SC EPSCoR Phase-0

• DL-Imaging Model-Enabled Biomedical Devices for Personalized Prognostic and Treatment Applications. Novel DL (Deep Learning) techniques are needed to actualize high-performance biomedical devices for prognosis and/or treatment. Current devices for these purposes depend on multiple data sources to make the final treatment decision, directly guide the treatment, or implement the treatment. Constructing a model that can effectively integrate multimodal data remains a challenge. Moreover, in many applications, there are limited human samples (e.g., patients) from whom the data can be collected, not to mention the limited number of samples that clinical experts can effectively annotate. Building high-performance DL models from a limited amount of data is critical for the successful development of AI-enabled biomedical devices. Furthermore, the data collected by different investigators, labs, and instruments have an inherent bias. The ability to generalize DL models constructed from limited data sources to many application scenarios determines whether the AI-enabled medical devices can be effectively applied to a general group. Additionally, current clinical practice seeks to leverage big data repositories collected over many years while still tailoring treatment for individual patients. Therefore, developing DL models for medical devices is different from training DL models in general image or text classification, where a large amount of training data is available. The ADAPT in SC will focus on innovation in the DL models and training data processing. Proposals in this area will conduct fundamental research on creating DL models for AI-enabled biomedical devices for prognosis and/or treatment from limited data. Currently, there is a lack of expertise in foundational DL research in CRUs in SC. Thrust 2 aims to advance the field of AI-enabled medical devices for prognosis and/or treatment. The primary outcome of this thrust will be fundamental knowledge that governs generating high-performance, generalizable DL algorithms from limited data. 
• DT-Enabled Biomedical Devices for Rehabilitation and Therapy. Rehabilitation is an important process for patients to optimize recovery following medical treatment. Today, for a given medical problem, there is a host of rehabilitation procedures and methods. However, determining the best or most suitable rehabilitation method for a given patient is difficult. Likewise, medical treatment of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer or  rapidly developing ones such as sepsis requires physicians and patients to navigate through a sea of treatment pathways to identify the one suitable for the individual patient. An overarching scientific challenge is developing a system for an individual patient so that various available rehabilitation treatment regimens or active medical treatment pathways can be monitored and analyzed, and the outcome inferenced. The use of AI-enabled digital twins (DTs) can be a viable solution. A DT is a virtual representation of an object or system that spans its lifecycle; it synced with the real system in real-time and uses simulation to analyze and forecast the future state, ML, and causal analysis to aid decision-making and design of the patient-specific treatment pathway. An AI-enabled rehabilitation DT would be an ideal platform for clinicians to design an optimal rehabilitation strategy for a specific patient to realize a personalized treatment pathway. For diabetes, cancer, or septic patients, a DT can provide an intelligent assistant for the physician and patient to develop and optimize the treatment pathway dynamically. For the elderly and less serviced communities, DTs would provide additional AI-enabled, user-friendly instructional materials and devices.

Vision 2030 South Carolina Science and Technology Plan 

The Vision 2030 SC Science and Technology Plan states “Future growth of science – and technology-intensive companies and industries in South Carolina requires workers with S&E (Science and Engineering) degrees (Associate through Doctoral level), especially computer science, engineering, and data science, in addition to physical and life science degrees. This requires strong K-20 STEM education, including applied experiences, for all South Carolinians to ensure a robust workforce talent pipeline”.

Proposals may address one or more of the high-priority research areas and target industry sectors identified in Vision 2030 South Carolina Science and Technology Plan. The four high-priority research areas are as follows: AI, Machine Learning, and Data Science; Advanced Materials; Systems Engineering; and Precision Biology. The four target industry sectors identified are Advanced Manufacturing; Human Health Life Sciences; Information Technology; and Clean Tech, Sustainability, and Resiliency.

The four high-priority research areas build on existing competitive advantages or will hold other research areas back if not further developed, align with federal agency funding priorities, and align with global technology trends. They represent new opportunities or a competitiveness threat depending on how quickly South Carolina companies adopt them.

• AI, Machine Learning and Data science. AI is a field that combines computer science and data science to interpret historical data, recognize patterns, and make predictions the way humans do. Machine learning is a subdiscipline of AI that draws on statistics and algorithms to provide models for learning and processing data autonomously without human intervention. Data Science is the collection, preparation, and analysis of data for visualization, decision making, and prediction

• Advanced materials are materials that are specifically engineered to exhibit novel or enhanced properties that confer superior performance relative to conventional materials.  

• Systems engineering is an interdisciplinary field of research which takes a holistic view in the design, integration, and management of complex systems.  

