Latest news with #SmallBusinessInnovationResearch
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Berkshire Biomedical Awarded NIH Research Grant to Support Clinical Study Program to Evaluate Patient Retention and Other Benefits of the COPA™ System for Take-Home Methadone Medication Management
Funds from the Two-Phase Fast-Track SBIR Grant, Combined, Would Total Approximately $2.9 Million DALLAS, June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Berkshire Biomedical Corporation ("Berkshire" or "the Company"), focused on developing its proprietary drug dispensing technology to enhance patient wellness, today announced that it has been awarded the first phase of a two-phase Fast-Track Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant (1 R44DA061908-01A1) from the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA). Valued at approximately $2.9 million over 30 months, the two-phase grant will support execution of a clinical study to evaluate patient retention and other benefits of the Company's COPA™ System for Take-Home Methadone Medication Management as part of Medication for Opioid User Disorder (MOUD) treatment. Phase I funds of approximately $326,400 will support the execution of a single-site study. Receipt of the approximate $2.55 million Phase II award will support the execution of an open-label, randomized, parallel multi-site study, which will be contingent on an assessment of the Phase I report, as well as the review and approval of any other documentation necessary for continuation and availability of NIH funds. COPA is a novel, oral liquid dispensing system specifically designed to deliver accurate and precise doses of controlled and non-controlled prescription medications to only an Authenticated Intended User (AIU™), upon confirmation of dual biometric identifications (fingerprint and dentition) prior to each dose, with the goal of enhancing patient wellness and providing remote monitoring. "The Fast-Track SBIR grant process is highly competitive, with only 18% of applicants having been chosen under this program in 2023, alone," stated John Timberlake, Chief Executive Officer of Berkshire. This is Berkshire's second Fast-Track SBIR Grant from NIH. The Company received an initial two-phased award totaling $2.2 million (1R44DA057185) in 2022 which extended through 2024, to complete the development of the COPA system. Berkshire's receipt of this newest award reflects the NIH's continued belief in the strength of the technology behind COPA and its potential to significantly increase access to Opioid Treatment Programs for persons suffering from Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) by dramatically increasing the number of persons being allowed to utilize take home therapy." Mr. Timberlake continued, "The requirement to travel to an Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) clinic, daily, has been shown to reduce treatment retention and deter some patients from even starting treatment. A mixed methods study found that take-home dose flexibility among stable patients was associated with receiving more take homes, higher rates of treatment retention, and lower rates of opioid-positive drug tests. Higher retention rates in opioid use disorder medication among patients with OUD were, therefore, associated with better outcomes. There have been a considerable number of retrospective studies evaluating opioid use disorder treatment retention; however, there are very few prospective comparison studies." About the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)NIDA is a component of the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIDA supports most of the world's research on the health aspects of drug use and addiction. The Institute carries out a large variety of programs to inform policy, improve practice, and advance addiction science. For more information about NIDA and its programs, visit About the National Institutes of Health (NIH)NIH, the nation's medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit About Berkshire Biomedical Corporation Berkshire Biomedical Corporation is a privately held medical device company. Berkshire is pioneering the use of biometric technologies, combined with encrypted HIPAA compliant cloud-based and healthcare provider-enabled remote management systems, to provide precise and accurate personalized medication delivery to only the Authenticated Intended User (AIU). The Company's lead product under development, the Computerized Oral Prescription Administration System (COPA), is a hand-held, automated, personalized oral liquid dispensing system designed and intended to deliver controlled and non-controlled liquid oral medications to only the AIU upon confirmation of dual biometric identification (fingerprint and dentition). Upon receiving regulatory authorization, the Company intends to initially seek opportunities to leverage COPA in the delivery and remote management of oral liquid medication methadone, for Medication Use for Opioid Use Disorder treatment and subsequently for the delivery of controlled medications for the treatment of pain, as those patients have the greatest need for the benefits of COPA's features. In addition, the Company will look to expand COPA use in broader drug therapeutic categories, clinical applications, and businesses that manage the commercialization and data analytics provided by electronic devices to improve outcomes and reduce risk. Additional information about Berkshire Biomedical and the COPA System can be found at The COPA™ System is currently under development, has NOT been reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is not available for commercial sale. Disclaimer: Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health under Award Numbers R44DA057185 and R44DA061908-01A1. