Latest news with #SmallBusinessTechnologyTransfer
Business Wire
06-08-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Neucore Bio Awarded Competitive Grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) for Research on Scalability of Exosome-based Therapeutics for Genetic Disease
COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Neucore Bio, an early-stage biotechnology company advancing the therapeutic potential of non-viral, engineered exosomes, announced today the receipt of a $304,000 U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I grant to evaluate scalable manufacturing efficiencies to deliver exosome-based therapeutics for challenging genetic disorders affecting the peripheral nerve system (PNS). Advanced precision medicines that correct genetic mutations or aberrations offer the promise of transformative outcomes for challenging PNS disorders, including neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), which have very few therapeutic options today. Non-viral, extracellular vesicle (EV)-delivery approaches like exosomes are highly attractive given their ability to precisely deliver genetic cargo to target cell types without the limitations inherent to viral vector delivery. Yet broad translational application of EV-based therapeutics requires the development of scalable and efficient manufacturing methods. Neucore's proprietary Fibroblast-Derived Engineering Extracellular Vesicles (FiXE™) platform is based on the cellular engineering of primary fibroblast cells to produce engineered EVs (eEVs) that provide unparalleled cell-targeting delivery. As part of this STTR Phase I project grant, Neucore will pursue new protocols for cost-effective, large-scale production of eEVs under GMP guidance and in collaboration with Neucore scientific partners from The Ohio State University, Dr. Natalia Higuita-Castro and Dr. Daniel Gallego-Perez. The team will aim to optimize eEV production parameters and demonstrate the efficacy of the approach to produce eEVs with enhanced capabilities to target Schwann Cells (SCs) specifically, given their relevance to disorders of the PNS. 'NSF accelerates the translation of emerging technologies into transformative new products and services,' said Erwin Gianchandani, NSF Assistant Director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships. 'We take great pride in funding deep-technology startups and small businesses that will shape science and engineering results into meaningful solutions for today and tomorrow.' 'Our goal with this project is to reduce the manufacturing complexity and cost of eEV-based therapeutics, which presents a barrier to accessible, scalable treatments that could offer significant benefit for people affected by a wide range of genetic diseases,' said Kenneth Morand, Ph.D., Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Neucore Bio. 'We are grateful to the NSF for its recognition of the need for progress in this area and look forward to sharing our results with the community.' All proposals submitted to the NSF SBIR/STTR program, also known as America's Seed Fund powered by NSF, undergo a rigorous merit-based review process. Once a small business is awarded a Phase I grant, it becomes eligible to apply for Phase II funding and additional supplements totaling up to $2 million. To get started, startups or entrepreneurs submit a written Project Pitch to see if their technology idea could be a good fit for the program. To learn more about America's Seed Fund powered by NSF, visit: NSF has several programs that help accelerate the translation of research results to practice and provide pathways for researchers, startups and aspiring entrepreneurs to move their ideas from the laboratory to the market and society. To learn more about how NSF helps unlock future technologies for national and societal impact, visit: About the U.S. National Science Foundation's Small Business Programs America's Seed Fund powered by NSF awards more than $200 million annually to startups and small businesses, transforming scientific discovery into products and services with commercial and societal impact. Startups working across almost all areas of science and technology can receive up to $2 million to support research and development, helping de-risk technology for commercial success. America's Seed Fund is congressionally mandated through the Small Business Innovation Research program. The NSF is an independent federal agency with a budget of about $9.5 billion that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering. About Neucore Bio Neucore Bio, Inc., is an early-stage biotechnology company advancing nonviral, engineered exosomes to power the next generation of genetic medicine and aesthetic dermatology solutions. The company's proprietary platform harnesses the innate programmability of fibroblasts and the natural intercellular signaling of exosomes to deliver nucleic acid therapeutics for disease modification and skin rejuvenation - unlocking new era of performance-driven genetic medicine and functional skincare. Based in Columbus, Ohio, Neucore has licensed novel exosome technology from The Ohio State University to power its disruptive discovery pipeline. For more information, visit
Miami Herald
29-07-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Vaya Space Selected for $1.2M AFWERX Phase II Contract to Advance Hypersonic Propulsion
