BREATHE Teaming Profiles
Thank you for showing an interest in ARPA-H’s Building Resilient Environments for Air and Total HEalth (BREATHE) program. This page is designed to help facilitate connections between prospective proposers. If either you or your organization are interested in teaming, please submit your information via the form below. Your details will then be added to the list below, which is publicly available.
BREATHE anticipates that teaming will be necessary to achieve the goals of the program. Prospective performers are encouraged (but not required) to form teams with varied technical expertise to submit a proposal to the BREATHE solicitation.
Please note that by publishing the teaming profiles list, ARPA-H is not endorsing, sponsoring, or otherwise evaluating the qualifications of the individuals or organizations included here. Submissions to the teaming profiles list are reviewed and updated periodically.
Interested in learning more about the BREATHE program?
- Read the BREATHE draft Solicitation.
- Register to attend the hybrid Proposers’ Day on May 2, 2024.
- See the BREATHE program overview page.
Teaming Profiles List
To narrow the results in the Teaming Profiles List, please use the input below to filter results based on your search term. The list will filter as you type.
| Organization | Point of Contact | Point of contact email | Provide an additional point of contact for your organization's representative (email only) | Location | In 200 words or less, describe your organization's current research focus area | In 200 words or less, tell us what your organization is looking for in potential teaming partners | Which technical areas within BREATHE does your organization have the capacity to address? |
| Drizzle Health | Digvijay Singh, CEO | digvijay@drizzlehealth.com | Baltimore, MD | This vision of future is exactly what we've been advocating for - a move towards large-scale public diagnostics as opposed to personalized ones. We even just submitted our concept for exactly this in the recent ARPA-H BAA. Essentially, current molecular diagnostic systems cannot be utilized in largescale surveillance such as those for indoor air quality due to reagents use per test, as well as their inherent non-real time nature. This problem also presents in food and water testing where volumes are inherently large (opposite to personalized genomic diagnostics). We're building cheap sampling systems to selectively concentrate bacteria from large sample volumes, and a real-time label free imaging systems that use machine learning on optical scattering data to solve exactly this. In fact for Tuberculosis, we showed our sampling system increases performance of microscopy from 50% to over 90% in real patient samples, at a fraction of PCR costs! These systems have diagnostic use in global health, remote and rural health diagnostics, food and water safety testing, and are/being designed for scalability especially in lower-middle income countries and communities. We're really excited that moving to a preventative model of diagnostics is a priority. | We're looking for companies that already have some product in technical areas 2 and 3, are preferably based in the US, and understand the vision of BREATH as a priority. We're a small company, and our cutting edge products are experimental - ideal partners would be flexible to allow for iterations, and help lead ARPA-H's PRD. | Technical area 1: creating indoor air biosensors; | |
| e-sens | Brian Cummings, President | bcummings@e-sens.com | alalonde@e-sens.com | Salt Lake City, Utah | We specialize in fully automated, state-of-the-art drinking water, waste water, and air quality quantitative monitoring using proprietary silicon-based sensors and microfluidics to revolutionize the current state of quality testing. | At e-sens, we understand the importance of collaboration and integration of cross-disciplinary teams to create revolutionary technology to disrupt the status-quo. We are looking for partners that can assist in sensor-to-software integration, as well as engineers and chemists that can translate chemical sensors into biosensors. | Technical area 1: creating indoor air biosensors;Technical area 2: developing respiratory risk assessment software; |
| Detect-ION | Ashish Chaudhary, Founder/CTO/CEO | ashish.chaudhary@detect-ion.com | Spiros.manolakos@detect-ion.com | Tampa, Florida | Detect-ION is a Deep-Tech startup founded in October 2021 and develops sensors and systems in a dedicated state-of-the-art 4000 sqft laboratory located in Tampa, FL. We thrive in solving hard, high-value detection problems that require a multidisciplinary effort at the intersection of organic chemistry, biochemistry, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, vacuum technology, data analytics, low power electronics, system engineering and AI/ML algorithm to innovate the most pioneering sensing capabilities driven by mission-specific requirements from the US government and the industry. | We are looking for partners in TA-2 and TA-3. | Technical area 1: creating indoor air biosensors; |
| Binghamton University | Chuan-Jian Zhong, Professor | cjzhong@binghamton.edu | Binghamton, New York | Chemical sensors, biosensors, electronic noses, electrochemical sensors, spectroscopic sensors, SERS sensors, chemirestrsitve sensors, QCM sensors, air quality sensors, breath sensors, | microfabrication, field testing, bio-safety lab testing, optimizing building systems for healthier indoor air, developing respiratory risk assessment software | Technical area 1: creating indoor air biosensors;Technical area 2: developing respiratory risk assessment software; | |
| EBTRON, Inc. | Darryl DeAngelis, Director of Business Development | DarrylD@ebtron.com | lhickey@ebtron.com | Loris, SC | EBTRON has been focused on HVAC airflow measurement for over 40 years. We were the first to measure airflows in the built environment using thermal dispersion technology. We are the only solution provider to use individually calibrated bead-in-glass thermistors as the basis of measurement. Each airflow node is individually calibrated up to 16 points to a NIST traceable standard within +/-2% of reading and +/-0.08°C, providing mass and volumetric measurement. This unique solution provides an array of individual flow and temperature measuring points with industry leading accuracy in a package that provides long term stability and no further calibration. We are the only solution that uses velocity weighting of our average temperature measurement and have incorporated humidity and barometric pressure for a patented solution. We have several solutions with multiple data acquisition methods, including a bi-directional bleed sensor that can measure small pressure differentials as low as 0.05Pa. EBTRON promotes IAQ in the built environment through industry education, standards development, and publicly supporting programs such as the Clean Air in Buildings Challenge, Efficient and Healthy Schools program, Healthy Buildings 2021 and Indoor Air 2024. | EBTRON is looking to partner on a team that understands that buildings and their HVAC systems are complex, have many interactions, and are under constant change. Understanding the fate and transport of bioaerosols are directly impacted by mechanical HVAC systems; that dynamic changes external and internal to a building or between spaces interact with the HVAC system; that interaction between HVAC systems or other external or internal forces can cause instability to operation; that conditioning a space, maintaining pressurization control, and avoiding unplanned airflows requires ongoing measurement and control of individual system airflows. It is important to also understand that operators can make changes that can inadvertently impact the performance of the HVAC system and without adequate sensed parameters, may go undetected and result in the failure to provide a healthy space. Additionally, as degradation within a system occurs, it is essential to trend changes of the rate of airflow, temperature, or moisture within the systems for both preemptive corrective action and fault detection. | Technical area 3: optimizing building systems for healthier indoor air; |