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. CONTACT: Berkshire Biomedical Corporationinfo@ Melody CareyFounder, President, and CEORx Communications Group, LLCmcarey@ View original content: SOURCE Berkshire Biomedical Corporation Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Base Operations selected by the US Air Force to provide AI-driven security intelligence for mission resilience and force protection
The Direct-to-Phase II contract was awarded to identify, assess, predict and counter emerging threats, including Small Unarmed Aerial Systems incursions, when operating in dynamic environments with limited intelligence and evolving adversary tactics. WASHINGTON, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Base Operations has been selected by AFWERX for a Direct-to-Phase II contract focused on decoding local threats and providing actionable insights to safeguard the global operations of the Department of the Air Force (DAF). The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process by accelerating the small business experience through faster proposal to award timelines, changing the pool of potential applicants by expanding opportunities to small business and eliminating bureaucratic overhead by continually implementing process improvement changes in contract execution. The DAF began offering the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018 which expanded the range of innovations the DAF funded and now on May 27th 2025, Base Operations will take the next step in its journey to create and provide innovative capabilities that will strengthen the national defense of the United States of America. "In an era of evolving threats and rapid transformation in federal procurement, sourcing cutting-edge solutions from U.S. startups is essential to maintaining operational readiness and protecting the warfighter. Base Operations is proud to be selected by the Air Mobility Command of the Department of Air Force to deliver advanced, AI-powered threat intelligence. Our platform enhances force protection by anticipating and mitigating risks around critical installations, safeguarding personnel, and effectively countering adversarial foreign espionage. By equipping decision-makers with AI-driven insights, we help strengthen operational resilience and ensure mission success in complex and dynamic environments." Cory Siskind, Founder & CEO at Base Operations The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government. About Base OperationsBase Operations decodes the world's threat landscape into actionable security insights that enable organizations to protect their people, assets, and operations. Identify and assess threats, manage risk across your footprint, and make data-driven decisions using granular, street-level intelligence at global scale. Learn more at About AFRLThe Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit About AFWERXAs the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. AFWERX employs approximately 370 military, civilian and contractor personnel at four hubs and sites executing an annual $1.4 billion budget. Since 2019, AFWERX has awarded over 10,400 contracts worth more than $7.24 billion to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. For more information, visit: For press enquiries contact ben@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Base Operations Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Yank Technologies Selected for Prestigious NASA Phase II Contract for Dust-Tolerant Resonant Connectors
Yank Technologies collaborates with NASA for power interfacing solutions on lunar and planetary surfaces. BROOKLYN, N.Y., May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Yank Technologies, the developer of disruptive long range, high power wireless charging solutions, has been selected for a two-year follow-on Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II contract from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to advance Dust-Tolerant Resonant Connectors for lunar and planetary surfaces. Dust-Tolerant Resonant Connectors are extremely efficient interlocking coils for robust power transmission on the Moon and Mars. They are completely insulated with no exposed conductive terminals to operate effectively in extremely dusty and dirty environments, making them ideal for space exploration. With the extreme conditions of the Moon and Mars, traditional connectors are subject to unreliable mating and physical wear and tear over time. Dust-Tolerant Resonant Connectors are designed to withstand the roughest environmental conditions. Leveraging their wireless power expertise, Yank Technologies has successfully delivered Dust-Tolerant Resonant Connectors to NASA and will be advancing these products for future NASA missions. Yank Technologies develops