Aviana Molecular Technologies (AMT) www.avianamolecular.com with technology developed at the University of Central Florida, has finalized a funding agreement with the” Florida Institute for the Commercialization of Public Research” (the Institute) www.florida-institute.com. The Institute supports early funding gaps for companies spinning out of Florida-based universities and research institutions.
The Institute, a non-profit organization works collaboratively with the technology licensing and commercialization offices of Florida’s state universities and private research institutions to leverage a $2 billion plus research base.
Over 100 new company projects exist across the state and many need funding. The Institute plays a role by deploying building and funding programs to some of the promising startups in Florida. So far, three companies have been funded since the program’s inception.
The funding provided to AMT will be used to further develop a smartphone-enabled platform for the first level point-of-care diagnostics that allows for the rapid detection of infections. The biosensor platform can identify the presence of bacteria or viruses in various biological fluids and complex mixtures loaded onto a cartridge containing the sensors.
The technology is unique because it can be used with existing smartphones and other computing platforms so that a single-use disposable biosensor cartridge can be used. Combined with a reusable portable detection reader, the system may be used in any healthcare setting or eventually as a personal device.
“Aviana believes that their technology can provide affordable diagnostics in a connected world with rapid detection of specific infections within 15 to 20 minutes,” reports Vanaja V. Ragavan, MD, Aviana’s President and CEO.
According to Jamie Grooms the Institute’s CEO, “Conceptually, the technology can be developed to use in both highly sophisticated health systems but also in resource-limited environments. The Institute is happy to support the Aviana team as it advances the commercialization of the new technology.”
For more information, email jane.teague@florida-institute.com or call 561-368-8889.