| Building4Health, Inc. | Stephanie Taylor, MD, CEO | stephanie@b4hinc.com | peter@b4hinc.com | Stowe, VT | We have developed a medically based, health index for airborne exposures within the existing thermal environment. Our index reflects the short and long term physiological impact of both individual and combined air constituents. To implement our index to protect occupant health, we measure indoor and outdoor thermal conditions and contaminant concentrations, analyze the health impact, report findings and recommend remediation prompts when the indoor index is suboptimal. Because we monitor both indoor air and outdoor air, we give the most effective and energy efficient indoor air quality improvement recommendations. | We need a partner to tie our indoor air remediation prompts to the building automation system. | Technical area 2: developing respiratory risk assessment software;Technical area 3: optimizing building systems for healthier indoor air;Technical area 1: creating indoor air biosensors; |
| UGA | Kenan Song, Associate Professor | kenan.song@uga.edu | ks62267@uga.edu | Athens, GA | Kenan Song's research can significantly contribute to the development of indoor air biosensors through his expertise in advanced materials, microfluidics, and sensor technology. Here’s how his work could support the advancements in this area: Microfluidics Integration: Kenan Song's experience in microfluidics can be pivotal in designing compact, efficient bioaerosol-sensing devices. Microfluidic technologies allow for precise manipulation of small fluid volumes, essential for capturing and analyzing airborne biological particles. By integrating microfluidic systems with biosensing technologies, Song can help develop devices that autonomously monitor indoor air, efficiently capturing and directing aerosols to detection chambers. Advanced Material Application: Utilizing advanced materials to enhance sensor sensitivity and selectivity is another area where Song’s research shines. Materials with high surface area, reactivity, or specific affinity to biological substances can improve the capture efficiency and detection fidelity of bioaerosol sensors. Song’s work with nanoporous materials or functionalized surfaces can lead to the development of coatings or components within bioaerosol sensors that are specifically tailored to trap and detect pathogens and allergens more effectively. Sensor Development and Miniaturization: Song's background in sensor development and additive manufacturing (such as 3D printing) can be leveraged to create miniaturized devices that are capable of housing sophisticated sensing mechanisms in a compact form. This is crucial for the practical deployment of indoor air biosensors in diverse environments. The ability to produce components on a micro-scale using 3D printing can also reduce the cost and complexity of sensor manufacturing, facilitating wider deployment. Multiplexed Detection Systems: Kenan Song’s expertise in developing multiplexed systems could be instrumental in creating sensors that can detect multiple types of pathogens and allergens simultaneously. His approach could involve the integration of various sensor modalities within a single device to provide comprehensive monitoring capabilities. Emerging Technologies for Enhanced Diagnostics: Exploring the integration of molecular diagnostics techniques, such as PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) amplification or CRISPR-based methods, into microfluidic devices could further enhance the capabilities of indoor air biosensors. These technologies would allow for not only detecting but also quantifying and even identifying unknown biological particles based on genetic information. In summary, Kenan Song's research can substantially advance the field of indoor air biosensors by applying his expertise in microfluidics, advanced materials, and sensor technology to develop innovative, effective, and multiplexed bioaerosol-sensing devices. This aligns well with the goals of monitoring and improving indoor air quality through the detection of pathogens and allergens. | Molecular Biologists: Expertise in genetic and molecular diagnostic techniques, such as PCR, RT-PCR, and CRISPR-based biosensors. This expertise is essential for incorporating molecular diagnostics into the biosensors to identify and quantify pathogens and allergens. Bioengineers: Specialization in integrating biological components with engineering systems, is crucial for designing and optimizing the interfaces where biological samples interact with detection technologies within the device. Chemical Engineers: Experience in aerosol technology and fluid dynamics to improve the capture and processing of airborne particles. Chemical engineers can also contribute to the development of materials and coatings that enhance particle capture efficiency and specificity. Public Health Experts: Provide insights into the most significant pathogens and allergens to monitor, based on public health priorities. Their knowledge helps in tailoring the biosensor development to meet real-world needs and regulatory requirements. Regulatory and Compliance Specialists: Important for navigating the complex regulatory landscape of medical and environmental devices to ensure that the biosensors meet all necessary standards and approvals before they can be deployed. | Technical area 1: creating indoor air biosensors; |
| University of Maryland-Biology | Joshua Weitz, Professor of Biology and Clark Leadership Chair in Data Analytics | jsweitz@umd.edu | College Park, Maryland | Joshua S. Weitz is a Professor of Biology at the University of Maryland where he holds the Clark Leadership Chair in Data Analytics and is the author of the forthcoming book "Asymptomatic: The Silent Spread of COVID-19 and the Future of Pandemics" (Johns Hopkins University Press, forthcoming October 2024). The Weitz group works to understand how viruses transform human and environmental health. The team's work on epidemic dynamics focuses on developing quantitative models of respiratory disease dynamics, including modeling asymptomatic transmission, integrating behaviour into epidemic models, developing quantitative and localized epidemic risk estimates, and evaluating the impact of interventions. The Weitz group also has extensive experience in ecological modeling, including characterizing microbial diversity and interactions in complex networks of viruses and their microbial hosts. | We are seeking to collaborate with engineers and bioaerosol experts on integrated solutions to assess microbial & viral complexity in indoor air, develop early indicators associated with potential pathogen transmission, design feedback-control methods to optimize indoor air quality, and improve communication with policy makers, design teams, and the public to increase the effectiveness of integrated design strategies. | Technical area 2: developing respiratory risk assessment software; | |
| airCoda LLC | Pierre Wellner, Founder | pierre@pierrewellner.com | https://www.aircoda.com/ | Personal indoor air quality monitoring and analysis using networks of wearable sensors, and cellphone apps. | Partners that need software development, including apps and machine learning. | Technical area 1: creating indoor air biosensors;Technical area 2: developing respiratory risk assessment software;Technical area 3: optimizing building systems for healthier indoor air; | |
| GenEndeavor LLC | Suresh Panthee, Scientist | supanthee@genendeavor.com | Hayward CA | Aerosol transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is a potential major route for the spread of COVID-19 disease. Yet current safety guidelines only address contact and near-contact transmission. Without any measures in place to adequately prevent airborne SARS-CoV-2 infection and transmission, an air monitoring system is needed. Our current focus is to design and develop a real-time air sensing system to monitor SARS-CoV-2 in aerosols. | We are looking for someone with expertise on TA2 and TA3 | Technical area 1: creating indoor air biosensors; | |
