To identify the most promising candidates and projects, the NSBRI Industry Forum will non-exclusively partner with accelerators nationwide that are focused on biotechnology, health, or Health-IT solutions.

Project budgets ranging from $10,000 to $200,000 will be considered, but all SMARTCAP-Accel grant funds must be matched with new investment from another funding source.

SMARTCAP-Accel Program Focus

To be successful, a project must be aimed at developing a technology or product that can safeguard the health of humans living and working in space as well as fulfill an unmet medical need on Earth. 

The constraints on health care in space are similar to those experienced in remote or under-resourced regions on Earth.  Technology solutions must be largely non-invasive, user-friendly for non-expert operators, compact, lightweight, and consume minimal power, water or other resources.  IT solutions must stand alone and not require internet connectivity.

The human health risks specifically related to space travel are wide ranging.  They include:

• Ionizing radiation exposure
• Muscle and bone loss due to microgravity
• Intracranial hypertension and related vision alterations
• Renal stone formation
• Sleep loss and circadian disruption
• Psychiatric/behavioral issues associated with isolation and confinement
• Exposure to inhalants including dust and various organic compounds
• Routine health surveillance and emergency/critical care

For a more complete list of risks associated with human space flight see www.nsbri.org and http://humanresearchroadmap.nasa.gov/

Most importantly, the NSBRI Industry Forum is interested in innovative solutions to health and human performance challenges of all kinds. NSBRI will work with successful candidates to develop a work plan that is aligned with both the terrestrial and space applications of the product.

Eligibility

Accelerators: U.S. based accelerators that have directly funded companies within the past 12-months may nominate up to two applicants that have already been selected for support by the accelerator.  Qualified accelerators may nominate up to two projects.

Nominees:  Nominated companies must either be currently receiving support from the accelerator or must have successfully exited the accelerator.  To be considered, companies must be based in the U.S., have 500 or fewer employees, and be one of up to two companies nominated by a qualifying accelerator.

Projects: A proposed project should meet at least one key milestone in the path to commercializing a product.  Examples of desirable projects include:

• Proof of concept studies
• Refinement of prototypes
• Formulation
• Safety
• Regulatory
• Usability testing

For more information

Contact the NSBRI Industry Forum Lead by email or by phone at 713-798-7412.

On June 28, Dr. Dorit Donoviel, NSBRI Industry Forum lead will host an informational webinar to discuss the program and answer questions from interested accelerators and companies. Register to attend.

Selection Criteria

NSBRI Industry Forum is partnering with qualified, U.S.-based accelerators in selecting companies with promising products, a clear path to market, and the potential to make a significant impact for healthcare on Earth.

Those solutions that can also safeguard the health and productivity of astronauts during space flight will be reviewed by a panel of experts to assess scientific and business merit, as well as fit with the mission of the NSBRI and the U.S. space program.

Successful candidates will have:

• A product that can enable safe and productive human space flight and can be implemented in the space environment. Generally, technologies of value in space flight address an important medical issue and are small, power-efficient, non-invasive, and easy-to-use. To learn more about what makes a product appropriate for use in space, please review some of the Industry Forum’s prior Success Stories. Please see nsbri.org and humanresearchroadmap.nasa.gov for further information on the medical challenges associated with space flight.
• A product with unique characteristics and a competitive advantage with the potential to fulfill a market need on Earth
• A defensible intellectual property position
• A solid foundation from which the company reasonably expects to accomplish the goals of the project through substantial leveraging and partnerships
• A strong technical/management team within the sponsoring accelerator or the company

Companies must be one of two candidates nominated by an eligible U.S. business accelerator. Companies currently within the accelerator program or those that have successfully exited the program are eligible.

Please contact the NSBRI Industry Forum by email or by phone at 713-798-7412 with any questions.

To identify the most promising candidates and projects, the NSBRI Industry Forum will non-exclusively partner with accelerators nationwide that are focused on biotechnology, health, or Health-IT solutions.

Project budgets ranging from $10,000 to $200,000 will be considered, but all SMARTCAP-Accel grant funds must be matched with new investment from another funding source.

SMARTCAP-Accel Program Focus

To be successful, a project must be aimed at developing a technology or product that can safeguard the health of humans living and working in space as well as fulfill an unmet medical need on Earth. 

The constraints on health care in space are similar to those experienced in remote or under-resourced regions on Earth.  Technology solutions must be largely non-invasive, user-friendly for non-expert operators, compact, lightweight, and consume minimal power, water or other resources.  IT solutions must stand alone and not require internet connectivity.

The human health risks specifically related to space travel are wide ranging.  They include:

• Ionizing radiation exposure
• Muscle and bone loss due to microgravity
• Intracranial hypertension and related vision alterations
• Renal stone formation
• Sleep loss and circadian disruption
• Psychiatric/behavioral issues associated with isolation and confinement
• Exposure to inhalants including dust and various organic compounds
• Routine health surveillance and emergency/critical care

For a more complete list of risks associated with human space flight see www.nsbri.org and http://humanresearchroadmap.nasa.gov/

Most importantly, the NSBRI Industry Forum is interested in innovative solutions to health and human performance challenges of all kinds. NSBRI will work with successful candidates to develop a work plan that is aligned with both the terrestrial and space applications of the product.

Eligibility

Accelerators: U.S. based accelerators that have directly funded companies within the past 12-months may nominate up to two applicants that have already been selected for support by the accelerator.  Qualified accelerators may nominate up to two projects.

Nominees:  Nominated companies must either be currently receiving support from the accelerator or must have successfully exited the accelerator.  To be considered, companies must be based in the U.S., have 500 or fewer employees, and be one of up to two companies nominated by a qualifying accelerator.

Projects: A proposed project should meet at least one key milestone in the path to commercializing a product.  Examples of desirable projects include:

• Proof of concept studies
• Refinement of prototypes
• Formulation
• Safety
• Regulatory
• Usability testing

For more information

Contact the NSBRI Industry Forum Lead by email or by phone at 713-798-7412.

On June 28, Dr. Dorit Donoviel, NSBRI Industry Forum lead will host an informational webinar to discuss the program and answer questions from interested accelerators and companies. Register to attend.

Please contact the NSBRI Industry Forum by email or by phone at 713-798-7412 with any questions.