31/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is developing a safe and sustainable ink for the global ink industry. Approximately nine billion pounds of ink is produced annually around the world. Currently, ink is predominantly made of petroleum or inorganic chemicals mined from the earth. For example, carbon black is commonly used in traditional ink, which is derived from petroleum, not biodegradable, and toxic for humans. To solve this problem, nature has produced a multitude of molecules capable of replacing pigments currently utilized in ink. While many organisms that produce these alternatives are slow growing and require energy sources like sugar, photosynthetic microbes, such as cyanobacteria, are capable of being engineered in an efficient manner to produce pigments in ink formulations that are safe, renewable, and 100% biodegradable. This ink will be used by businesses for printing packaging, marketing material, and other printed products. Developing and integrating these ink products will decrease significantly the overall detrimental impact of traditional inks on the environment, and more importantly, human health.
This SBIR Phase II project proposes to develop sustainable ink formulations using cyanobacteria as feedstock for producing optically black pigments for printing inks. This project will also engineer cyanobacteria cells capable of generating cellular pigments for a color spectrum of cyan, magenta, and yellow. These colored cyanobacteria will act as pigments that replace mined pigments found in traditional ink formulations, such as carbon black and cadmium. This project is developing a unique process in which extraction of pigments/dyes is not necessary, thus saving energy and reducing cost. Using cyanobacteria cells as pigments creates a renewable source of biomass for bio-products, as these organisms leverage sunlight, carbon dioxide, wastewater and land otherwise unsuitable for conventional agriculture to rapidly generate biomass. In addition to the development of colorful renewable cyanobacteria strains, this project will focus on manufacturing thousands of pounds of ink products for testing and consumer use as well as testing the applicability of these natural pigments to act as colorants in the food and textile 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. -
Loggerhead Instruments
SBIR Phase II: Building a Nature Monitoring Network for Birds
Contact
5627 COUNTRY WALK LN
Sarasota, FL 34233--3274
NSF Award
2135664 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$962,141
Start / end date
03/01/2022 – 02/29/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project is to further develop a product which allows consumers to listen and learn about the birds in their backyards. The product will improve the general public?s scientific literacy and engagement by presenting information about birds in fun and non-threatening ways. Additionally, it will make environmental research more understandable, tangible, and valuable to more people and include women and individuals from underrepresented groups This project seeks to help casual birdwatchers know more about their own backyard ecosystems, improve their ability to identify birds by their songs, and recognize the diversity of life outside their windows. Customers will learn the importance of environmental stewardship by becoming important partners in bird-centered research and connecting with others who share their interests. Participation in bird count challenges saw large increases in 2020 and record-setting participation continued into 2021.
The primary technical challenge will be to design and run birdsong detectors on low-cost edge hardware, while ignoring non-bird sounds such as dogs, insects, sirens, and machines. Edge algorithms and prototype hardware will be developed to provide the most accurate birdsong identifications at the lowest possible cost, which will result in wide commercialization. This represents a significant technical challenge because the product?s neural net is much larger than artificial intelligence chips can currently support. Producing a product priced for the target market will require the creation of a comprehensive labeled library of bird and environmental sounds, a well-trained neural net, optimized hardware, a comprehensive beta testing program, and an informative, easy to use website and smartphone app.
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. -
Lotic Labs, Inc.
SBIR Phase II: Hydro-financial modeling architecture for the automated optimization of low basis risk indices
Contact
350 LINCOLN ST STE 2400
Hingham, MA 02043--1579
NSF Award
1927042 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$799,121
Start / end date
08/01/2019 – 03/31/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will result from improved financial resilience of hundreds of thousands of water-dependent businesses and municipalities currently threatened by hydrologic volatility and severely strained ecosystems. This SBIR research will enable the seamless integration of scientific and financial modeling for the water economy. The innovation lowers the costs and improves the performance of two climate risk mitigation investments: 1) Green Infrastructure (projects that emulate or protect nature in order to ensure clean water supply for commercial and public use); and 2) weather insurance contracts, which provide businesses and utilities with financial relief from droughts and floods that hamper their operations. With 50% of the global population projected to face water scarcity by 2050 (according to the UN), and $10B in economic value destroyed annually by floods, droughts, freezes in the US, these new approaches to risk mitigation are crucial to reducing water demand stresses through a free-market approach to water resource conservation.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to eliminate technical barriers currently hindering seamless data and model integration for hydrology and finance. The Phase I project validated technical feasibility by demonstrating the utility of a semantic web technology to provide end-to-end modeling solutions for quantifying hydro-financial risk. Phase I established that the technology 1) greatly improves the interoperability between massive heterogeneous data sets and models for quantifying hydrologic-financial risk, and 2) enables data and models to be linked through a tamper-proof distributed network. The Phase II project builds on the technological foundation to deploy a production environment for running a suite of models encompassing ecosystem services, hydrology, and actuarial sciences. The project builds foundations for AI-enabled decision support tools. If successful, this research will enable significant reductions in the time and costs associated with modeling the financial value of investment in natural water infrastructure, generating comparisons between a wide range of water projects and financial structures seamlessly and without compromising scientific rigor.