| University of Minnesota | Jiarong Hong, Professor | jhong@umn.edu | bravo095@umn.edu | Minneapolis, MN | At the University of Minnesota, our laboratory is dedicated to advancing sensor technology for airborne pathogen detection, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Our work integrates these sensors with computational fluid dynamics and deep learning to assess infection risks within indoor environments. We are at the forefront of employing deep learning-based holographic imaging to enhance pathogen detection and indoor monitoring. Furthermore, we utilize numerical simulations for comprehensive indoor infection risk assessment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our lab conducted extensive research through collaborations with diverse groups such as the Minnesota Orchestra, dental clinics, Ford, public schools, and more. This work aimed to evaluate environmental risks and develop practical solutions for risk mitigation across various settings, including restaurants, supermarkets, elevators, wind instrument performances, classrooms, and subways. | Our lab at the University of Minnesota is in search of public health strategists and environmental systems engineers skilled in the design and implementation of health-focused building systems. These partnerships will exploit our cutting-edge sensor technologies to innovate in the area of risk mitigation for indoor environments. We are also eager to collaborate with virologists and environmental biologists to enhance our pathogen detection capabilities. Ideal collaborators will bring deep expertise in bioaerosol dynamics, molecular bioengineering, and indoor environmental quality assessment. Together, we aim to develop integrated, adaptive solutions that align with the ARPA-H BREATHE program’s objectives of improving indoor air quality and mitigating respiratory health risks. | Technical area 1: creating indoor air biosensors;Technical area 2: developing respiratory risk assessment software;Technical area 3: optimizing building systems for healthier indoor air; |
| Product Creation Studio | Scott Thielman, Chief Technology Officer | scott@productcreationstudio.com | Seattle, WA | Product Creation Studio (PCS) is at the forefront of integrating multi-domain technologies into commercial product designs, specifically focusing on enhancing air quality management systems. We have research experience with electrostatic filtration, UV purification, and advanced sensor technologies, all tailored to create intuitive and effective user interfaces. This integrated approach not only advances individual technologies but also ensures that the final products are robust, compliant, and superior in performance. Our extensive track record, including successful collaborations on market-ready environmental and healthcare products, positions us ideally for initiatives like the ARPA-H proposal, where our expertise in creating holistic, market-driven solutions is directly relevant and valuable. | Product Creation Studio (PCS) is seeking teaming partners who specialize in cutting-edge technologies and algorithms for air quality sensing, system management, and filtration/purification. Our ideal partners are innovators in their field, possessing advanced, pioneering technologies that can be integrated into commercial products. We are looking for collaborators who excel in the development of novel solutions that can significantly enhance system performance and efficiency. These partners should bring expertise that complements our capabilities in scaling, regulatory navigation, and commercial product development, enabling us to jointly deliver superior air quality management systems. Emphasizing collaboration, we aim to combine our strengths to create market-leading solutions that address critical environmental health challenges. | Technical area 1: creating indoor air biosensors;Technical area 2: developing respiratory risk assessment software;Technical area 3: optimizing building systems for healthier indoor air; | |
| CyClean, Inc. | Chase Hood, Co-Founder, CEO | chase@onecyclean.com | cchood@usc.edu | Buffalo Grove, IL | A public health operating system that continuously eliminates viruses and bacteria indoors by combining human-safe UV-C disinfection with biological aerosol monitoring for efficacy verification. | We are looking for a teaming partner to co-develop indoor air biosensors that can communicate with our smart filtered 222-nanometer Far UV-C disinfection devices for continuously disinfecting the air and surfaces. The indoor air biosensors will enable us to identify potential biological threats in the air and eliminate them with our filtered Far UV-C devices. We can create the first public health operating system that protects communities. Ideally, our partner would bring indoor air biosensor expertise, which can be used to develop an IoT-enabled biosensor solution rapidly deployable in built environments. Our human-safe UV-C disinfection device, combined with the indoor air biosensor, means we can effectively implement our patented software platform for reducing pathogenic bioburden. | Technical area 3: optimizing building systems for healthier indoor air;Technical area 2: developing respiratory risk assessment software; |
| Handix Scientific | Braden Stump, Director of Product & Business Development | bstump@handixscientific.com | pchen@handixscientific.com | Fort Collins, Colorado | Bioaerosol sampling is our primary area of expertise. Researchers using our products have shown high capability and efficiency in sampling viable (or genomically intact for techniques like pcr) virus, bacteria, etc. | We are most interested in team members that have biosensor expertise that can be performed on liquid or solid samples as we can concentrate room air into a more convenient sample, but have no biosensor analysis expertise. | Technical area 1: creating indoor air biosensors; |
| RAIsonance, Inc. | Paul McLenaghan, Chief Revenue Officer | paulm@raisonance.ai | Greenwood Village, CO | RAIsonance specializes in artificial intelligence-powered analysis of Forced Cough Vocalizations (FCVs) to achieve a range of health-related outcomes. As a signal, this intentional cough is a rich source of biometric and biomarker data that represents detectable features indicating changes or specific disease signatures. From this very data-rich signal, we are able to: • Diagnose specific diseases in ~90 seconds • Monitor, detect, and score both subtle and gross impacts to a given individual’s respiratory system that could result from exposure to pathogens, environmental toxins, pollution, chemical/biological agents, wildfire smoke, or any other potentially harmful threat Our technology architecture is completely digital. Our software-only approach to diagnostics and respiratory monitoring affords us numerous advantages over lab-based or hardware-based capabilities: • Our solutions are completely non-invasive; • Users only need a smart phone and an internet connection, eliminating the need for expensive testing infrastructure or specialized hardware and devices. • Cough sound submissions can be stored and used repeatedly with no degradation of quality; • We have no manufacturing costs, no production delays, no supply chain at risk of disruption, and no consumables creating waste; • Results from diagnostic tests or monitoring activity are available in under 2 minutes; • Our systems are incredibly scalable – at present we can process 20,000 tests per second. • All usage and results data can be easily integrated into any existing system or platform. | We are interested in incorporating our FCV analytics solutions into the BREATHE program as a method of identifying and measuring potential impacts to individuals that may be caused by poor indoor air quality and also act as an additional form of early-warning threat detection. Some additional information is below: RAIsonance has developed proprietary Forced Cough Vocalization (FCV) analysis technology that tracks impacts and resulting alterations to respiratory function. Our tools detect changes in an individual’s unique FCV using advanced audio processing, specialized feature extraction, machine learning, and proprietary artificial intelligence models and techniques. This specialized technology can identify minuscule, potentially high-risk changes that take place in an individual’s FCV by comparing current coughs to a baseline profile for that individual. Our AI engines are trained to identity these changes no matter what the cause: pathogen, environmental toxin, chemical exposure, or other harmful respiratory threats. While our FCV wellness solutions do not diagnose any conditions or distinguish between pathogens, toxins or chemical agents, they are designed to provide a fast, biometric, early-warning signal of a potential health issue for any user. Our AI-powered cough analytics solutions are ideally suited to enable individuals to check for any potential impacts from poor indoor air quality. Our "FCV Sentinel" solution gives individuals the ability to check their FCV Score on-demand and from anywhere by providing a few intentional coughs into a smartphone app. The solution does not require any sensors, hardware, or specialized devices other than their own smartphone. From the user-friendly mobile app, users can track their FCV Scores, log symptoms, and enter other vital signs. FCV Scores of multiple users within an organization can be aggregated and viewed via FCV Sentinel dashboards, or integrated directly into other monitoring platforms to give administrators an FCV Score view alongside other sensor data. When viewed at an aggregate level, unusual or sudden occurrences of multiple individuals all experiencing low FCV Scores can indicate a more systemic issue within the building itself that needs immediate investigation and possible remediation, such as the presence of an infectious disease or some toxins or chemicals or other hazardous substances in the air. | Technical area 1: creating indoor air biosensors;Technical area 3: optimizing building systems for healthier indoor air;Technical area 2: developing respiratory risk assessment software; | |
