Summerville, S.C. – SCRA announces $150,000 in matching grant awards for Federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Tech Transfer (STTR) Phase I awardees. The matching grants enable companies to further research crucial to positioning the company to obtain Phase II SBIR/STTR funding.
“These grants are designed to help South Carolina-based companies obtain Phase II funding from the Federal government, which are non-dilutive awards of up to $2 million,” said Christine Dixon Thiesing, Director of Academic Programs at SCRA. “We are proud of the work that has been accomplished by these three companies and look forward to their future impact.”
Established in 2007, SCRA’s SBIR/STTR Grant Matching Awards have funded over $4.8 million to early-stage companies. The grants are matched one-to-one with the agency award amount, up to $50,000.
Circa Bioscience is focused on developing novel diagnostic, monitoring and surgical technologies for biomedical applications. In partnership with the Greenwood Genetic Center, the bioengineering company was awarded an STTR grant by the National Institute of Mental Health to develop a blood‑based screening test to identify children at increased risk for autism spectrum disorder. Such a test would potentially enable earlier diagnosis confirmation, more informed treatment and improved outcomes.
HT CrystalSolutions, located in Clover, uses an advanced, patented technology to grow high- quality single crystals for use in lasers and optics. The crystal growth method is performed under high temperatures and pressures in sealed vessels to allow for control of the crystal. The company has numerous patents on crystal growth methods, and the National Science Foundation SBIR award is based on the production of UV solid-state lasers.
Sealcath is a medical device company located in Charleston, with a unique, patented double-balloon catheter for a variety of gastrointestinal procedures. The innovative technology, licensed from the Medical University of South Carolina, allows for greater effectiveness and efficiency in medical procedures. The SBIR Phase I award is from the National Institutes of Health.
SCRA is a state-chartered organization that fuels job creation and grows South Carolina’s innovation economy. Through its Academic Programs, SCRA works directly with academic institutions and affiliated startups, creating partnerships to advance research capabilities and commercialize technologies. In addition, SCRA is working with academic institutions across the state to establish research alliances in multiple technology areas.
About SCRA
Chartered in 1983 by the State of South Carolina as a public, non-profit corporation, SCRA fuels South Carolina’s Innovation Economy by supporting entrepreneurs, enabling academic research and its commercialization, and connecting industry to innovators.