customizable wireless power solutions for industrial, automotive, consumer, and space applications. With eighteen patents granted and approximately fifty pending, Yank Technologies eliminates unreliable electrical connections to strengthen durability, increase operational efficiency, and enable new product features. Their industrial solutions enhance robotic autonomy in factories by charging AMRs enroute to reduce downtime and by wirelessly powering and communicating quality control test functions in real-time. They also develop functionally expandable wireless power solutions to enable new product features in next-generation vehicle interiors. These solutions decrease assembly and warranty costs by eliminating complex wire harness connections enabling new features like seamless door removal and complete cockpit reconfiguration. Furthermore, Yank Technologies is reimagining the consumer experiences by charging multiple electronics over the air, in cupholders, and on table-tops. For the 2025 fiscal year, the US House of Representatives allocated $7.8 billion to NASA's Artemis I Program to return humans to the moon. With the increasing demand in Moon exploration, Yank Technologies has the opportunity to expand their wireless power ecosystem for space applications. With this Phase II contract, Yank Technologies will advance their Dust-Tolerant Resonant Connector system for power transmission lines and umbilical products from landers on the Moon and Mars. The Phase II development will optimize the size, weight, and power for kilowatt applications and will be verified with lunar and planetary regolith to be infused into upcoming NASA missions. "With this follow-on NASA Phase II contract, we will prepare Dust-Tolerant Resonant Connectors for a variety of power interfacing solutions for NASA to establish long-lasting habitats on the Moon and Mars," said Josh Yank, CEO of Yank Technologies. To learn more about Yank Technologies or inquire about their wireless power solutions, please visit About Yank TechnologiesYank Technologies, Inc. is a wireless power innovator based in New York committed to developing long-range, high power wireless charging technology that is safe, simple and requires no human contact. Yank Tech has patented antenna and amplifier developments in resonant inductive technology, and provides scalable solutions for variable ranges of power and distances. For more information visit: Media Contact:Josh YankChief Executive Officermedia@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Yank Technologies Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Boston Globe
05-05-2025
- Business
- Boston Globe
Innovation at risk: Congress must make vital small-business programs permanent
Advertisement But the innovation economy is under threat. The Trump administration is slashing federal research funds to public universities and cutting experienced research staff across agencies, including at the National Institutes of Health. These reckless cuts will jeopardize future breakthroughs and sacrifice US competitiveness. We cannot cede next-generation technologies to other countries. To support and grow the innovation economy, the federal government must bolster the successful initiatives that help keep the United States at the front of the pack. Since 1982 and 1992, respectively, the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs have delivered federal research and development funding exclusively for innovative small businesses and the research institutions they partner with — without forcing entrepreneurs to give up ownership in their companies. For every dollar spent, these programs have produced Advertisement Since the creation of SBIR and STTR, Massachusetts small businesses have become some of the best innovation partners for the federal government and have benefited significantly, receiving In the biotechnology sector, private early-stage funding can be especially hard to secure because it is capital intensive and requires years of trials and research before products reach patients. Yet, some Republicans in Congress are demanding major reforms that would hamstring these programs and stifle innovation — all to benefit private interests and private profits. Republican proposals to reform the SBIR and STTR programs would force innovative small businesses to rely on hard-to-secure private investment, which would require entrepreneurs to give up partial ownership in their companies. There is even a proposal to cap the amount of funding available to a single company within the programs, which would end the more than 40 years of a merit-based system. These federal programs were created by Congress, on a bipartisan basis, with the belief that the government has a responsibility to invest in innovative small businesses to further foster innovation in America. Advertisement Thanks in part to the SBIR and STTR programs, the United States has experienced a golden age of innovation over the past several decades. To build on this success and fuel a robust innovation economy, Congress must ensure SBIR and STTR can meet the growing needs of entrepreneurs and small businesses for years to come. It can do this by
Technical.ly
28-04-2025
- Business
- Technical.ly
Startups often struggle with grant applications. A new group wants to change that.