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. -
MAKEFULLY, LLC
SBIR Phase II: Collaboration, Creativity and Computational Thinking - A Cooperative Music Tinkering Game
Contact
5508 TROOST AVE
Kansas City, MO 64113--1709
NSF Award
2036394 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,000,000
Start / end date
07/15/2021 – 06/30/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to enable the learning of Computational Thinking, which is widely viewed as the new literacy of the 21st Century and has become an important initiative in educational research, policy, and practice and represents a specific set of problem-solving skills applicable in any domain to create solutions. Teaching this kind of problem solving is difficult; problems in the real world are complex and ill-defined and require the ability to apply different strategies to be solved. The proposed solution provides learners a space to practice productive struggle with the concepts of algorithms and trying new solutions in concert with development of communication skills. Moreover, this learning environment will support students as they practice additional skills critical to their future, including collaboration, teamwork, leveraging one another?s expertise to find a solution, and communicating ideas. This platform will scale to accommodate deep learning experiences in interdisciplinary problem-solving, and will revolutionize game-based learning through advances in physical/digital integration and collaborative problem solving.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will research, design and develop a flexible physical/digital learning platform targeting students in grades 3-5, focusing on learning collaborative problem solving, computational thinking, tinkering and debugging practices. Key technology objectives include development of a machine learning-powered adaptive game environment, refinement of the hardware system design and development of the teacher dashboard tools necessary to enable real-time teaching support and assessment. The adaptive learning environment will enable learners to participate in collaborative problem-solving while engaging in Computational Thinking practices that promote productive struggle, critical thinking and reflection. This project will advance the field of education technology by pushing innovation in designing collaborative connected play (digital/physical) solutions for classroom considerations and use; designing adaptivity that supports learners at the individual and group level; reimagining teacher tools for real-time support, insights and ability to manage multiple groups simultaneously; and developing best approaches in tangible interfaces to promote 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. -
MANUS ROBOTICS INC.
SBIR Phase II: A Novel Human Machine Interface for Assistive Robots
Contact
24 HARTWELL AVE
Lexington, MA 02421--3132
NSF Award
2223169 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,000,000
Start / end date
01/15/2023 – 12/31/2025 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to benefit more than 200 million people around the globe who are currently living with limb loss or impairment. With the rapid growth of an aging population and longer life expectancies, assistive technologies that can improve the independence and self-sufficiency of people, enabling them stay in their homes longer, are urgently needed. The proposed wearable sensor will be a step towards making robots designed to assist in activities of daily living more effective, affordable, and easy to use. In addition to empowering people to achieve higher levels of functionality and quality of life, this sensor may also further the fundamental understanding of physiological changes as manifested in hemodynamic patterns, which could be used to better monitor patient status and allow clinicians, as well as assistive device manufacturers, to develop more personalized and mindful solutions.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to develop a compact and low-cost optical sensor for detecting gesture commands from disabled users and to translate the gestures to assistive robots. The human-machine interfaces currently adopted by most assistive robots are expensive and inherently noisy, requiring extensive processing and user training. A more practical, intuitive, and reliable solution is needed to better accommodate the diverse and often evolving conditions of end users. This research will focus on enhancing the reliability, usability, and compatibility of the sensor as an embeddable component for wearable assistive robots. Sensor modules that can be daisy-chained together in various arrangements will be designed to optimally monitor different muscle activities on the arm. Advanced signal processing and machine learning techniques will be used to expand the existing gesture detection algorithm and achieve more robust performance during daily device usage, addressing practical issues such as detecting multiple commands simultaneously and enabling long-term algorithm 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. -
MESODYNE INC.
SBIR Phase II: Scalable Photonic Crystal Fabrication for Mesoscale Fuel-to-Electricity Conversion
Contact
15 WARD ST
Somerville, MA 02143--4228
NSF Award
2132718 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$945,253
Start / end date
02/15/2022 – 01/31/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to commercialize a novel technology that enables compact, efficient, silent, reliable, and fuel-flexible power generation. Existing power solutions can lack endurance, reliability, and portability and often generate harmful emissions; or they are prohibitively expensive or incompatible with existing fuels and distribution infrastructure. The power generation platform developed in this project has the potential to be a key enabling technology for the future rapid growth of commercial drone applications, which currently are often limited by the performance of lithium ion batteries. Drones are expected to make an impact across numerous industries including transport and delivery, power and utilities, telecommunications, and remote sensing. Additionally, this power generation technology can benefit industrial internet of things applications.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to develop a novel power source that is easily portable and is compatible with existing fuel infrastructure. This project develops a system that converts most fuels to electricity via light; combustion heats a nanophotonic material to incandescence and the resulting light drives photovoltaic cells. The nanophotonic material is engineered to be spectrally matched to the photovoltaic cells, enabling efficient conversion. This technology can increase the endurance of drones or other systems up to ten times over batteries alone. This work is focused on cost reduction through new material development. The specific research objectives are to demonstrate a low-cost and scalable process for the nanophotonic material and photovoltaic cell while maintaining high performance, and then integrate and pilot the low cost system. Successful completion of these objectives will enable this technology to translate to drone applications with a compelling need for long-lasting portable power.