| University of Michigan | Xudong (Sherman) Fan, Professor | xsfan@umich.edu | Ann Arbor, Michigan | (1) Our lab developed novel automated and portable (~1 kg, small shoebox in size) comprehensive 2-dimensional gas chromatography (GC) device for rapid (~10 minutes) high resolution indoor air quality (volatile organic compounds - VOCs) analysis and aerosol analysis (after aerosol collection and evaporation) at a low cost (low ownership cost and low recurring cost) (2) By using our unique vapor detectors, our VOCs detection limit can reach <0.01 ppt (in 1 L of air sample). This would be very important to detect semi-VOCs that have persistent indoor emissions. (3) We are also conducting breath analysis (both hardware and algorithm) to track human health conditions over a long term. The same device in (1) and (2) can also be used for breath analysis. | We are looking for someone with expertise on TA2 and TA3 | Technical area 2: developing respiratory risk assessment software;Technical area 1: creating indoor air biosensors; | |
| NanoEngineering Corporation | Robert B. Dana , CEO | bob@nanoengineeringcorp.com | luis@nanoengineeringcorp.com | New Haven, Connecticut | NanoEngineering is a leader in particle sizing instrumentation and equipment. Our flagship product, NanoRanger, is a biosensor equivalent that detects and characterizes virus capsids for airborne pathogen detection, viral diagnostics, and biological drug development. NanoRanger incorporates high resolution differential mobility analysis (DMA), a proven method featuring unlimited-plex detection of aerosolized 1-250 nm particles in less than five minutes, that we have dramatically improved with Angstrom scale resolution. NanoRanger exhibits excellent specificity and, uniquely, detects novel pathogens by comparing their unique size signature to background/ambient signal. It is configured for future automated, unattended operation and requires no expensive consumables. NanoRanger is fully digital and well positioned for integration with other biosensors, risk assessment software and building controls. Our current research focus includes upgrading our instrument for automated, hands-free operation; expanding the number of viruses tested to prove our ability to identify virus species based on their size signature; and improving limits of detection. Leveraging our experience in aerosol science and engineering, we propose to extend our current focus to include a novel, physics-based technology for high throughput separation of room air particles from 1nm to 10 µm for downstream classification. | We are engineers with strong backgrounds in aerosol sciences. To implement the project goals we favor a modular architecture connected by innovative initial collection and separation of air samples based on our design innovations. Furthermore, our DMA-based detector is well suited for viral pathogens. We need teammates to fulfill the BREATHE vision. We seek partners in risk assessment software, building systems, biosensor technologies for bacteria and spores/allergens, and other orthogonal and complementary technologies. We firmly believe that the best proposals will incorporate multiple solutions to the most challenging biosensor-related scientific and engineering challenges in order to de-risk the scientific challenges via parallel efforts using both biological and physics-based approaches. We want to partner with individuals and organizations that are open minded, public health oriented, and adequately resourced. | Technical area 1: creating indoor air biosensors; |
| University of Michigan | Xudong (Sherman) Fan, Professor | xsfan@umich.edu | Ann Arbor, Michigan | 1. My lab has developed automated, portable (1 kg, small shoebox in size) comprehensive 2-dimensional gas chromatography (GC) that can provide rapid (~10 minutes), low-cost (low ownership cost and low recurring cost), field/indoor-deployable capabilities for analyzing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semi-VOCs (persistent long-term indoor emissions), and pathogens/aerosols (after evaporation) with excellent chromatographic resolution. 2. Coupled with our unique semiconductor gas detector, an unprecedented high sensitivity (better than 0.01 ppt in 1 L air sample) can be achieved. 3. We have also conducted extensive breath analysis studies to detect and track disease and health conditions of human subjects using the portable GC devices. Algorithms based on AI and machine learning have also been developed. | We are looking for partners in TA-2 and TA-3. | Technical area 1: creating indoor air biosensors; | |
| XCMR, Inc. | XCMR, Inc., CEO | r@xcmr.co | jwhyte@xcmr.co | Greater Philadelphia, PA | XCMR is a MedTech company focused on developing Next-Generation UVC technologies for reducing the risk of infectious disease transmission. Our Electromagnetic Energy for Infection Transmission Resiliency (EMITR)™ platform leverages ‘connected’ devices, incorporating data and sensor fusion to enhance scaled infection transmission resiliency, while harnessing directed UVC energy in human-safe devices. The platform is designed to be deployed in various physical form factors, e.g., upper room GUV and near-field infection protection (NIP) devices. For the latter example, XCMR’s bold vision is to develop Maskless Protection Technology (MPT) leveraging directed UVC energy to revolutionize respiration protection paradigms and eliminate encumbrances of physical mask designs and technology. We believe such a multi-layered approach is a more cost-effective means to improving biosafety efficacy and energy efficiency in built environments than current technologies involving mechanical ventilation and filtration. XCMR has assembled a world-class multidisciplinary science and business team, been awarded 6 government contracts totaling $2.7 million, raised $1.7 million SAFE, formalized contractual partnerships with (8) leading commercial organizations and (4) academic research institutions, and filed 9 worldwide patents with first awarded in October 2023. | Our academic partners have extensive experience in working with biological challenge agents to quantify UVC inactivation of aerosolized and surface pathogens, as well as leading academic research into Far-UVC and its uses. Whereas other intervention technologies have been implemented statically, the EMITR supported devices will be designed to adapt to dynamic conditions, such as intermittent occupancy, times of elevated infection risk (flu season), and specific pathogen vulnerability. Ideal partners would include organizations that have the ability to develop and/or integrate software, devices and data to an IoT cloud infrastructure to support a bio-surveillance system of record with real-time data and sensor fusion from various dynamic sources, to contribute to a vast network of connected smart MPT devices working together to create an invisible protective barrier to reduce the incidence of respiratory infection transmission and mitigate the risk of future pandemics. XCMR, together with our academic, commercial and US Government partners, is uniquely qualified to lead the development of such a hybrid digital/physical ecosystem as a resilient countermeasure to the ever-increasing risk of airborne biological threats. | Technical area 3: optimizing building systems for healthier indoor air; |