A new coalition wants to make sure Pittsburgh companies don't leave federal money on the table. The Pittsburgh Technology Council and Keystone Space Collaborative have teamed up to launch the Data, Robotics, Energy, AI, Manufacturing and Security (DREAMS) Coalition, an initiative designed to help local companies in that industry cluster better apply for federal grant funding. The application to be considered for the coalition, announced last week, is open to companies at all stages to apply — and it comes at just the right time. Local companies need help applying for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding, especially in the current 'uncertain federal funding environment,' said Justine Kasznica, founder and board chair of Keystone Space Collaborative. Bringing businesses together in a coworking space and connecting them with government agencies and investment stakeholders provides the foundation to score more grants. 'There [are] a number of these companies that really need support,' Kasznica said, 'identifying what opportunities exist and then sitting down and figuring out what they need to do to maximize their chances of getting critical early-stage [research and development] dollars.' From startups that are first-time applicants to seasoned businesses, the DREAMS coalition is seeking companies with expertise in data, robotics, energy, AI, manufacturing and security that can apply their skills to solve problems identified by federal agencies. Along with offering federal funding assistance, the coalition will provide a collaborative workspace in Bakery Square and facilitate connections to industry stakeholders and investors to propel advanced technology startups in aerospace, robotics, AI and manufacturing. 'If you take the assets we have in this region, both historical and recent, there's not one industry that's going to take us to the next iteration of Pittsburgh,' Audrey Russo, president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council, told 'The diversity of the [coalition's] industries are only going to make us stronger.' As applications roll in, companies could begin receiving support at the coalition's coworking space as early as next month, according to Kasznica and Russo. The coalition is currently in a six-month pilot phase, but if it proves successful, the Pittsburgh Technology Council and Keystone Space Collaborative plan to extend the initiative and establish a more permanent location. 'We're calling it a pilot because we want to test out this broader industry cluster,' Kasznica said. 'How we evaluate ourselves is based on how many new projects and funding dollars we can bring to new technologies or existing companies.' Instead of supplying access to cash like accelerators and incubators, the coalition relies on the importance of building connections and providing hands-on guidance through the grant application process. A tough fed funding landscape still rife with opportunities Despite the uncertain federal funding landscape, Russo and Kasznica both said they were optimistic about local companies securing grants moving forward. Since the creation of the SBIR and STTR programs, Pittsburgh companies have received over $400 million for innovation research and new technology development across over 1,000 grant awards. The early-stage, non-dilutive funding has allowed Pittsburgh to compete with larger cities that have more private capital and has helped numerous local startups get off the ground. The coalition will specifically target agencies in aerospace and defense, Kasznica said, which aligns with the type of funding Pittsburgh companies have received to date. A majority of the grants to Pittsburgh companies have come from the Department of Defense, with the other top agencies being the Department of Health and Human Services, NASA, the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation. 'We're anticipating even more opportunities, in some cases, particularly for the future technology development that we're looking at doing in this region, which is advanced manufacturing, robotics and AI,' Kasznica said. 'There's a real appetite for that, even with this administration.' Through DREAMS, Kasznica and Russo want to keep those dollars flowing into the region. What early-stage companies often get wrong when applying for grants, according to Kasznica, is approaching the process with a product-first mindset and trying to pitch a product they've already built. The coalition aims to shift this approach early on by encouraging companies to first understand the needs of potential customers and then apply their expertise in robotics, manufacturing, or AI to solve those specific problems. 'It's really important to have good processes intact and people around you that have experience doing this kind of work,' Russo said, 'so that you can understand what you're able to leverage and what you need to make it happen.' Plus, a free coworking space to spread knowledge even further With a $60,000 grant from the Benedum Foundation, the coalition is leasing space at Spaces Bakery Square, utilizing the coworking hub with 11 rooms, including private offices and flexible conference and working areas that could accommodate up to 30 people. Staff from the Pittsburgh Technology Council, Keystone Space Collaborative and innovation research firm Parallax will all be onsite to work with participating companies. Through the no-cost coworking space, companies will gain access to mentorship and open office hours with a Parallax team member who specializes in connecting universities, businesses and government. Also, eligible members will be able to access Keystone Innovation Zone tax credits, further incentivizing growth. Additional programming could include workshops on scaling innovation and networking events designed to build a strong, connected entrepreneurial ecosystem, according to a recent press release. 'We need a better concierge system, which is what we're trying to set up here with this coalition,' Kasznica said. 'This isn't a traditional accelerator … we're not giving money out, but we're providing a place to come and participate, meet potential partners and funders.'
