Small Business Innovation Research Program Provides Seed Funding for R&D
FARMINGTON, CT, August 1, 2020 – Oscillo Biosciences and Northeastern University have been awarded a National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant for $224,846 to conduct research and development (R&D) on a music-based digital intervention for Alzheimer’s Disease.
Oscillo is partnering with researchers at Northeastern University to test an innovative digital health device to treat aging adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) using music and gamma stimulation. If successful, this groundbreaking research will lead to an innovative, non-invasive digital health device for AD and MCI that capitalizes on intrinsically strong brain responses to music and employs cutting-edge research on brain stimulation for treating AD.
“NSF is proud to support the technology of the future by thinking beyond incremental developments and funding the most creative, impactful ideas across all markets and areas of science and engineering,” said Andrea Belz, Division Director of the Division of Industrial Innovation and Partnerships at NSF. “With the support of our research funds, any deep technology startup or small business can guide basic science into meaningful solutions that address tremendous needs.”
“Alzheimer’s is a worldwide epidemic, and despite billions spent on research, there is still no cure, and not even a neuroprotective treatment,” said Ed Large, Founder and Chief Science Officer of Oscillo Biosciences. The device, called SynchronyGamma, stimulates brain rhythms by having patients listen to their favorite music and watch a synchronized light show. “Our patented technology enables us to combine the power of music with the latest breakthroughs in neuroscience. With NSF funding we are testing the ability of our therapy to restore normal brain rhythms and improve memory and cognition.”
Once a small business is awarded a Phase I SBIR/STTR grant (up to $256,000), it becomes eligible to apply for a Phase II grant (up to $1,000,000). Small businesses with Phase II grants are eligible to receive up to $500,000 in additional matching funds with qualifying third-party investment or sales.
Startups or entrepreneurs who submit a three-page Project Pitch will know within three weeks if they meet the program’s objectives to support innovative technologies that show promise of commercial and/or societal impact and involve a level of technical risk. Small businesses with innovative science and technology solutions, and commercial potential are encouraged to apply. 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. To learn more about America’s Seed Fund powered by NSF, visit: https://seedfund.nsf.gov/
About the National Science Foundation’s Small Business Programs
America’s Seed Fund powered by NSF awards $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 $1.75 million to support research and development (R&D), helping de-risk technology for commercial success. America’s Seed Fund is congressionally mandated through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The NSF is an independent federal agency with a budget of about $8.1 billion that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering.
PRESS CONTACT:
Laura Strickler
Brand Strategy and Communications Director
laura.strickler@oscillobiosciences.com
404-316-0630