• Precision biology is focused on tailoring disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment to differences in genes, environment, and lifestyle. On the agricultural and environmental side, precision biology is focused on collecting and analyzing data about the soil, water, air, and microorganisms to inform decisions about crops, forestry, and water management.  

The four industry sectors identified in Vision 2030 are:

• Advanced Manufacturing. Human Health Life Sciences; Information Technology; and Clean Tech, Sustainability, and Resiliency.
• Advanced Manufacturing is South Carolina’s largest industry sector and spans food and beverage to automobile production. Advanced manufacturing refers to those industry segments with high R&D intensity (e.g., computer, electronics, optics, aerospace, pharmaceutical manufacturing) and medium-high R&D intensity (e.g., automotive, chemical manufacturing).
• Human health life sciences spans drugs, pharmaceuticals, biologics, medtech, testing and medical labs, and healthtech. Information technology includes computers, semiconductors, and related electronics manufacturing and software development, computer systems design, enterprise solutions, and network security.
• Clean tech, sustainability, and resiliency spans products and services that reduce emissions, improves energy efficiency, generate clean and renewable energy, improve management of waste and waste by farms, homes, offices, and industry; and engineer more resilient and environmentally friendly buildings, transportation, and agricultural systems.

E. Full Proposal Content

The sections below represent the body of the proposal. Failure to submit the required sections will result in the proposal not being accepted or being returned without review. Note: Where indicated, the number of pages refers to the maximum number of pages allowed and must not be exceeded. Proposal Format: Use 1″-inch margins, Times New Roman, and font size not smaller than 10 or larger 12. 

1. Proposal Cover (2 Pages) 

• • Use the Proposal Cover form in Appendix A.

2. Project Summary (1 Page) 

• • Proposals must contain an NSF compliant project summary not to exceed one page in length. The Project Summary consists of
    • Overview: Describe the potential outcome(s) of the proposed activity in terms of a product, process, or service. Provide a list of key words or phrases that identify the areas of technical expertise to be invoked in reviewing the proposal and the areas of application that are the initial target of the technology. Provide the subtopic name.
    • Intellectual Merit: Briefly describe the technical hurdle(s) that will be addressed by the proposed R&D (which should be crucial to successful commercialization of the innovation), the goals of the proposed R&D, and a high-level summary of the plan to reach those goals.
    • Broader Impacts: The Broader Impact is considered in two ways: 1) the impact on education, the environment, science, society, the nation, and/or the world and 2) the potential commercial impact. Discuss the expected outcomes in terms of both of these impacts.

3. SBIR/STTR Solicitation Information (1 Page)

Applicants must identify one or more active federal SBIR/STTR solicitations that they will pursue as a result of a Phase-0 award. Please specify the a) the agency, b) the solicitation number, c) the submission deadline, d) a working URL address for the specific solicitation, and e) a description of how the proposed Phase-0 activities directly support the federal proposal submission. SBIR/STTR Federal proposal submission dates must be no later than 30 days of the completion of the Phase-0 award.

4. Project Description (6 Pages Maximum) 

The Project Description should clearly articulate its relation and applicability to the ADAPT in SC research priorities or the SC Science and Technology Plan. The Project Description section should have the following sections: 

• • Introduction. Clearly state the objectives of the proposed work, its significance, and how it relates to the ADAPT in SC research priorities or other SC Science and Technology Plan outlined above. Briefly explain the work that will be done if the proposal is funded.

• • Research and Development Plan. Research and Development Plan. Briefly describe previous research relevant to the proposed work. This should not be limited to the work done by the business, or the investigators associated with the proposal. Explain the proposed technical innovation(s) and what is the new scientific/engineering insight that underpins it as well as how will the technical risks/barriers be addressed.
  • Commercialization Potential. Describe the current need in the marketplace, the anticipated target market and how the innovation will address market needs. Also include a summary of the competitive landscape (e.g., how does the research innovation compare with competition currently on the market or in development).
  • Company/Team. Describe the business and the key participants in the proposed project including their roles in the proposed project. Describe the company’s core competencies, expertise, capabilities, resources, previous R&D activities, and current and previous commercial technologies, IP held by the business or its principal investigators. Describe the company’s management structure.
  • Timeline for Implementing Proposal Activities Chart. Include a timeline for implementing proposal activities. Describe each major proposal activity and identify the quarters during which the proposed activity will be conducted. Each activity must list the name(s) of the party responsible for completing the activity.
    