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. -
MFM LLC
SBIR Phase II: Electric Blower-Based Emergency Mask Ventilator for Simple Ventilation and Monitoring During Patient Distress and Transport
Contact
11075 S STATE ST STE 3 STE 203
Sandy, UT 84070--5165
NSF Award
2151557 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$982,208
Start / end date
04/01/2022 – 03/31/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is simplifying a difficult and dangerous medical intervention, that is performed millions of times a year in the United States, with a portable and ergonomic device that enables rescuers to increase the safety for every patient in an emergency that requires ventilation assistance. The resulting device will decrease the time necessary to stabilize a patient during situations where every second is crucial to the patient?s health. The device will also enable responders to accomplish their jobs more effectively and safely. The resulting technology seeks not only to increase safety for patients and increase efficiency of medical responders, but it seeks to do so in a cost-effective manner. A main focus of this research is to develop a solution applies in all emergency situations and for every patient requiring rescue ventilation.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop and test a device that will calculate and measure the tidal volume delivered during rescue ventilation and provide instant feedback to the responder to evaluate the status of the patient?s respiratory system. The device will deliver breaths using tightly controlled pressure levels and respiration rates to avoid injuring the patient while also providing optimized ventilation. It will provide these features in a small, ergonomic, portable form-factor that can easily be used ambidextrously with one hand, thereby improving the flexibility and freedom of the responder to deal with other issues. The development and customer data from Phase I of this project will be used to fully construct an operational prototype that will be suitable for FDA validation testing and clearance. By integrating such a high level of respiratory care into a portable device, the impact of such technology will be broadened to all patients that require live-saving ventilation.
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. -
MINDPRINT LEARNING, LLC
SBIR Phase II: Integrating Cognitive and Self-Regulatory Strategies to Improve Secondary Mathematics Outcomes
Contact
252 NASSAU ST FL 2
Princeton, NJ 08542--4600
NSF Award
2133397 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$948,304
Start / end date
01/01/2022 – 12/31/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will be improvements in math instruction, engagement, and outcomes through a holistic approach to supporting social-emotional (SE), cognitive, and academic skills in general education classrooms. By integrating these sources of student-specific data, teachers will be able to effectively identify and address additional factors that interfere with understanding, retention, motivation and engagement, all of which are critical to academic outcomes. This data-driven, scalable approach will pinpoint individual causes of students' mathematics struggles and provide evidence-based, personalized interventions. The potential to improve stagnant mathematics achievement outcomes at scale would translate directly into economic benefits to the country. The innovation is expected to have the greatest effect on minorities and girls whose motivation and engagement in STEM are disproportionately impacted by implicit biases and stereotype threat.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will enable teachers with the data to address student variability across cognitive, SE, and academic skills, leading to increases in student engagement and math achievement. This project leverages research that cognitive assessment and student SE self-reports can explain over 60% of middle school math outcomes. This project will demonstrate the specific evidence-based, personalized interventions for engagement, social-emotional learning, and academic instruction to improve math outcomes for individualized learner profiles. This approach will advance the current state of research on engagement by addressing individual differences in cognitive and SE skills. This research will feature a longitudinal randomized control trial with a large sample representing a broad range of socio-economic status, race, and ethnicity. This rigorous design will develop the predictive validity and ability to effectively address learner variability, as well as demonstrate outcomes in diverse student 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. -
MINNOWTECH LLC
SBIR Phase II: Sonar Arrays for Maximizing Aquaculture Yields
Contact
1100 WICOMICO ST STE 323
Baltimore, MD 21202--4113
NSF Award
2052092 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$999,780
Start / end date
07/15/2021 – 06/30/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project improves cultivation practices for shrimp aquaculture. Within the field of fisheries and marine ecology, shrimp is often reduced to a prey species for more commercially valuable stocks. The proposed technology improves financial security for shrimp farmers, ensures food security, and reduces pressure on wild stocks.
The proposed project provides standardized real-time estimates of shrimp biomass and behavior across regions. With robust processing, this produces a well-integrated system for aquaculture monitoring. While lab experiments are valued for understanding shrimp growth and development in a controlled setting, they too are limited, with aquaculture research being the least robust and available. The controlled setting that aquaculture offers research is an untapped resource because the data are not standardized across ponds, regions, or countries. By providing a mechanism for data standardization the proposed platform contributes valuable data to the scientific community working in wild fisheries and in aquaculture, and informs aquaculture practice beyond research.
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. -
MOBIUS PBC
SBIR Phase II: Scale Up and Commercialization of Lignin-Based Biodegradable and Compostable Plastics for Horticultural and Agricultural Applications
Contact
487 SAM RAY BURN PKWY
Knoxville, TN 37923--6242
NSF Award
1951230 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$750,000
Start / end date
04/15/2020 – 03/31/2023 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
This broader impact of this SBIR Phase II project is to develop low-cost, biodegradable biopolymers to replace non-degradable, single-use plastics to reduce plastic waste. Currently, most plastic products are made from non-renewable resources and are not degradable in nature. In agriculture and horticulture, there is a need for low-cost, biodegradable and compostable plastics to support the production of food and other agricultural products. More broadly, in other industries, like consumer packaged goods and food-service packaging, there is a growing demand for biodegradable and compostable products. The proposed research will demonstrate scale-up and commercial viability for biopolymers made from lignin, the primary waste product of the paper and biofuel industries. These biopolymers will have mechanical properties comparable to commercial plastics; they will be biodegradable in soil in under 2 years and in industrial composting conditions in under 6 months. At the end of this project, multiple grades of biopolymers will be identified and optimized for applications, such as nursery containers for greenhouses or agricultural mulch film for farmers. The scope of this project will also include the exploration of novel manufacturing processes that will address product applications beyond agriculture and horticulture.
