Seven startups in the greater Princeton region have received grants from the state Commission on Science, Innovation, and Technology. A total of $1.7 million in grants was awarded to 23 New Jersey-based companies focused on addressing maternal and infant health challenges through technology, therapeutics, and other solutions. The grants were part of the second round of CSIT’s Maternal and Infant Health R&D Grant Program. Each organization received up to $75,000 in funding to support research and development efforts.
The grants support the goals of the Nurture NJ Maternal and Infant Health Strategic Plan, which aims to make New Jersey the safest, most equitable state in the nation to deliver and raise a baby. Nurture NJ, launched in 2019, is a whole-of-government effort to reduce maternal and infant mortality and morbidity and ensure equitable care. The centerpiece of Nurture is the establishment of the Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center in Trenton.
“Under Governor Murphy and First Lady Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey is exploring innovative solutions to make the Garden State the safest place to give birth, while addressing racial disparities in maternal and infant health,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “These grants will invest in vital programs, research, and services that will enhance the well-being of women and children, and reduce racial inequities in access to health care. Additionally, we are creating more opportunities for young, innovative businesses in the in the state, helping create jobs and a stronger, more diverse economy.”
Grant recipients from the area were:
Neoventech, based at the New Jersey Bioscience Center on Rouet 1 in North Brunswick, specializes in topical drug and active cosmetic product development. Its products include treatments for acne, nail fungus, and eczema. More information: neoventech.com
PumpKin Baby, Inc., based in Lawrenceville, works on science-backed ways to maintain the flavor, texture, and nutrient density of breast milk when it is stored in the freezer. Co-founder Justin Silpe, who holds a PhD in molecular biology from Princeton University, was inspired to undertake this research when his daughter refused to drink the frozen breastmilk that his wife left for her once her maternity leave ended. The company is developing baby-safe ingredients that can be added to pumped breastmilk to help it maintain freshness as well as diagnostics to quickly evaluate the nutritional content of breastmilk. More information: pumpforourkin.com.
Mycsology Foods, Inc., based in Princeton, is developing a solid-state fermentation technology platform to produce nutrient-dense, high-protein ingredients, unlocking previously indigestible and inaccessible nutrients from legumes and grains to create sustainable ingredients and foods. More information: mycsology.com.
Ricovr Healthcare, Inc., based on College Road East in Plainsboro, is the developer of Xaliva, a rapid results saliva-based diagnostic tool.
Neoneur, based in Pennington, is developing a telehealth-enabled device that provides objective measurements of infant oral feeding capability and developmental status. More information: www.neoneur.com.
Ability HUB, Inc., based on Roszel Road in West Windsor, is the developer of a free app, AbilityHUB, designed to aid caregivers and their patients in all aspects of their role, including preparation for appointments, logging observations, and providing community. More information: abilityhub.ai.
Hopewell-based Within Health Technologies, LLC, doing business as Innerstill, states on its website that it is a “minority-owned, women-led enterprise launching accessible electroceutical technologies to address conditions rooted in neural-hormonal dysfunction. We endeavor to reduce or resolve symptoms associated with mental illness, substance abuse, neurodegenerative diseases, and autoimmune disorders with non-addictive modalities free from side-effects or interactions.” More information: www.innerstillhealth.com.
For the full list of grant recipients, visit www.njeda.gov.
