NC State Startups Secure $480K in One NC Funding

Eight North Carolina-based startup companies working to commercialize NC State research innovations recently received funding from the One North Carolina Small Business Program.

Administered by the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the One NC Small Business Program was created in 2006 and has awarded over 430 small businesses to date throughout the state.

New technologies developed at universities often have the potential to positively impact our society and benefit many. However, most innovations require a significant amount of additional funding to demonstrate the technical feasibility that can draw more serious interest from industry partners who are often required to transition technologies into the market.

Enter the federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. These government funding initiatives are designed to stimulate technological innovation of small businesses in the United States by providing early-stage grant funding to support the research and development of new discoveries that have the potential for commercialization. Over $4 billion in SBIR/STTR grants are awarded annually to companies across the country working in a variety of different sectors.

SBIR and STTR funding is an important funding mechanism for young startups but the application process can also be time-consuming and costly – particularly if a company works with a professional grant writing service. The One NC Small Business Program provides incentive funds for NC small businesses to apply for SBIR/STTR funding by reimbursing companies for costs associated with preparing and submitting SBIR and STTR applications. Companies who are successful in receiving an SBIR or STTR Phase I award receive reimbursement from the One NC Program that supplements those award funds.

The following descriptions of the NC State startup awardees was originally published in the Department of Commerce’s press release. You can view the full announcement here.

BENANOVA Inc., of Cary: $60,000 to develop a new bionematicide to control harmful plant parasitic nematodes, specifically Meloidogyne enterolobii, which cause more than $170 billion of crop damage worldwide, annually. This project aims to create eco-friendly formulations from renewable materials and test their effectiveness in greenhouse trials. The goal is to develop a sustainable and effective solution to protect crops from nematode pests and improve agricultural yields. This SBIR project is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Cervu, of Cary: $60,000 to develop a specialized device to help female cancer survivors manage pelvic pain, a common side effect of cancer treatments. This device is designed to meet the unique needs of survivors by offering multiple therapies. In Phase I, Cervu will refine and test a prototype, aiming to provide an effective, user-friendly solution that improves the quality of life for cancer survivors. This SBIR project is sponsored by the National Institutes of Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Fathom Science LLC, of Raleigh: $60,000 to develop an advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML)- based system for highly efficient and accurate wave forecasting to support the Blue Economy. This innovative technology will improve predictions of wave patterns, which are crucial for activities like marine energy resource management, coastal protection, and offshore infrastructure design. This project aims to enhance the precision of wave forecasts, offering a faster, more reliable solution compared to traditional methods, with broad applications in renewable energy and marine operations. This STTR project is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Freescale LLC, of Cary: $60,000 to develop innovative nano-composite inks that mimic brain synapses to improve neuromorphic computing. This project aims to create a fully printed crossbar array to demonstrate the potential for energy-efficient, smart sensor technology and advanced electronics. This STTR project is sponsored by the National Science Foundation.

Hoofprint Biome, Inc., of Raleigh: $60,000 to develop a probiotic yeast that reduces methane emissions from cattle, addressing a significant source of global greenhouse gas emissions. The yeast also boosts digesting and milk production, making it a cost-effective solution that will help farmers boost profitability while reducing the environmental impact of beef and dairy production. This SBIR project is sponsored by the National Science Foundation.

Mammae Biosciences Inc, of Raleigh: $60,000 to develop a method to produce valuable compounds found in human milk at a commercial scale. These compounds promote gut health, boost immunity, and support cognitive development, making them ideal for infant foods and supplements. The technology could offer new opportunities for food and supplement manufacturers to create gut-health solutions for people of all ages. This SBIR project is sponsored by the National Science Foundation.

mithrilAI Corp., of Raleigh: $60,000 to develop hardware-layer defenses for Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML) applications to prevent security threats. By using masking technology, the team will protect against hardware vulnerabilities that could compromise sensitive data or cause critical errors in AI systems. The project will address challenges in real-world AI/ML applications, improving security while maintaining performance. his SBIR project is sponsored by the National Science Foundation.

Teen Health Research, Inc., of Raleigh: $60,000 to build a platform designed to improve parent-adolescent communication about sexual and reproductive health. Targeted at adolescents aged 10-13, it provides personalized, culturally sensitive resources to guide conversations on these topics. The project aims to develop a test version of the platform and gather feedback to ensure usability and effectiveness in fostering open, meaningful discussion about sexual health. This STTR project is sponsored by the National Institutes of Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

NC State startups Helixomer, Inc. and Smart Material Solutions, LLC also received smaller incentive awards from the One NC Small Business Program to cover partial costs associated with their SBIR/STTR applications.