SOUTH BEND, Ind. (Feb. 19, 2020) -- Scientific Methods has announced it has been awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop a simple, field-deployable kit for detecting antibiotic resistant bacteria in wastewater.
Companies across the country compete for Phase I awards of up to $100,000 by submitting research that addresses key environmental issues and has the potential for commercialization. Scientific Method’s Fu-Chih Hsu says his company is excited to receive the award to support the development of this technology that will improve our environment and our economy. Because they received a Phase I award, Scientific Methods will now be eligible to apply for Elevate Venture’s state match funding through the 21st Century Research & Technology Fund, and compete for a Phase II award of up to $300,000 to further develop and commercialize the technology.
“This award demonstrates an important success for the company and reflects the South Bend – Elkhart Region’s increasing focus on innovation and R&D activities within regional industries, as well as the intentional pursuit of new markets and new products lines to diversify existing customer bases,” said John Miller, chair of Startup South Bend - Elkhart, an initiative of the South Bend - Elkhart Regional Partnership.
With over $2.5 billion awarded annually within the U.S., the SBIR/STTR program presents a considerable opportunity for small businesses in the region to fund innovation and development activities. These funds also present a ripe opportunity for regional industry partners to leverage the assets and experience of local universities with federal funding agencies.
Scientific Methods is one of several companies that have successfully pursued SBIR funding and is moving the needle as we work collaboratively to create more high-skilled jobs in the region, reinforce the entrepreneurial momentum, and increase the prosperity for innovative existing businesses, further diversifying the overall industrial mix and attracting and retaining talent to the region.
About Scientific Methods
Scientific Methods is one of the country’s most respected environmental microbiology testing laboratories, providing accurate and rapid results which help ensure public safety, while protecting client’s reputation and meeting regulatory standards. For more information, visit scientificmethods.com.
About Startup South Bend - Elkhart
Startup South Bend - Elkhart, one of the South Bend - Elkhart Regional Partnership’s (SBERP) non-profit initiatives, has been working to promote and foster the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem by stimulating the entrepreneurial spirit and culture in its citizens, identifying and nurturing new business startups and supporting the growth of existing high-potential businesses. For more information, visit startupsouthbendelkhart.com.
About Elevate Ventures
Elevate Ventures is a private venture development organization that nurtures and develops emerging and existing high-growth businesses into high-performing, Indiana-based companies. Elevate Ventures accomplishes this by providing access to capital, rigorous business analysis and robust advisory services that connect companies with the right mix of resources businesses need to succeed long term. To learn more about Elevate Ventures, visit elevateventures.com.
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Media Contact
Fu-Chih Hsu (Scientific Methods), 574.277.4078 or fuchih@scientificmethods.com
Regina Emberton (SBERP), 574.344.4868 ext. 4802 or remberton@southbendelkhart.org
