SCRA awards $150,000 in matching grants to 3 companies

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SCRA has awarded $150,000 in matching grants for federal Small Business Innovation Research or Small Business Tech Transfer companies. The Phase I grants enable the companies to pursue research in pursuit of Phase II funding.

The matching awards, established in 2007, have provided early stage companies more than $4.8 million and are matched one-to-one with the agency award amount up to $50,000.

Circa Bioscience is a bioengineering company that develops diagnostics and monitoring technologies, particularly for neurodevelopmental and metabolic diseases. In partnership with the Greenwood Genetic Center, the 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.  

HT CrystalSolutions, located in Clover, grows high-quality single crystals through a patented technology for use in lasers and optics. Its National Science Foundation SBIR award is based on the production of UV solid-state lasers.

Charleston-based medical device company Sealcath has developed a patented double-balloon catheter licensed by the Medical University of South Carolina for gastrointestinal procedures. Its SBIR award is from the National Institutes of Health.

“We are proud of the work that has been accomplished by these three companies and look forward to their future impact,” Christine Dixon Thiesing, director of academic programs at SCRA, said in a news release.

SCRA is a state-chartered organization that promotes job creation and innovation in South Carolina. Through its academic programs, the organization works directly with academic institutions and affiliated startups to form research and technological partnerships.