| Triple Ring Technologies, Inc. | Roger Tang, PhD, CTO | rtang@tripleringtech.com | shemami@tripleringtech.com | Newark, California | We strive to be the most trusted partner for developing science-driven products in medtech, life sciences, and sustainability. In this role, we choose fulfilling problems, take on significant challenges, pull together diverse teams, collaborate fearlessly, and have a positive impact on people and the planet. To accomplish this vision, Triple Ring Technologies has assembled an interdisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, developers, and designers (25% with PhDs) that specializes in accelerating technologies up the TRL scale. For our clients, we ensure that technology will perform as desired when it needs to, and that their projects will achieve key milestones (be it performance or funding). We serve as a contractor providing services, or as a commercialization partner for early-stage technology for which proof-of-concept has been achieved by an academic/research laboratory. Services include but are not limited to, basic technology development, robust implementation of proof-of-concept results, prototype design and build for clinical use, and design for manufacturing. We are fully ISO 13485 certified. We have direct experience in developing systems for gas (breath-based) diagnostics (for example https://www.tripleringtech.com/case-studies/cannabis-breathalyzer-system/). We believe this expertise is broadly applicable to all gas detection systems, including those for assessing indoor air quality. | We stand side-by-side with innovators and entrepreneurs to solve hard problems, launch breakthrough products, and create new businesses. We can provide the concept realization and technology development for FDA submission, clinical testing, and/or commercialization. We can start with just a concept (even just an idea); at the other end of the TRL scale, we can design or redesign for manufacturing or for FDA submission. Teaming partners would bring medical expertise, building systems experience, or other technologies required, and big ideas that are not constrained by what they think is limiting in today’s technology. | Technical area 1: creating indoor air biosensors;Technical area 3: optimizing building systems for healthier indoor air; |
| U.S. General Services Administration | Brian Gilligan, Acting Director, Office of Federal High-Performance Green Buildings | brian.gilligan@gsa.gov | kevin.powell@gsa.gov | Washington, DC | GSA's Office of Federal High-Performance Green Buildings seeks to expand field research supporting ventilation strategies that improve the health, comfort and performance of federal employees and customters. The Emerging Building Technologies Program at GSA's Public Buildings Service is designed to test high-performance buildings technologies that improve federal missions and improve operational efficiency. Together these two programs will evaluate approaches to implement ASHRAE Standard 241 and test the air cleaning technologies involved in an existing building in GSA's portfolio. | Expertise in sensor technology that can monitor biological contaminants or proxies for efficacy of buildings systems in removing or neutralizing such contaminants and integration with existing building management and automated fault detection systems. GSA would like to align this work with responding to emerging requirements for control of infectious aerosols including ASHRAE Standard 241. | Technical area 3: optimizing building systems for healthier indoor air; |
| University of Illinois at Chicago - Air Microfluidics and Biosurveliance Group | Igor Paprotny, Yes | paprotny@uic.edu | caffrey@uic.edu | Chicago, IL | The Air-Microfluidic and Bio-surveillance Group (AMBG) is a research consortium that focuses on detection and speciation of airborne pathogens and other pollutants. Our technology includes microfluidic concentration, deposition, and detection of bioaerosols, mainly using variations of highly optimized nucleic acid amplification (NAA) techniques combined with MEMS/microfluidic circuits. Our specialty is pathogen-specific and pathogen-agnostic NAA from air. In parallel, we are commercializing our technology through a startup called bioAerium (https://www.bioaerium.com/) with several patents (pending). | We are looking to: 1) team up with federal organizations or entities in order to apply our technologies for domestic bio-surveillance, i.e. to strengthen national security and help to prevent the next pandemic; 2) team up with commercial entities to help commercialize our bio-surveillance technology; 3) team up with research partners to further delve into the science of airborne pathogen detection for a number of different applications. | Technical area 1: creating indoor air biosensors;Technical area 3: optimizing building systems for healthier indoor air; |
| Applied Research Associates | Jeffry Schroeter, Senior Scientist | jschroeter@ara.com | Raleigh, NC | Our research focus area is the development of mathematical models and software platforms to facilitate inhalation risk assessments of hazardous materials, including aerosols and particulates. Our multidisciplinary team is comprised of engineers, physicists, aerosol scientists, mathematicians, programmers, and computational biologists. We have developed respiratory risk assessment software for government health agencies, including the EPA and FDA, to estimate inhaled exposure concentrations, lung deposition, and exposure-dose-response relationships for inhaled chemical and biological agents. Specific examples of our research and software development for respiratory risk assessment include development of the Multiple-Path Particle Dosimetry (MPPD) model used by inhalation toxicologists and risk assessors to evaluate lung dosimetry, applications for the EPA to estimate risk from air pollutant exposure, evaluation of the efficiency of air treatment technologies on airborne virus particles, and software to evaluate human health risks from tobacco product constituents. | We are looking for partners primarily for TA1. Given our focus on TA2 (Respiratory Risk Assessment Software), we anticipate partnering with organizations that develop bioaerosol sensors. This collaboration will ensure tight integration of sensor technologies with the modeling techniques implemented in the software applications. Based on our experience partnering with other organizations focused on experimental work and laboratory studies, we recognize that these complementary skillsets support an interdisciplinary approach that will lead to the successful execution of challenging research undertakings for the BREATHE program. | Technical area 2: developing respiratory risk assessment software; | |
| Nanobiosym | Dr. Anita Goel, MD, PhD, Chairman and CEO | agoel@nanobiosym.com | info@nanobiosym.com | Cambridge, MA | We have capabilities to contribute to Technical Areas 1 and 2- including our work with DARPA, DOD, NASA, USAID, DOE, NSF and XPRIZE and getting FDA EUA approvals demonstrating and validating advanced nanobiosensors for ultrasensitive molecular detection and also the ability to aggregate data and perform advanced AI and other data analytics from multiple field deployed devices like in our work with the FDA Digital Diagnostics Program. We are keen to partner with folks Technical Area 3 as well as other forms of detection and data analytics that could be complementary to our capabilities | We have capabilities to contribute to Technical Areas 1 and 2- including our work with DARPA, DOD, NASA, USAID, DOE, NSF and XPRIZE and getting FDA EUA approvals demonstrating and validating advanced nanobiosensors for ultrasensitive molecular detection and also the ability to aggregate data and perform advanced AI and other data analytics from multiple field deployed devices like in our work with the FDA Digital Diagnostics Program. We are keen to partner with folks Technical Area 3 as well as other forms of detection and data analytics that could be complementary to our capabilities | Technical area 1: creating indoor air biosensors;Technical area 2: developing respiratory risk assessment software; |
| Gate Scientific Inc | Kris Scaboo, President/CTO | ks@gatescientific.com | sr@gatescientific.com | Milpitas, CA | Gate Scientific develops and commercializes instruments and consumable platforms for life science and diagnostic applications. We are co-located with a contract manufacturer and able to handle low-to-mid volume manufacturing, including reagent lyophilization. We have developed an automatic air sampling platform that includes an instrument able to run multiplexed qPCR on one-time-use consumables with onboard reagents that are stable for 1 year. There is no user intervention required to run the instrument and acquire the data. The instrument automatically collects air at 100 L/min onto a filter to collect pathogens. The instrument then seals around the filter on the cartridge to form a PCR chamber. Dried and wet reagents that are on board the cartridge are actuated by the instrument and the PCR chamber is filled to start the qPCR. Standard Taqman assays are used. The current instrument uses a four-color detection for multiplexing. We have shown detection of 0.1 copies/m3 of air after 1 hour of collection of aerosolized OC43 viral surrogate. We are currently incorporating an array-based Taqman assay to multiplex up to 100x in a single chamber. We can lyophilize any desired Taqman assays into reagent beads to put in the cartridges. | We are looking for partners with TA2 and TA3 capabilities to help develop and evaluate a complete monitoring and control ecosystem incorporating our air sampling/qPCR platform | Technical area 1: creating indoor air biosensors; |