The proposed SBIR Phase II project will advance the development of a new family of biodegradable plastic materials using lignin, an organic waste product from the paper and biofuel industries, as a key low-cost input material treated as a copolymer, rather than a reinforcing filler, such as carbon black. The proposed research will demonstrate scale-up and commercial viability of a novel reactive extrusion technology, capable of producing biodegradable and compostable thermoplastics with lignin contents of at least 50 weight percent, using solvent-free reactive processing. The polymer alloys will have mechanical properties comparable to commodity polymers, such as low-density polyethylene and polypropylene, and biodegradable in soil in under 2 years and thermophilic composting conditions in under 6 months. These materials will be validated for commercial scale production using twin-screw extruders, converted to raw material feedstocks used in plastics manufacturing including filament, pellets, and sheet, and then converted with standard equipment into products such as containers for agriculture, floral, and forestry plant production.
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. -
MONSTR SENSE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
SBIR Phase II: Rapid-scanning Ultrafast Imaging Microscope for Material Inspection
Contact
3830 PACKARD ST
Ann Arbor, MI 48108--2053
NSF Award
2208201 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,000,000
Start / end date
01/01/2023 – 12/31/2025 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will address the widespread industry challenge of improving yield in compound semiconductor device production. Compound semiconductors with a wide bandgap are needed for high power devices in electric vehicles (EVs), high frequency components in 5G electronics, and energy-efficient displays. The compound semiconductor market, valued at $36+ billion in 2022, has increased recently with growing consumer demand for EVs. The annual growth rate of silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors, the most prominent devices, is estimated at over 20%. Despite the wide-scale production of these components in an industry that expects near perfection in manufacturing, the current yield of power electronic components is less than 50%. Poor yield results largely from an inability to adequately inspect substrates and epitaxial wafers used for power electronics. Instead, the industry currently relies on inspection tools with poor defect selectivity or destructive methods that can only provide statistical information about the defects in a wafer batch. To increase wafer yield, the team will develop a new type of optical inspection tool for selectively measuring defects in every wafer. If successful, this novel inspection technology will enable the industry to help drive down costs and increase performance of energy-efficient power electronics.
The intellectual merit of this project is the novel way in which technology developed for use in fundamental science is being applied to rapid semiconductor inspection. The proposed method, called ultrafast imaging, uses the nonlinear optical response of a semiconductor induced by an ultrafast laser to isolate defects that measurably impact the electronic structure of the semiconductor. Though the semiconductor industry has typically focused on measuring morphology to find defects, measurement of compound semiconductors requires a tool that is sensitive to the electronic structure. This project will validate ultrafast imaging through benchmark testing against industry standards and develop an easy-to-use device for getting this technology into the hands of manufacturers. Partner manufacturing and inspection companies will provide inspection data and corresponding wafers, allowing correlation of ultrafast imaging defect measurements with data provided by other industry tools. Additionally, the team will develop and demonstrate an easy-to-use commercial product for user facilities and industrial research and development facilities, another essential step in the development of a high-throughput inspection tool. This benchtop product will not only improve current semiconductor technologies but will also be useful for scientists to characterize the next generation of semiconductors.
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. -
MSTATT LLC
SBIR Phase II: Brillouin Microscopy for Early Detection of Dental Caries
Contact
11201 CEDAR AVE STE 725
Cleveland, OH 44106--2606
NSF Award
2212766 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$997,400
Start / end date
01/15/2023 – 12/31/2025 (Estimated)
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will be to facilitate effective use of tooth remineralization treatments by introducing a new tool that is both highly sensitive to demineralization and robust to confounding factors. If patients are compliant with the generally recommended dental visit schedule of twice a year, it is conceivable that the patient may never need to have a primary filling again. This change in practice has significant patient, dentist and broader economic benefits. The remineralization treatment may increase the number of patients who visit their dentist on a regular basis as they can avoid dreaded fillings. The savings from reducing the time spent on primary filings will provide dentists with the opportunity to take on new patients and procedures, while reducing more mundane drilling activities.
This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will build on the technology developed for early dental caries detection and will develop the technology for clinical use and evaluation by dentists. This technology will enable dentists and hygienists to diagnose caries earlier than previously possible, enabling early treatment, and significantly reducing the amount of drilling in dentistry. This Phase II project will develop a probe designed for use in dental offices, a miniaturized and a ruggedized Brillouin spectrometer. The project will also conduct lab and user testing, develop software, and develop a scientific version of the spectrometer. At the end of this Phase II effort, a validated prototype that will be ready for a clinical trial is expected.
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. -
MUON VISION INC.