Hybrid-Fueled Ramjet to Enable Throttleable, Restartable Missile Systems for Enhanced A2/AD Penetration COCOA, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / July 29, 2025 / Vaya Space announces it has been selected by AFWERX for a SBIR Phase II in the amount of $1,236,406 focused on the development of the Hybrid-Fueled Ramjet, a throttleable and restartable hypersonic missile propulsion system, to address the most pressing challenges in 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 July 9, 2025, Vaya Space will start its journey to create and provide innovative capabilities that will strengthen the national defense of the United States of America. "This Phase II award represents a significant advancement in hypersonic propulsion and a strong vote of confidence in Vaya's hybrid technology. Our Hybrid-Fueled Ramjet introduces a new class of adaptable missile propulsion; combining throttleability, restart capability, and mission-tailorable thrust to meet the dynamic demands of modern defense. We're proud to help shape the future of strategic capability for the United States," stated Vaya Space Chief Executive Officer Kevin Lowdermilk. 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 Vaya Space Vaya Space is a privately owned company based on the Space Coast and leveraging patented Vortex-Hybrid engine technology to disrupt both the Space and Defense markets. Visit for more information. About AFRL The Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, 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 forces. With a workforce spanning across nine technology areas and 40 other operations around the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit AFWERX As 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 320 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 SOURCE: Vaya Space press release
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Solideon Announces $1.25 Million AFWERX Contract
BERKELEY, Calif., June 11, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--(Additive Space Technologies Inc., d.b.a. Solideon) announces it has been selected by AFWERX for a Direct-to-Phase II contract in the amount of $1.25 million focused on developing a single pallet additive manufacturing cell that is capable of flexibly manufacturing critical systems across expeditionary environments. to address the most pressing challenges in 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 21st, 2025, Additive Space Technologies Inc, d.b.a Solideon will start its journey to create and provide innovative capabilities that will strengthen the national defense of the United States of America. Quote From Company "The future of industrial power isn't centralized — it's deployable. This award is a signal that the Department of the Air Force is ready to break from the past and lead with agility. With this contract, we're building the foundation for a world where manufacturing happens not in factories but wherever the mission demands — from airbases to shipyards and, eventually, orbit." CEO Oluseun Taiwo 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 Additive Space Technologies Inc., d.b.a. Solideon Solideon is revolutionizing manufacturing by transforming readily available robotic arms into multi-robotic-enabled factories. This innovative approach empowers end-users with the capability to robotically weld, fabricate, and assemble entire structures on-site. By doing so, Solideon is fundamentally reshaping how the industrial base approaches the manufacturing of critical assets, such as ships, submarines, and other large vehicles. About AFRL The 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 forces. 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 AFWERX As 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: View source version on Contacts Company Press Contact: Kait EwoldtCreative Director and Strategic Erreur lors de la récupération des données Connectez-vous pour accéder à votre portefeuille Erreur lors de la récupération des données Erreur lors de la récupération des données Erreur lors de la récupération des données Erreur lors de la récupération des données
Business Wire
11-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Solideon Announces $1.25 Million AFWERX Contract
BERKELEY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--(Additive Space Technologies Inc., d.b.a. Solideon) announces it has been selected by AFWERX for a Direct-to-Phase II contract in the amount of $1.25 million focused on developing a single pallet additive manufacturing cell that is capable of flexibly manufacturing critical systems across expeditionary environments. to address the most pressing challenges in 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 21st, 2025, Additive Space Technologies Inc, d.b.a Solideon will start its journey to create and provide innovative capabilities that will strengthen the national defense of the United States of America. Quote From Company 'The future of industrial power isn't centralized — it's deployable. This award is a signal that the Department of the Air Force is ready to break from the past and lead with agility. With this contract, we're building the foundation for a world where manufacturing happens not in factories but wherever the mission demands — from airbases to shipyards and, eventually, orbit.' CEO Oluseun Taiwo 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 Additive Space Technologies Inc., d.b.a. Solideon Solideon is revolutionizing manufacturing by transforming readily available robotic arms into multi-robotic-enabled factories. This innovative approach empowers end-users with the capability to robotically weld, fabricate, and assemble entire structures on-site. By doing so, Solideon is fundamentally reshaping how the industrial base approaches the manufacturing of critical assets, such as ships, submarines, and other large vehicles. About AFRL The 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 forces. 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 AFWERX As 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:
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