| PathogenFocus | Mark Ereth, Chief Medical Officer | mereth4@gmail.com | jen.smith@pathogenfocus.com | Henderson, NC | PathogenFocus designs, manufactures, and distributes air treatment systems for microbial and VOC mitigation using modulated dielectric barrier discharge cold plasma technology. The technology has been validated for safety and efficacy in a volume of laboratories including commercial, university, and government agency labs. In situ case studies of bioburden reductions have been done in a variety of environments including but not limited to hospital, correctional facility, kennel, and casino. | Collaboration to integrate monitoring IoT with cold plasma air treatment. Integration of our cold plasma air treatment technology as an intervention to reduce bioaerosol exposure risk as a sustainable and cost effective building enhancement. | Technical area 3: optimizing building systems for healthier indoor air; |
| Draper Laboratory | Daniel Cunningham-Bryant, Principal Member of Technical Staff | DCunningham-Bryant@draper.com | ANaik@draper.com | Cambridge, MA | Draper is a not-for-profit research and development corporation with the core mission “to serve the national interest in applied research and engineering development, education, and technology transfer.” The organization has more than 1,800 engineers and biologists working side-by-side in extensive scientific laboratories containing state-of-the-art equipment. This includes 12,000 ft^2 of BSL-2 research space dedicated to biotechnology research and development, as well as access to a BSL-3 facility. Draper’s design, build, and test capabilities enable the development of solutions from early-stage concepts to integrated and refined systems successfully transitioned to the field. Draper is experienced in many technology areas relevant to the BREATHE program. Key examples of our work include an integrated system for automated nucleic acid extraction and a miniaturized spectrometer currently used to measure air quality on the International Space Station. We also have experience with the development of sensitive assays for the detection of trace nucleic acid targets, numerous microfluidic manipulation technologies, device integration, and scale-up to production. We will leverage our experience to develop a high-performance indoor air biosensing system which meets BREATHE TA1 program requirements. | Draper is seeking partners with expertise related to TA2 and TA3. While we intend for the primary focus of our work to be on biosensor development for TA1, Draper has extensive experience in software and algorithm development, data processing, systems integration, and large-program management that can leveraged in a supporting role on TA2 and TA3 work. | Technical area 1: creating indoor air biosensors; |
| Attune | Julien Stamatakis, CTO | julien@attuneiot.com | serene@attuneiot.com | Vienna, VA | Attune is a leader in real-time monitoring for schools, office buildings, and hospitals in critical areas such as indoor air quality, energy consumption, risk of water leaks, equipment status, and more. The Attune plug and play platform allows to easily connect new sensors and provide the data in the cloud in real time. | Attune is looking to support potential teaming partners with real time data collection, analytics and visuals, as well as building controls optimization | Technical area 1: creating indoor air biosensors;Technical area 2: developing respiratory risk assessment software;Technical area 3: optimizing building systems for healthier indoor air; |
| Harvard-UCI Infection Prevention Group | Michael Klompas, MD MPH, Professor of Medicine and Population Medicine | mklompas@bwh.harvard.edu | Gianna.medeiros@hphci.harvard.edu | Boston, MA and Irvine, CA | We are physicians with deep expertise in infectious diseases, infection prevention operations, clinical epidemiologic research design, and the conduct of large-scale clinical trials in hospitals and nursing homes to address healthcare-associated infections. We have particular expertise in respiratory virus transmission in healthcare. Our team was at the front lines of the COVID pandemic providing direct patient care and formulating hospital policies and practices to protect staff and patients from nosocomial infections. We are very familiar with the kind of studies, evidence, and practical considerations needed to translate promising ideas and technologies into something that’s clinically attractive and feasible for clinicians and hospitals to adopt and integrate into routine clinical practice. Our group has conducted multiple groundbreaking clinical trials that have led to new practice standards in infection control, helped write national and international guidelines governing standards of care for infection care and infection prevention. Through our longstanding relationships with health system and long-term care facilities, we are capable of performing large demonstration projects that show how promising novel prevention strategies can be integrated into routine operations in realistic and practical ways that fit into organizational workflows and clinical practice. | We are looking for teaming partners who: 1) are capable of developing sensor technology and software that would conform to our recommended clinical and pragmatic specifications for utility and ease of use, 2) are able to iteratively redesign a product based upon critical input on the design features needed to make pathogen detection technologies clinically meaningful and operationally acceptable to healthcare facilities and end-users, and 3) have controlled environments for initial proof of concept testing before entry to clinical environments. It would be highly preferred to have experience working with clinical and operational leaders. We are able to provide 1) clinical and operational insight and user criteria to inform teams developing software for TA2, 2) robust epidemiologic study design for evaluating function in a variety of healthcare and non-healthcare settings, and 3) access to hospital and nursing homes partners for studies in those settings if a suitable product can be created. | Technical area 2: developing respiratory risk assessment software;Technical area 3: optimizing building systems for healthier indoor air; |
| Harvard University | Jacopo Movilli, Lead Scientist | jmovilli@g.harvard.edu | ashneidm@g.harvard.edu | Allston, MA | Our multidisciplinary team brings together sensor healthy buildings researchers (Harvard SEAS and GSD) with specialists in cheminformatics and toxicology (UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy) to develop a novel bioinspired volatile sensor: intelligent Nature-inspired Olfactory Sensors Engineered to Sniff (iNOSES). iNOSES, is poised to address the unmet need for reliable, real-time detection of harmful volatiles indoors, in particular targeting volatile metabolites, which are established markers of mold, as well as, potentially, bacteria and other biologics. Partnerships with an air purification company, medical schools, and school of public health are currently in development. | We would like to connect with any interested stakeholders. In particular, partners who can help with building integration, end-users, microbiologists, mycobiologists (insights into metabolites worth targeting, knowledge about mold growth locations, triggers, etc.), product development/ manufacturing, modeling volatile transport (nuances related to mold residing in walls, how volatiles arrive at sensor : dynamics, concentrations). | Technical area 1: creating indoor air biosensors;Technical area 2: developing respiratory risk assessment software; |