SBIR Phase II: Heap leaching and slope saturation monitoring with muon detectors
Contact
404 BROADWAY
Cambridge, MA 02139--1631
NSF Award
2150925 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$978,286
Start / end date
08/15/2022 – 07/31/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project focuses on the development of a technology for advanced geophysical density measurements and the monitoring of fluid fronts in soils based on the passive detection of naturally occurring cosmic rays. The primary application area for this project is the mining sector, where the technology may be able to drive efficiency improvements (up to 10%) in the recovery of copper and other key metals. These efficiencies could potentially result in a value opportunity of close to $1 billion per year in the US alone. The technology can also be applied to monitoring the stability of dams and levees, a widely-recognized ongoing concern, where it can provide safety and environmental benefits to the industry and society at large.
The intellectual merit of this project is primarily related to both the continued development of field-ready instrumentation and of original data inversion methodologies. This includes: i) validation of the prototype sensor developed in Phase I under control conditions; ii) development and testing of fit-for-purpose conveyance and other hardware required for remote operation; iii) development of an original, three-dimensional data reconstruction algorithm driven by customer needs; and iv) development of commercially ready answer products and user interfaces. These innovations will serve to demonstrate the feasibility, technology readiness, and value of the proposed solution to the mining industry.
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. -
Malachite Technologies
SBIR Phase II: Scalable Linear Ion Beam For Large Area Plasma Processing
Contact
2262 PALOU AVE
San Francisco, CA 94114--2822
NSF Award
1853254 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$949,999
Start / end date
04/01/2019 – 11/30/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project touches upon everything from shower doors to consumer electronics to window glass. Deposition of high-quality thin films on a large scale with precise energy control can allow, for one example, diamond-like carbon (DLC) on glass. DLC coatings on glass can prevent soapy film build-up on shower doors, can improve the scratch resistance of mobile phone displays, and can reduce the cost of energy-conserving windows. The control of energy during fabrication processes won't just broaden what films can be made; it will allow the use of a greater variety of substrates. In recent years, a number of applications have utilized traditional inorganic coatings like silicon oxide on top of new materials like organic solar cells and organic LEDs. These organic materials show greater sensitivity to degradation during the coating processes. This ion beam source can give industry, as it begins to bring these innovations to market, a tool with the level of energy control that will allow lab results to translate to high yield, low cost manufacturing.
The proposed project addresses the challenge of depositing advanced thin films on insulating and/or delicate substrates. Control of the deposition's energy flux has been shown in laboratory demonstrations to be required for many thin films including diamond-like carbon, transparent conductive oxides on silicon and organic solar cells, and ultra-thin silver. A scalable linear ion beam sputter source will establish a high-volume manufacturing tool for thin films limited today to much smaller scale. In Phase 1, the source's functionality was demonstrated. Phase 2 has two major components: hardware development for scale and usability; process development for specific commercial applications. The company will deliver a fully integrated control system and a source, scaled by 2x and designed for manufacture. Process development will consider beam energetics and geometry of beam/target/substrate relative to film and substrate properties. For DLC, this will focus on tribological and optical properties. For silver, they will test for continuity of ultra-thin films. Transparent Conducting Oxide (TCO) efforts will focus on electrical properties and substrate impacts, particularly carrier lifetime in silicon.
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. -
Mark Miles Consulting Inc.
SBIR Phase II: Thermo-optic Rooftop Modulation Using Thermal Panes for Building Energy Decarbonization
Contact
1200 LAKESHORE AVE APT 25A
Oakland, CA 94606--1619
NSF Award
2126991 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$781,738
Start / end date
09/01/2022 – 08/31/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project may enable the generation of as much as 65% of a building?s energy needs from renewable heating and cooling, reducing consumption by 13 Quads and saving consumers potentially billions of dollars. Buildings account for 28% of all carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions worldwide and at least 2/3 of these structures will still exist in the year 2040. Achieving significant energy coset reductions will require a retrofit solution that is competitive with natural gas and grid-powered heating and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Such a retrofit must also be easily deployed in a wide variety of building types and architectures. The technology under development is a roof-mounted, panelized array that provides solar heat during the day and radiatively cools at night. The technology may be able to supply building energy resources throughout the year, a disruptive capability for a rooftop clean energy solution. The low cost and renewable nature of this resource may also insure that building owners and residents have access to carbon-free energy that is less expensive, less volatile, and more resilient in the face of interruptions to energy supplied from conventional gas and grid sources.
This SBIR Phase II project seeks to validate a panelized rooftop technology to renewably generate heating and cooling resources for buildings. Dominant solutions combust fuel for heat and use grid electricity to power vapor compression for cooling. The proposed solution describes an array of thermal panes that convert a roof into an active environmental interface that continually optimizes the extraction and rejection of heat via absorptive, radiative, and convective processes. The technology continually operates in response to building energy needs. By modulating pane thermo-optic properties the solution enables fluid flow to alter the internal optical and heat transfer configuration. Evaluation of the technology will begin with manufacturing prototypes that incorporate novel thermal bonding techniques for integrating foamed polyiso-, fluoro-, and poly-olefin polymers. A solar simulator will assess efficiency and output temperatures, an iterative process to explore the role of internal fluid flows, visble and infrared radiation paths, and thermal loss mechanisms. An array will be subsequently deployed on a rooftop and coupled to the building energy system. Data will be collected to assess the impact on energy consumption and overall heating/cooling while developing control algorithms for pane modulation.
