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2432936

Project Grant

Overview

Grant Description
SBIR Phase I: MedMicroMaps a novel e-learning platform and immersive experience in the microbial metaverse for life science learners.

The broader/commercial impact of this SBIR Phase I project is to advance science education in microbiology through an interactive, virtual microbe world.

This innovation will make complex scientific concepts more accessible to diverse learners, including those traditionally underrepresented in STEM.

The application allows students to explore microscopic organisms at various scales, enhancing understanding of microbiology, immunology, and public health.

By providing immersive, hands-on experiences, it brings textbook concepts to life, potentially improving comprehension and retention.

The project targets educational institutions offering life science programs, particularly undergraduate medical education, with plans to expand to other disciplines and secondary education markets.

This technology addresses the growing need for engaging, technology-enhanced learning tools in STEM education.

By improving science literacy on microbial infections, vaccines, and antibiotics, the project serves the national interest in advancing health and scientific understanding.

The business model focuses on institutional licensing, with potential for individual subscriptions.

This approach could significantly impact how students learn about and interact with the microbial world, fostering a deeper appreciation for life sciences.

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the challenge of effectively teaching complex microbiology concepts to undergraduate medical students.

The research objectives focus on leveraging Extended Reality (XR) technology and Artificial Intelligence to enhance the learning experience of infectious diseases and microbes.

The proposed research involves developing a novel XR application using the META SDK platform within the Unity game engine, incorporating 3D microbial assets created with Blender and Adobe software.

These assets will feature realistic textures based on microscopy images, ensuring scientific accuracy.

The system will employ a bacteriophage AI-assist to adapt content delivery based on individual learning styles, including auditory, visual, kinesthetic, and text-based approaches.

The anticipated technical results include a cross-platform accessible WebGL build compatible with XR headsets, mobile devices, and personal computers.

This innovative approach aims to significantly improve learning outcomes for both traditional and non-traditional students by providing an immersive, interactive, and personalized educational experience.

The project's scope encompasses the development, testing, and evaluation of this XR-based learning system, with the potential to positively impact microbiology education in undergraduate medical curricula.

This award reflects 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
Awarding / Funding Agency
Place of Performance
Billings, Montana 59101-0537 United States
Geographic Scope
Single Zip Code
Analysis Notes
Amendment Since initial award the total obligations have increased 7% from $274,388 to $294,388.
Medmicromaps was awarded Project Grant 2432936 worth $294,388 from National Science Foundation in September 2024 with work to be completed primarily in Billings Montana United States. The grant has a duration of 5 months 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: MedMicroMaps A Novel e-Learning Platform and Immersive Experience in the Microbial Metaverse for Life Science Learners
Abstract
The broader/commercial impact of this SBIR Phase I project is to advance science education in microbiology through an interactive, virtual microbe world. This innovation will make complex scientific concepts more accessible to diverse learners, including those traditionally underrepresented in STEM. The application allows students to explore microscopic organisms at various scales, enhancing understanding of microbiology, immunology, and public health. By providing immersive, hands-on experiences, it brings textbook concepts to life, potentially improving comprehension and retention. The project targets educational institutions offering life science programs, particularly undergraduate medical education, with plans to expand to other disciplines and secondary education markets. This technology addresses the growing need for engaging, technology-enhanced learning tools in STEM education. By improving science literacy on microbial infections, vaccines, and antibiotics, the project serves the national interest in advancing health and scientific understanding. The business model focuses on institutional licensing, with potential for individual subscriptions. This approach could significantly impact how students learn about and interact with the microbial world, fostering a deeper appreciation for life sciences. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the challenge of effectively teaching complex microbiology concepts to undergraduate medical students. The research objectives focus on leveraging extended reality (XR) technology and artificial intelligence to enhance the learning experience of infectious diseases and microbes. The proposed research involves developing a novel XR application using the Meta SDK platform within the Unity game engine, incorporating 3D microbial assets created with Blender and Adobe software. These assets will feature realistic textures based on microscopy images, ensuring scientific accuracy. The system will employ a bacteriophage AI-assist to adapt content delivery based on individual learning styles, including auditory, visual, kinesthetic, and text-based approaches. The anticipated technical results include a cross-platform accessible WebGL build compatible with XR headsets, mobile devices, and personal computers. This innovative approach aims to significantly improve learning outcomes for both traditional and non-traditional students by providing an immersive, interactive, and personalized educational experience. The project's scope encompasses the development, testing, and evaluation of this XR-based learning system, with the potential to positively impact microbiology education in undergraduate medical curricula. This award reflects 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
AV
Solicitation Number
NSF 23-515

Status
(Complete)

Last Modified 11/20/24

Period of Performance
9/15/24
Start Date
2/28/25
End Date
100% Complete

Funding Split
$294.4K
Federal Obligation
$0.0
Non-Federal Obligation
$294.4K
Total Obligated
100.0% Federal Funding
0.0% Non-Federal Funding

Activity Timeline

Interactive chart of timeline of amendments to 2432936

Transaction History

Modifications to 2432936

Additional Detail

Award ID FAIN
2432936
SAI Number
None
Award ID URI
SAI EXEMPT
Awardee Classifications
Small Business
Awarding Office
491503 TRANSLATIONAL IMPACTS
Funding Office
491503 TRANSLATIONAL IMPACTS
Awardee UEI
W6XTNSMUDUS8
Awardee CAGE
9T9W8
Performance District
MT-02
Senators
Jon Tester
Steve Daines
Modified: 11/20/24