2423045
Project Grant
Overview
Grant Description
SBIR Phase I: Development of a molecular diagnostic platform for use at home without an expensive table-top device.
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is a novel molecular diagnostic platform for detecting respiratory diseases including strep throat.
The innovation aims to provide the equivalent accuracy of laboratory-based tests for use by non-health care professionals in non-clinical settings.
By enabling rapid and reliable pathogen detection at home, the platform aims to reduce the burden on healthcare facilities, offer convenience to patients, and improve timely access to treatment including rural or underserved areas where traditional healthcare access is limited.
The anticipated technical outcomes include a disposable, user-friendly test that provides highly specific and sensitive results comparable to laboratory tests, thereby positioning this platform as a novel solution for in home-based molecular diagnostics for the total at-home molecular testing market, estimated to be worth $10B.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on developing a molecular diagnostic platform that leverages a novel combination of isothermal amplification and pH-sensitive polymers to detect specific bacterial DNA in saliva samples.
The company’s molecular-based DNA test uses loop-mediated isothermal amplification successfully utilized for other diagnostic applications, with the company’s proprietary pH-sensitive polymer formulation to operate effectively under a variety of conditions.
The specific technology development objectives include optimizing the diagnostic sensitivity of the platform's polymer-based detection mechanism and ensuring robust performance at room temperature and elevated temperatures necessary for the molecular 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.
Subawards are not planned for this award.
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is a novel molecular diagnostic platform for detecting respiratory diseases including strep throat.
The innovation aims to provide the equivalent accuracy of laboratory-based tests for use by non-health care professionals in non-clinical settings.
By enabling rapid and reliable pathogen detection at home, the platform aims to reduce the burden on healthcare facilities, offer convenience to patients, and improve timely access to treatment including rural or underserved areas where traditional healthcare access is limited.
The anticipated technical outcomes include a disposable, user-friendly test that provides highly specific and sensitive results comparable to laboratory tests, thereby positioning this platform as a novel solution for in home-based molecular diagnostics for the total at-home molecular testing market, estimated to be worth $10B.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on developing a molecular diagnostic platform that leverages a novel combination of isothermal amplification and pH-sensitive polymers to detect specific bacterial DNA in saliva samples.
The company’s molecular-based DNA test uses loop-mediated isothermal amplification successfully utilized for other diagnostic applications, with the company’s proprietary pH-sensitive polymer formulation to operate effectively under a variety of conditions.
The specific technology development objectives include optimizing the diagnostic sensitivity of the platform's polymer-based detection mechanism and ensuring robust performance at room temperature and elevated temperatures necessary for the molecular 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.
Subawards are not planned for this award.
Awardee
Funding Goals
THE GOAL OF THIS FUNDING OPPORTUNITY, "NSF SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH (SBIR)/ SMALL BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER (STTR) PROGRAMS PHASE I", IS IDENTIFIED IN THE LINK: HTTPS://WWW.NSF.GOV/PUBLICATIONS/PUB_SUMM.JSP?ODS_KEY=NSF23515
Grant Program (CFDA)
Awarding Agency
Place of Performance
Brookline,
Massachusetts
02446-2602
United States
Geographic Scope
Single Zip Code
RT Microdx was awarded
Project Grant 2423045
worth $274,362
from in January 2025 with work to be completed primarily in Brookline Massachusetts United States.
The grant
has a duration of 1 year and
was awarded through assistance program 47.084 NSF Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships.
The Project Grant was awarded through grant opportunity NSF Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I Programs.
SBIR Details
Research Type
SBIR Phase I
Title
SBIR Phase I: Development of a Molecular Diagnostic Platform for Use at Home without an Expensive Table-top Device
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is a novel molecular diagnostic platform for detecting respiratory diseases including strep throat. The innovation aims to provide the equivalent accuracy of laboratory-based tests for use by non-health care professionals in non-clinical settings. By enabling rapid and reliable pathogen detection at home, the platform aims to reduce the burden on healthcare facilities, offer convenience to patients, and improve timely access to treatment including rural or underserved areas where traditional healthcare access is limited. The anticipated technical outcomes include a disposable, user-friendly test that provides highly specific and sensitive results comparable to laboratory tests, thereby positioning this platform as a novel solution for in home-based molecular diagnostics for the total at-home molecular testing market, estimated to be worth $10B. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on developing a molecular diagnostic platform that leverages a novel combination of isothermal amplification and pH-sensitive polymers to detect specific bacterial DNA in saliva samples. The company’s molecular-based DNA test uses Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification successfully utilized for other diagnostic applications, with the company’s proprietary pH-sensitive polymer formulation to operate effectively under a variety of conditions. The specific technology development objectives include optimizing the diagnostic sensitivity of the platform's polymer-based detection mechanism and ensuring robust performance at room temperature and elevated temperatures necessary for the molecular 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.
Topic Code
MD
Solicitation Number
NSF 23-515
Status
(Ongoing)
Last Modified 3/18/25
Period of Performance
1/15/25
Start Date
12/31/25
End Date
Funding Split
$274.4K
Federal Obligation
$0.0
Non-Federal Obligation
$274.4K
Total Obligated
Activity Timeline
Transaction History
Modifications to 2423045
Additional Detail
Award ID FAIN
2423045
SAI Number
None
Award ID URI
SAI EXEMPT
Awardee Classifications
Small Business
Awarding Office
491503 TRANSLATIONAL IMPACTS
Funding Office
491503 TRANSLATIONAL IMPACTS
Awardee UEI
MRSWMVK2KXW7
Awardee CAGE
9QEJ8
Performance District
MA-04
Senators
Edward Markey
Elizabeth Warren
Elizabeth Warren
Modified: 3/18/25