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. -
Mechanismic Inc.
STTR Phase II: A Design-Driven Educational Robotics Framework
Contact
133 VILLAGE HILL DR
Dix Hills, NY 11746--8335
NSF Award
2126882 – STTR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,000,000
Start / end date
09/15/2021 – 08/31/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact of this Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project is in teaching K-12 and college students STEM concepts in the fun-filled context of designing, building, and programming machines and robots and preparing them for the future technology-driven jobs. This project seeks to make robotics education affordable, equitable, and inclusive for students at all grade levels. By taking a multi-disciplinary and cross-curricula approach, the product developed through this project engages students, especially women and minorities from diverse backgrounds, effectively in STEM disciplines and helps them make suitable career choices. The ultimate goals of this project are aligned with the NSF's mandate to support development of a strong STEM workforce and help fill the 2.5 million STEM jobs that are vacant according to the current US Department of Labor Statistics. The technological innovations emerging from this project would result in a computational tool for synthesis of robot motions, which can be used broadly in industrial automation and invention of machines and robots. The proposed design-driven educational robotics product has the potential to improve engagement with science and technology and positively impact the U.S. educational robotics market, which is expected to grow to $2.7 billion by 2021.
This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase II project aims to bring together rigid body kinematics, machine learning, and engineering design to create a new product for design-driven robotics education for K-12 schools, freshman college programs, and STEM camps. The leading commercially available educational robotic systems emphasize 1) instruction-driven prototyping of robot structures using many specialized parts, and 2) programming them without providing any intuition behind the design process or guidance to creating mechanism design concepts for the realization of the motion of the robots. Driven by a need to keep pace with the evolving techno- and socio-economic requirements, new science standards, and remain competitive, schools and camps are increasingly adopting STEM and Robotics programs and products. This product would fill that void that currently exists in the educational market. If successful, this project would result in a state-of-the-art motion design software, a novel hardware kit, and standards-aligned curriculum and learning resources for schools and colleges. The software based on the machine learning in mechanism design research will allow creation of robot assemblies and their motions before constructing their corresponding physical models and provide students necessary skills and experience in the design 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. -
Medecipher, Inc.
SBIR Phase II: Optimizing emergency department nurse scheduling via a novel operational intelligence platform
Contact
3513 BRIGHTON BLVD
Denver, CO 80216--3605
NSF Award
2112491 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$999,688
Start / end date
10/01/2021 – 09/30/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to improve emergency clinical care. Emergency Departments are facing complex nursing utilization problems, fueled in part by scheduling systems built on flawed assumptions. Escalating nursing shortages and burnout must be addressed as fatigue is rampant. With hospitals facing significant revenue losses, there is no room for inefficient use of nurses. Nurse shifts must be intelligently sequenced in a way that optimizes available assets and balances complex sets of tradeoffs. The proposed solution uses artificial intelligence (AI) and operations research to predictively right-size clinical resources. The platform will be packaged as a cloud-based solution that reduces nursing staff churn, decreases patient wait times, reduces healthcare delivery costs, and improves revenue. Sophisticated mathematical approaches beyond what is available in the calendar and an Excel spreadsheet ? specifically this project?s constraint-based algorithms, simulation methods and machine learning ? will be the turning point in optimizing emergency department operational performance. This will improve the health system?s patient care, operational, and financial outcomes while reducing effort, waste, cost, and nurse burnout.
This proposed project addresses the multi-stage emergency department nurse staffing problem by increasing scalability and usability. The proposed solution scales a set of multi-objective optimization algorithms based on operations research, sophisticated data science and queueing theory models to create an end-to-end decision support platform. The platform will provide longitudinal decision support for emergency department nurse staffing: nurse managers will use it daily for flexing decisions, monthly for schedule planning and assignment, and annually for budgeting. Objectives include: (1) Data science: refine and automate the forecasting, adapt the optimization model, generate and maintain input files, automate output files; (2) Front-end: create UI components, create service layer/API, wire service layer and UI, develop integration and component testing; (3) Back-end: implement container orchestration system, upgrade security, implement data ingest protocols, support development operations; and (4) Validate recommendation and create client ROI calculator.
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. -
MetaSeismic, Inc.
SBIR Phase II: MetaMaterial for Seismic Energy Absorption
Contact
5270 CALIFORNIA AVE STE 100
Irvine, CA 92617--3062
NSF Award
1927071 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$908,940
Start / end date
08/15/2019 – 10/31/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial opportunity of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project stems from creating a paradigmatic shift in the way we achieve seismic protection. The use of mechanical metamaterials fosters new opportunities to increase current levels of seismic protection of buildings and infrastructure, which could ultimately increase the resilience of communities and save lives. Mechanical metamaterials are materials specifically designed to have unprecedented properties. Evolving from a traditional system-based design to a material-based design has the potential of creating seismic solutions that are more customizable and easier to install than most of the current technologies. This technology could replace current seismic protection systems that are traditionally aimed at saving building occupants' lives, but may not address the important equipment therein. An enhanced level of seismic protection constitutes an immediate value for commercial activities and services requiring continuity of operations after earthquakes. The extensive application of the innovation has the potential of increasing the resiliency of communities in seismic prone areas and reduce seismic related direct and indirect losses.
