Kismet Technologies recently announced it has been awarded a prestigious federal Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase IIB grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), valued at $500,000. Kismet was one of fewer than five companies nationwide to receive this grant in 2024, a reflection of the NSF’s interest in their cutting-edge technology. This funding will support further research into Kismet’s antimicrobial technology, specifically targeting the highly virulent, multidrug-resistant Candida auris pathogen. Read more about Kismet’s recent grant award here.
Candida auris poses a significant threat to healthcare facilities due to its resistance to multiple drugs and its persistence on surfaces. Kismet’s innovative solution, designed to eradicate the pathogen on both hard and soft surfaces, holds tremendous potential in improving healthcare environments by reducing the risk of spreading this dangerous fungus. With growing concerns about antimicrobial resistance, Kismet’s research is timely and vital for public health.
Kismet co-founder Dr. Christina Drake, a materials science engineer, invented the company’s patent-pending NanoRAD technology, which kills viruses and bacteria as they land on surfaces for months. Inspired by watching a store employee incorrectly use disinfectant during the COVID-19 pandemic, Drake sought to develop an effective disinfectant that would not trigger allergies, like substances such as bleach can. Drake discovered a novel way to synthesize cerium oxide nanoparticles, resulting in the eradication of most of bacteria and viruses within two hours.
The STTR Phase IIB grant, part of America’s Seed Fund, is highly competitive with fewer than 10% of recipients being women-led companies like Kismet. The NSF program supports startups that focus on transforming breakthrough technologies from research labs into commercial products. This funding will enable Kismet to push forward in its mission to revolutionize surface disinfection with their novel antimicrobial technologies.
In addition to the NSF grant, Kismet Technologies also recently achieved a significant entrepreneurial milestone by winning the Orlando regional event of the Startup World Cup. This victory grants Kismet the opportunity to compete for a $1 million investment at the grand finale in San Francisco, representing Orlando on a global stage. This recognition from the Startup World Cup not only validates Kismet’s innovative approach but also positions them among the top emerging companies in the world.
As a Cenfluence cluster member, Kismet has benefited from access to a thriving ecosystem that fosters collaboration, networking, and innovation within the life sciences sector. The support and resources provided by Cenfluence have played a role in Kismet’s upward trajectory.
Learn more about Kismet here.
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Cenfluence is a cluster-focused organization that fosters collaboration, innovation, and growth for companies within high-tech sectors, including life sciences, energy+environmental,gaming e-sports+entertainment, learning sciences +human performance and semi-conductors. By connecting members to resources, partnerships, and opportunities, Cenfluence accelerates business development and market expansion while promoting regional economic growth. With a strong commitment to driving innovation, Cenfluence helps its members thrive within a supportive and dynamic ecosystem.