    Activity	Year 1
    	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4

    5. Results from Prior SC EPSCoR Support (1 Page per Award) 

    If the senior personnel have not received support from SC EPSCoR, include a statement to this effect. If the senior personnel have not received support from SC EPSCoR, include a statement to this effect. The purpose of this section is to assist reviewers in assessing the quality of prior work conducted by the company and or the PI. If the PI on the proposal has received an award as PI from the SC EPSCoR Program since January 1, 2020, the following information must be provided:
    • Title of the project, start date, date completed, and award amount.
    • Summary of the results of the work completed, including accomplishments, supported by the award, such the SBIR/STTR submission date and outcome.
    If the project was recently awarded and therefore no new results may exist, briefly describe the proposed work.

    6. References Cited 

    Reference information is required. Each reference must include the names of all authors (in the sequence in which they appear in the publication), the article and journal title, book title, volume number, page numbers, and year of publication.  

    7. Biographical Sketch

    A biographical sketch is required for the PI and Co-PI in NSF format. The Biographical Sketch must be created and certified in SciENcv (Science Experts Network Curriculum Vitae).  

    8. Synergistic Activities (1 Page)

    • • • • A one-page Synergistic Activities document is required for the PI in NSF format. Visit https://new.nsf.gov/funding/senior-personnel-documents#synergistic-activities-ec2  

    9. Budget

    Use the Budget forms in Appendix B. 

    10. Budget Justification (2 Pages) 

    The budget justification must clearly describe the requested funds in each budget category. 

    11. Current and Pending Support

    The PI and Co-PI must submit Current and Pending Support in NSF format. Current and Pending Support must be created and certified in SciENcv (Science Experts Network Curriculum Vitae). For more information, visit https://new.nsf.gov/funding/senior-personnel-documents#current-and-pending-other-support-5db  

    12. Letter of Support (Two Letters Maximum per Proposal) 

    Two letters of support from relevant companies, agencies, etc. may be included to support the project. Each letter must be limited to one page. If the letter includes collaboration potential, the letters must include details about the collaboration.

    F. Budget Information 

    Funding for the Phase-0 Program is intended to support proposal development activities and not intended to support small business infrastructure.   

    • • • The Phase-0 Program is a cost-reimbursement program and awardees will be reimbursed for paid expenses NOT incurred expenses.
        • Small business infrastructure costs are not supported by this program. Therefore, the following costs are unallowable: 
        • • Computers, laptops, printers, software that is not project specific. 
        • • Rent for office space, utilities, facility maintenance, membership fees, etc. 
        • Total salaries, wages, and fringe benefits requested for all project personnel (Section A, B, and C on budget page) may not exceed 20% of the total Phase-0 budget requested.  
        • Consultant services may not exceed 50% of the total budget requested.
        • Funding can be allocated to grant writing service, preliminary data collection, USPTO patent and trademark fees, legal fees relating to patent and trademark fees, prototype development, and materials and supplies.
        • Travel expenses may be claimed only for the PI and Senior Personnel listed in the proposal. Reimbursement for travel expenses including per diem, mileage, lodging, and transportation will be in accordance with SC EPSCoR policy on domestic travel support posted on the SC EPSCoR website at Travel Policy.  
        • Indirect costs are not allowed. 
        • Awardees must ensure that costs claimed under SC EPSCoR Program grants are allowable, allocable, and reasonable.  

    H. Proposal Review Process 

    Proposals will undergo two levels of review:  

    A. Administrative Review. This is the first level of review to determine which proposals will advance to the next level of review. The review is mainly a compliance review to ensure the proposal follows this solicitation’s guidelines. Proposals that do not pass the Administrative Review will not be considered for funding.

    B. Proposal that successfully pass the Administrative Review will be sent to external evaluators for review based upon the following: 

    • • • The proposal’s technical merit and its relevance to the ADAPT in SC research priorities or the SC Science and Technology Plan. 
        • The extent to which the proposed activity suggests innovative and creative concepts. 
        • How well conceived and planned is the proposed activity. 
        • The potential of success in executing the proposed activities. 
        • The potential that the project will lead to SBIR/STTR funding. 

    I. Award and Reporting Requirements

    • Awardees must submit evidence of SBIR/STTR Phase I submission to maintain eligibility for reimbursement and closeout approval. Failure to submit a federal proposal will render the project ineligible for final payment and future EPSCoR support.
    • A final project report will be due no later than 60 days after the end of the award. The report must include a confirmation from the federal agency that a SBIR/STTR proposal was successfully submitted.
    • Projects with student interns will be required to include student demographic information and a 1-page PDF report from the student intern about their internship experience.
    • Awardees are expected to provide required information and documentation to the SC EPSCoR State Office staff.
    • The SC EPSCoR State Office reserves the right to conduct site visits during the project period for evaluation and reporting purposes.