This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project addresses the need for increasing the seismic resilience of our critical infrastructure, and in particular Information Technology (IT) facilities. The projects will result in a revolutionary advance in the seismic protection of vibration sensitive electronic equipment through the use of novel mechanical metamaterials made with an innovative hybrid additive manufacturing (AM) process. The feasibility of combining multiple AM processes to manufacture the multi-component internal architecture of such metamaterials will be demonstrated. In particular, the effectiveness of AM processes in combining hard and soft materials in a highly-complex architecture will be addressed, with the aim of enhancing the design space of the mechanical metamaterial. The effects of this enlarged designed space on the seismic resilience of IT facilities will be investigated by developing a specific seismic resilience framework. The framework will be used to analyze and compare the seismic resilience of data centers with traditional systems and highly customizable metamaterials, as resulting from the manufacturing 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. -
Metalmark Innovations, Inc.
SBIR Phase II: Nanostructured 3D Catalytic Coatings for High-Efficiency Pollution Control and Air Purification
Contact
127 WESTERN AVE
Allston, MA 02134--1008
NSF Award
2026128 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,198,136
Start / end date
08/01/2020 – 12/31/2025 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is addressing the growing societal need for indoor air purification, as indoor air quality (IAQ) directly affects human health, productivity, cognitive function, and quality-of-life. Awareness of the long-term consequences of poor IAQ has recently witnessed an increase due to research results, improvements in monitoring and sensing technology, public awareness campaigns by organizations such as the American Lung Association, World Health Organization, and Environmental Protection Agency, and, most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. Finding sustainable, economical, and effective solutions to the problem of poor IAQ will greatly benefit public health and wellbeing and will help curtail the spread of pathogens, minimizing the need for social distancing. This project will develop a new system air purification, addressing viruses, harmful chemicals, odors, and ultrafine particulates.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to scale up the production methodology and coating process of novel catalytic materials. The materials are 3D nanostructured porous powders that are designed at multiple length scales to achieve enhanced catalytic activity, stability, and longevity, while reducing costs and utilizing raw materials in an environmentally responsible manner. The system uses a synthetic approach based on self-organization of nanoscale building blocks and wet chemistry tools in order to assemble finely structured coatings for integration in air-purification units. This project focuses on expanding it to production scale, wherein achieving control over the composition, structure, porosity, and placement of nanoparticles on a production scale is challenging. The materials platform development will include adaptation to high-throughput instrumentation and scale-up of the material production and coating process to pilot production. In the process, this project will develop tools and guidelines for manufacturing hierarchically-structured functional materials more generally.
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. -
Micro-Leads,Inc.
SBIR Phase II: A Precision, High-Density Stimulation Electrode for Low-Back Pain Relief
Contact
255 ELM ST STE 300
Somerville, MA 02144--2957
NSF Award
1738326 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,200,114
Start / end date
09/15/2017 – 03/31/2023 (Estimated)
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
The broader impact and commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to treat chronic back and lower limb pain more effectively using a high-resolution stimulation technology. Lower back pain affects more than 100M Americans. While spinal cord neuro-modulation is successful for about 60% of patients, many people remain untreated and suffer from chronic pain. Low-back pain is the most difficult to treat due as conventional electrode technology cannot selectively deliver energy to these fibers due to the bulky paddle electrode volume associated with the legacy manufacturing processes. Furthermore, to achieve maximal pain relief, neurosurgeons must wake the subjects during an operation to verify if the patient senses pain relief as the electrode is positioned. Many subjects undergo multiple operations due to inaccurate electrode alignment or movement of the electrode over time due to physical activity. The proposed active grid electrode technology seeks to double the size of therapeutic surface area, including providing therapy to low-back fibers which are not accessible by conventional electrodes. The technology is expected to improve low-back pain relief, as well as use wireless programming to alter the therapy in the event of electrode movement, avoiding the need for re-operation.
The proposed project seeks to double the area of the spinal cord which can receive therapeutic benefit, by developing an active stimulation-grid electrode grid technology. By positioning a very small electronic circuit within the paddle electrode, the team is expected to create a 64 contact therapy array to deliver precision therapy. To accomplish these goals, the project includes three critical tasks including: (1) develop a medical-grade design of the implantable electronics, package, and lead array, (2) perform mechanical aging and stretch testing, and (3) prepare prototypes for subsequent ISO 14708 validation testing. The goal of the project is to accelerate the medical-grade hardware development effort to enable future therapies to treat low-back pain. Eventual validation after this project is completed will be performed in humans by selectively applying stimulation and recording if the patient feels therapy in the low-back area. -
Microgrid Labs Inc.