| R-Zero Systems, Inc | Patrick Gerding, Director of Sales - Public Sector | pgerding@rzero.com | eredmond@rzero.com | S. Salt Lake City, UT | R-Zero exists to harmonize the needs of human well-being, energy efficiency, and environmental stewardship. BREATHE sits squarely in our strategic pathway to ensure buildings are not just functional spaces but sustainable ecosystems that foster health, performance, efficiency, and a reduced footprint. We cannot imagine a better way to deliver cost-effective building interventions to improve human health and impact the built environment at a large scale than through ARPA-H’s BREATHE. We believe our capabilities in measuring, visualizing, and acting on indoor air and environment quality can underpin all of BREATHE’s work. R-Zero’s platform combines various technologies for the built environment specifically targeting health and efficiency. We differentiate from our competition by combining world-class real-time occupancy, people count, air quality, and environmental sensors with scientifically proven UV-C disinfection, health modeling, and software to create a new breed of intelligent building platform. With data visibility from sensors (occupancy, IAQ, IEQ, filters, disinfection) our rules-based software provides efficiency recommendations for building management systems based on a wide breadth of vital data. This unique combination allows us to use real-time occupancy data to drive efficiencies in building controls like HVAC and lighting systems while optimizing for occupant health and comfort. | We know the problems we face as a society cannot be solved individually. Together, though, we can exponentially improve our indoor environments, air, and public health. Buildings are complex ecosystems and collaboration is essential in elevating them to future capabilities. We are excited to ally with ARPA-H and like-minded organizations to combine solutions and expertise to drive new standards in the quality and safety of our indoor environments. We are looking for an experienced Prime and skilled teaming partners who can help fulfill the full spirit and letter of the TAs and exceed the BREATHE objectives. As a younger and growing company, we know we have experience and energy to share, and are excited about teaming relationships that fully leverage that value and empowers us to continue growth. | Technical area 3: optimizing building systems for healthier indoor air;Technical area 2: developing respiratory risk assessment software;Technical area 1: creating indoor air biosensors; |
| Y2X Life Sciences | Tom Cirrito, PhD, Chairman and Co-Founder | tom@y2xlifesciences.com | dave@y2xlifesciences.com | New York, NY | Y2X Life Sciences (Y2XLS) develops innovative devices for the detection of aerosolized pathogens to prevent disease transmission. We are a team of science-driven biologists, engineers, executives and regulatory experts .Y2XLS has secured an option to intellectual property from Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL) relating to the detection of aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens. The technology was developed with NIH RAD-X and private foundation support. It is utilized in three products: 1) micro-immunoelectrode (MIE) chips for use in our own devices and in devices developed by our partners; 2) a breathalyzer to detect respiratory pathogens in under 60 seconds with sensitivity comparable to PCR, and 3) a device to monitor air quality in real time in indoor spaces. Our devices are low-cost, easy to operate by an untrained technician, and have been published in the peer-reviewed literature with a successful clinical trial and real-world detection of aerosolized pathogens in indoor environments. Y2X and its collaborators are also developing a nanobody library that enables us to isolate and develop new devices against emerging pathogens within 3 weeks. | Y2X Life Sciences is seeking partners with expertise in TA2 and TA3-focused technologies and sophisticated understanding of protecting specific indoor environments that would enable a complete solution when coupled with our biosensor technology. Our air quality monitor creates a novel, and highly valuable biological data stream that will be essential for identifying pathogenic threats in real time. Y2X believes that this data can be the catalyst for impactful risk mitigation strategies in the face of an infectious agent, and can provide useful actionable insights into preventative measures to minimize future risks. The opportunity to combine the Y2X biosensor data with existing data streams such as temperature, humidity, air flow patterns, occupancy information, weather, and sewage monitoring technologies has the potential to generate new models of disease transmission and enable novel risk mitigation strategies for the built environment. We are seeking partners that enable us to maximize the impact of our detection technology for specific pathogens, and in public health emergencies. | Technical area 1: creating indoor air biosensors; |
| Donnay Detoxicology LLC | Albert Donnay, Consulting Toxicologist and Environmental Health Engineer | albert@donnaydetox.com | paige@donnaydetox.com | Hyattsville MD | Focused on analysis of patterns in exhaled breath gases, by which respiratory illnesses caused by pathogenic bacteria, viruses, mycotoxins, and fungi can be distinguished from each other and similar illnesses caused by exposures to airborne chemicals and other non-biological stressors. I have US patents on breath holding methods by which the levels of gases diffusing from lungs, arteries, veins and the average of all tissues can be distinguished by any of over a dozen analytical methods in real time or close to real time. My method yields four distinct "breathprints" per method, which greatly boosts their power to distinguish diseases compared to other breath testing methods that only measure gases coming from one compartment. | Given that several companies already sell customizable sensor packages designed to: 1) continuously monitor indoor areas in real time for levels of radioactive, chemical, and other non-bio hazards, 2) assess the risks to human health posed by the levels of the non-biological hazards they detect, and 3) automatically adjust building management systems to mitigate these risks, I am hoping to join a team that includes such an already successful company and other partners who have experience with the following: real-time sensing of bioaerosols, airport security screening, commercial scale robotic floor cleaners, chemometric statistics, and clinical decision support software developed to help clinicians identify skin disorders from photographs and respiratory illnesses from recordings of lung sounds and speech. | Technical area 1: creating indoor air biosensors;Technical area 3: optimizing building systems for healthier indoor air; |
| Center for the Built Environment (CBE), University of California, Berkeley | Jiayu Li, Postdoctoral scholar | jiayu.li@berkeley.edu | schiavon@berkeley.edu | Berkeley, California | The Center for the Built Environment has expertise in several key research areas related to the built environment, including indoor environmental quality (IEQ), efficient HVAC controls, building decarbonization, human thermal comfort and interaction with buildings, and facade systems. In the area of infectious aerosol transmission, we have been working on several aspects: 1. Airflow Impacts on Transmission: We evaluate how common indoor fixtures like ceiling fans affect airborne transmission. 2. Risk Estimation Tools: We develop web tools for estimating infection risks within indoor environments. 3. Mitigation Measure Efficacy: Our studies assess the impact of airflow patterns on the effectiveness of mitigation strategies such as germicidal ultraviolet (GUV) systems. We investigate the real-world effectiveness of disinfection measures in indoor settings. 4. Disinfection Automation: We explore the integration of disinfection systems with HVAC operations and occupancy sensors. 5. Cost-Effectiveness Analysis: We conduct evaluations of the cost-effectiveness of various mitigation measures. Besides, CBE houses a state-of-the-art climate chamber, equipped to precisely control air temperature, relative humidity, and airflow patterns. This facility offers an ideal testing ground for all three task areas (TAs) key areas, including testing the developed sensors (TA1), validating the developed risk assessment modeling (TA2), and evaluating mitigation strategies (TA3). | We are looking for teaming partners in the development of indoor air biosensors (TA1). | Technical area 2: developing respiratory risk assessment software;Technical area 3: optimizing building systems for healthier indoor air; |
