Radiation Detection Solutions Awarded Competitive Grant from the National Science Foundation

Small Business Innovation Research Program Provides Seed Funding for R&D 

Albuquerque, NM, July 31, 2019 – Radiation Detection Solutions has been awarded a National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant for $224,000 to conduct research and development (R&D) work on a new type of radiation protection monitor (or dosimeter) that would be worn by individuals who are potentially exposed to any form of ionizing radiation.

This new dosimeter measures human exposure more accurately than non-organic devices because it reacts to radiation the same way that human tissue responds.  This is referred to as tissue equivalence, and it represents breakthrough technology in radiation monitoring. The promise of tissue equivalent detection at an affordable price allows for safer medical procedures, broader acceptance of atomic energy sources, novel screening for military personnel, and better situational awareness for first responders.

 “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.” 

“With renewed focus on clean energy generation from advanced nuclear technology, a growing use of nuclear medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of disease, and the emergence of commercial space travel, we at Radiation Detection Solutions are grateful to the National Science Foundation for their support to help us develop our real-time, tissue-equivalent radiation detection technology to advance personal and environmental radiation monitoring and safety for these markets and more,” said Nico Sidoti, Co-Founder of Radiation Detection Solutions.

Once a small business is awarded a Phase I SBIR/STTR grant (up to $225,000), it becomes eligible to apply for a Phase II grant (up to $750,000). 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. 

NSF accepts Phase I proposals from small businesses twice annually in June and December. 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 $1.5 million in non-dilutive funds 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.