SBIR Phase II: Intelligent Planning and Control Software for EV Charging Infrastructure
Contact
903 GROGANS MILL DR
Cary, NC 27519--7175
NSF Award
1951197 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$949,881
Start / end date
05/01/2020 – 04/30/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project is to develop a modeling, simulation and optimization software for fleet electrification projects. Electric vehicles (EVs) are expected to comprise 70% of all new buses and 15% of all commercial trucks by 2030. Electric vehicles are more expensive than diesel buses and need additional investments in charging infrastructure; furthermore, electrification is complex as several factors influence its design, cost and performance. The transition from diesel to electric buses could impose significant loads on the local electrical network, entailing significant upgrades to the electrical infrastructure at the facility and the utility grid. The proposed software will offer the electric vehicle industry a platform to analyze the battery, charging infrastructure, and energy infrastructure.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project addresses the problem of planning and operating electric vehicle fleets, especially medium and heavy-duty fleets. The technology uses stochastic optimization and discrete event simulation to optimize fleet sizes to minimize costs and meet operational requirements. The proposed work will create a model of the joint transportation and energy processes (i.e., the driving and charging processes). The proposed software will enable real-time optimization of system 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. -
Muzology, LLC
SBIR Phase II: Mnemonic Optimization of Music and Songs
Contact
1109 17TH AVE S
Nashville, TN 37212--2203
NSF Award
1927160 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$1,029,809
Start / end date
10/01/2019 – 09/30/2024 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
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This phase II award received additional funding to mitigate the COVID-19 crisis.Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project further investigates music-based techniques that can result in effective and efficient learning and instruction. Music as a bedrock of culture can transcend entertainment and enhance learning. Music directly activates neural systems that support memory, attention, motivation, and emotion. Accordingly, music is a powerful medium that not only heightens learner engagement but also facilitates retention of information. While music has long been recognized for its mnemonic properties and is widely used as a memory aid in the context of early childhood learning (e.g., the ABC song), music-based educational products for the broader K-12 market are less pervasive. This project focuses on the optimization of musical structures to support effective and engaging mathematics instruction. The goal of this project is to offer music as a credible pedagogical tool. Specifically, this project offers music as a learning medium that can be used beyond rote memorization and instead teach mathematical skills, processes, and procedures in an engaging manner that makes math accessible to all learners. Mathematical fluency is a critical skill in a society that continues to become more technological; it also creates broader career opportunities for students and undergirds the U.S.'s national competitiveness.
The proposed research features two innovations: 1) optimization of learning-based musical forms based on distinct mathematical information types; and 2) creation of a non-linear, dynamic platform to deliver the content. Using computational musicology techniques as well as experimental studies, the first innovation involves creation of mathematically accurate music videos based on unique creative and structural parameters that are determined by the type of mathematical information being taught. The second innovation focuses on delivery of the music-based content and involves significant technical and creative investigation to produce a dynamic, non-linear mechanism for presenting the material in a manner that still feels continuous and compelling to the student. Together, both innovations underlie a synergistic learning solution designed for premium learner engagement and to support self-paced, adaptive learning. This project will result in high quality, digital math instruction that is accessible to all learners through use of effective, engaging, and relevant instructional methods. The desired outcomes are eliminating proficiency gaps in math education and achieving equity in students' educational success.
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. -
NALA SYSTEMS, INC.
SBIR Phase II: Chemically Resistant Membranes for Water Purification
Contact
2 DAVIS DR
Chapel Hill, NC 27516--4654
NSF Award
2038543 – SBIR Phase II
Award amount to date
$999,437
Start / end date
05/01/2021 – 04/30/2023 (Estimated)
NSF Program Director
Errata
Please report errors in award information by writing to awardsearch@nsf.gov.
Abstract
This SBIR Phase II project will develop breakthrough polymeric membranes to purify water by reverse osmosis. It will address the recognized global need for clean drinking water driven by increasing population and urbanization that affect billions of people living in water-stressed lands. The impurities in water from different geographical locations and different types of water (e.g., seawater, industrial wastewater, tap water reuse) differ, and separation membranes that can selectively remove different combinations of impurities will be critical to addressing this world challenge. The technology provides a means to greatly eliminate costly cleaning operations and minimize plant downtime in this ~$5 billion market. Industrial and Enhanced energy and operating efficiency will be achieved through reduced required pretreatment and enhanced fouling resistance, leading to extended use cycles and improved water flux over the lifetime of the membranes.
This SBIR Phase II project will produce thin film composite reverse osmosis (RO) membranes comprised of precisely sulfonated polysulfone polymers in the ~100-nm thick range on a porous support. These novel membranes will provide a long sought after revolution in water purification membranes with their high resistance to chlorine for disinfection and ability to prevent biofouling. For the first time, they will also efficiently remove monovalent salts that contaminate seawater and brackish water from their mixed salt compositions. Sulfonated polysulfones have been considered previously for RO membranes due to their inherent chemical resistance, but they failed due to low salt rejection at high ionic strengths and their inferiority in salt rejections in mixed salt feedwater. Municipal water requirements are high and their process water is often contaminated with toxic products (boron and arsenic moieties, hydrocarbons, perfluorinated surfactants, biofilms), making reuse difficult to impossible technically and economically. This project advances material synthesis and material processing through precisely sulfonated polymers. Phase II will take advantage of these advances to optimize the membrane coating process, scale it to pilot quantities, and measure resistance to a range of impurities found in tap water reuse, industrial water purification, as well as in purification of brackish surface and groundwater and highly saline seawater.
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. -
NANOPATTERN TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
SBIR Phase II: Photopatternable Quantum Dot Downconverters for Microdisplays