NCIIA grants by sector
NCIIA funds projects with the potential to change the world and welcomes participation from faculty and students engaged in technology invention, innovation and entrepreneurship. NCIIA places special emphasis on the following sector and market focus areas. Projects outside these areas of focus are also welcome to apply.
Polytorx | Developed Helix, a new steel fiber additive for concrete reinforcement. US market.
Ecovative Design | Developed Ecocradle, a biodegradable alternative to polystyrene/Styrofoam packaging. US market.
Whole Tree | Creates technical innovations (such as auto parts) from renewable natural resources, such as coconut husks. US market (materials sourced from developing markets).
NCIIA has recently placed additional emphasis on the broad cleantech sector. Historically we have seen many cleantech applications to our E-Team Program, in areas like solar lighting, sanitation, water, and engineered products based on agriculture waste material. We currently have special Stage One E-Team Program funding available for projects in this sector.
I-Conserve | Wireless sensor that monitors and adjusts household energy use to maximize efficiency. US market.
Greenlight Planet | Solar-charged, battery-powered LED lanterns that are healthier, more economical, less dangerous, and less polluting then petroleum lanterns. Emerging markets.
Solar Ivy | Solar panel array for use on building facades. US market.
Twig Light (Daylight Solutions) | Uses existing waste energy to produce clean electric light inside homes. Emerging markets.
Afghan briquettes project (Afghans for Tomorrow) | School-based initiative that provides classes and lessons for children, and also teaches children to produce fuel briquettes as a business opportunity.
Sproxil | Cell phone system that enables validation of pharmaceutical drugs by customers, preventing the sale and use of counterfeit medicines. Nigeria and emerging markets.
Center for Bioengineering Innovation and Design | Program at Johns Hopkins University
Antenatal screening kit | Delivers low-cost healthcare to women in remote locations, using a variety of custom markers pre-filled with reagents for screening tests. Piloted in Nepal.
Global Healthare Technologies Program | Course at Northwestern University where students work with front-line healthcare workers to design medical devices specifically for the developing world.
NCIIA is an active supporter of university biomedical engineering programs. We run two competitions for biomedical engineering students, BMEStart and BMEIdea, from which many students progress to our E-Team Program. Many of our E-Team Program reviewers bring technical expertise in biomedical engineering, ensuring appropriate grant application assessments.
Intelliject | Convenient epinephrine auto-injector that can be carried in a wallet. US market.
Marrowminer | Innovative device and method for rapidly harvesting bone marrow and the stem cells bone marrow contains.
Onebreath | Low-cost ventilator for use in developing nations and disaster relief efforts.
PneumoniaCheck | Effective and inexpensive device for obtaining samples to test for pneumonia. Emerging markets.
