Biospection Funding
Biospection has received several prestigious research grants in collaboration with agriscience and biotechnology researchers and respected industry partners. This funding has greatly accelerated our company’s growth and potential.
National Science Foundation (NSF)
December 2021 – October 2022
The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded Biospection a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) / Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I grant. This is in collaboration with well-established innovators Fraunhofer USA. Aerofarms Inc and Local Bounti are also supporting Biospection’s prototype trials.
Known as America’s Seed Fund, this highly regarded program supports small businesses with groundbreaking scientific discoveries. Biospection plans to apply for a NSF SBIR Phase II grant in 2023 to scale the RCPA pilot system, perform extensive grower tests, and commercialize the RCPA monitoring technologies.
Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (E3)
November 2019 – April 2021
Funding for Biospection has also included solid business training and support. In 2019, Biospection was selected for the first cohort of the Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (E3). A program of the Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation, E3 creates the conditions for business success through resources, in-kind support, and real-time guidance for entrepreneurs. Biospection received an in-kind grant to work with PDFF consultants on renaming the company, creating a new logo and tagline, as well as brand strategy and messaging.
University of Delaware Center for Advanced Technology (CAT)
December 2019 – December 2020
In partnership with the University of Delaware’s Agriculture Science and Soil Department at the Delaware Biotechnology Institute, Biospection received a research grant through the University’s Center for Advanced Technology (CAT) to support the development and demonstration of a patent-pending method to detect human pathogens on leafy greens such as romaine lettuce using deep ultraviolet sensing. Videometer A/S and Photon Systems Inc were instrumental in supporting this work.
University of Delaware Spin In®
September 2018 – October 2019
In collaboration with scientists from the University of Delaware and Wesley College, Dr. Andy Ragone led an interdisciplinary team to develop and market a novel potable water contamination sensor. The University of Delaware’s “Spin In” program connects undergraduate students with early-stage startups to give them an inside look at business innovation in action and a chance to apply what they’re learning in real-life situations.
State of Delaware Entrepreneur Training Support
2017-2018
Biospection received an entrepreneurial training grant through the state of Delaware for specialized training with entrepreneur and strategy consultant Sramana Mitra through the One Million by One Million program.