A dozen Pittsburgh startups have received an infusion of funding so far this year.
Cohera Medical Inc., makers of a line of wound management products and surgical adhesives, has received a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant of $1.5 million for the ongoing development of TissuGlu, a novel surgical adhesive for application in plastic surgery.
RE2, Inc., a leading developer of robotic manipulation systems, has received an estimated $745,000 SBIR program grant from the U.S. Navy to develop a manipulation system for mobile robots engaged in the disposal of explosives.
Innovation Works reports four companies that recently received funding:
Penthera Partners, providers of mobile service delivery systems over multiple IP markets, received $250,000;
My Payment Network, providing electronic payment solutions to schools and small to medium businesses, received $200,000;
Caliber Infosolutions Inc., specializing in technology solutions for the pharmaceutical, food and water quality companies, received $150,000;
ModCloth, an online fashion haven for original women, received $100,000.
The Idea Foundry has made investments totaling $450,000 spread over five companies. IF received a record number of applications during this period, the most ever received reports spokesperson Mary Beth Guzzetta.
The five companies include:
Intelomed, a diagnostic medical device that measures the circulatory system’s ability to adapt to changes in physical stress;
MyGov365, a comprehensive political media network that connects citizens and the government;
Skill-Life, an online role-playing game and web community that builds young people’s real-world financial habits as well as math skills;
Tomo Technology, a 3-D laser scanner technology;
Zenit, a new mover data analysis software for the real estate industry.
The Pittsburgh-based Technology Collaborative, which supports the growth of the region’s robotics, cyber-security and digital technologies, will award $1.5 million in commercialization funding to universities, start-ups and established companies this year. The draft proposal deadline is Aug. 8, 2008. For more information, click here.
Writer: Debra Smit
Source: Jessica Pedersen, RE2; Lynn Brusco, PLSG; James Hanlon, ReGear; Mary Beth Guzzetta, Idea Foundry