| Clarkson University | Suresh Dhaniyala, Professor | sdhaniya@clarkson.edu | Potsdam, NY | Our expertise is in the fields of advanced optical and electrical sensors, aerosol measurements, indoor air, bioaerosol measurements, and building ventilation systems. We have been developing novel, networked, compact, low-cost indoor air quality sensors that combine advances in opto-electrical sensing with ML/AI for selective detection and identification of airborne particles in real-time. We have are currently integrating these sensors with building management systems for optimized operation of ventilation systems to minimize energy while ensuring safe indoor air. We are closely working with a startup in Clarkson's incubator space, TelosAir, to advance these technologies to commercialization and manufacturing. | We are looking to partner with teams and individuals with benchtop sensing capability for specific bioaerosol detection and ready for integration with our aerosol sampling and sensing platform. | Technical area 1: creating indoor air biosensors;Technical area 3: optimizing building systems for healthier indoor air; | |
| Green Moon Innovations LLC | John Luta, CEO | johnluta@greenmoon.tech | jluta@marian.edu | Indianapolis, IN | Green Moon Innovations is primarily focused on development and commercialization of nanotechnology applications developed by our C0-Founder and CSO Dr. Victor Castaño PhD. Physics with the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico. One such application is for a novel, long-lasting, nontoxic, broad spectrum antimicrobial which in laboratory testing has proven to be effective against airborne bacteria, viruses, and fungi without hazard to human life. | We believe firmly that upon further testing/validation our antimicrobial will have a meaningful impact on the quality of indoor air, and are seeking partners with expertise in ventilation with whom we can...Build Resilient Environments for Air and Total HEalth. | Technical area 3: optimizing building systems for healthier indoor air; |
| OnsiteGene, Inc. | Yanhui Liu, CEO | yliu@onsitegene.com | tgong@onsitegene.com | San Diego, California | OnsiteGene has developed a sample-to-answer real time PCR instrument called PeakV consisting of a 5-minute superfast real time PCR module of 40 thermal cycles, a 5-minute nucleic acid extraction module, and a cartridge. The 5-minute PCR module, called XDive, is commercially available and has obtained FDA EUA clearance for CoVID, the LOD is 833 copies/mL. PeakV is capable of sample-to-answer autonomous tests in 20 minutes and detects 64 targets in one run. It is an open platform and other TaqMan assays can work on the system. The system has 16 independent reaction tubes (64 targets) currently and can be extended to 32 reaction tubes (128 targets). The number of tubes can be chosen based on the need of the application. Each tube has 4 optical channels now, and it can increase to 6 optical channels, which will increase the multiplexing capability further. It is a cartridge-based system. Both instruments and cartridges are low cost and easy to manufacture and maintain. At Onsitegene, we leverage our in-house ISO13485-certified facility for the comprehensive design and manufacturing of nucleic acid testing instruments, reagents, consumables, and kits. Our research focus is on cartridge based, superfast, multiplexing and low cost real time PCR instruments. | We are excited about the BREATHE Program because it aligns perfectly with the capabilities of our PeakV sample-to-answer 20-minute nucleic acid testing instrument (https://www.onsitegene.com/peakv-instrument). With minor adaptations, such as integrating an automatic air sampler and autonomous operation modules, our instrument can meet the BREATHE technical demands for continuous, unmanned pathogen monitoring. Our participation and successful completion of NIH's RDAx program has validated our capability to contribute effectively to the BREATHE Program. We are looking for partners in TA2 and TA3. | Technical area 1: creating indoor air biosensors; |
| KiposTech | Hema Ravindran, Cofounder & CEO | hemaravindran@kipostech.com | raj.singh@kipostech.com | Columbia, PA | KiposTech is a hard-tech startup innovating air disinfection through non-thermal plasma technology. Our 'lightning in a box' in-duct and in-room hardware achieves >99% kill of all airborne pathogens and >90% removal of particles (0.01-10µm) in a single pass, with milli sec residence times fitting HVAC units—surpassing traditional methods like UVC. We remove bioburden from indoor spaces using one standalone technology, killing respiratory viruses and other high-risk, resistant airborne pathogens are our niche. We complement HEPA and MERV. We operate at high flow rates of 400-2000 cfm. Our hardware is plug-and-play, fitting into existing HVAC without structural modifications, not impeding airflow, featuring no moving parts, low pressure drop, and minimal maintenance requirements. Versatile in design, our hardware fits into any building type and adapts across different floors to meet varying ACH needs. We meet all program metrics outlined in Table 1, Sec 1.4, Pg -19 of the ARPA-H solicitation, including meeting high intervention efficacy, significant ROI, with automation features in our hardware. As specified on Pg. 8, point 3 of TA3, KiposTech’s innovative system aligns with the new technologies sought by ARPA-H, effectively closing the loop on protecting occupants from health risks associated with harmful bioaerosols (Fig.1, Pg. 7, TA3). | Partners for 1. Indoor Air Biosensors (TA1), 2. Respiratory Risk Assessment Software (TA2) KiposTech is an early-stage startup. Our team combines scientific expertise with business acumen, and we are critically data-driven. We know the grind this proposal calls for, we are nimble and have fire in our bellies to succeed. | Technical area 3: optimizing building systems for healthier indoor air; |
| Signature Science, LLC | Amy Benefield, PhD , Epidemiologist and Data Scientist | abenefield@signaturescience.com | pnagraj@signaturescience.com | Austin, Texas | SIGNATURE SCIENCE (SigSci) offers technology and subject matter expertise relevant to BREATHE’s mission in the following areas: epidemiological risk assessment and prediction, bioinformatics, and software development for pathogen threat detection. Environmental Risk Assessment Tools for Respiratory Pathogens: SigSci developed a modelling approach, originally for COVID-19, called CEAT. It allows users to estimate respiratory risk under various scenarios. It provides insights into how protective mitigation, occupancy, individual and group behavior, epidemiological, environmental, facility, and disease factors can affect risk levels from airborne transmission or inhalation from infectious respiratory particles (IRPs). Reference: https://www.science.org/doi/epdf/10.1126/sciadv.abq0593 Epidemiological Modeling and Outbreak Analytics: A TA2 risk model could be informed by epidemiological modeling to establish baseline risk estimates that can be combined with measurement data from indoor air biosensors (TA1). We have been active in the development of custom modeling techniques for respiratory disease outcomes at national, state, and local jurisdictions. We conduct operational near-term forecasting through hub consortia (FluSight, COVID-19 Forecast Hub, DoD Forecasting Challenge). Reference: https://www.signaturescience.com/vignette/focus/ Software Development for Pathogen Detection: We offer capability that can support TA1 performers with innovative custom assay design capabilities for emerging threats, leveraging expertise in pathogen biology, functional genomics, and microbial bioinformatics. Reference: https://www.signaturescience.com/vignette/biothreat-detection/ | We are actively seeking partners to support BREATHE priorities for TA1 and TA3. Examples of capabilities of interest include, but are not limited to, the following: 1) Biosensors for rapid identification of infectious respiratory particles (IRPs); 2) Occupancy sensor and airflow monitoring technologies to dynamically assess indoor space characteristics; 3) Operational experience implementing healthy building controls and interventions; and 4) Economic assessment expertise in quantifying cost of implementation given risk reduction benefit. We are seeking teams that would be interested in us supporting their TA2 approach through the use of our respiratory pathogen risk assessment tools and our epidemiological modeling approaches. Additionally, we would look to use the risk assessment tool to support TA3 approaches by using it to evaluate the effectiveness of mitigations and to assist in the optimization of mitigations, addressing costs, energy consumption, risk reduction and facility operations. | Technical area 2: developing respiratory risk assessment software; |
| University of Massachusetts Amherst, Center for Smart and Connected Society | Prashant Shenoy, Distinguished Professor | shenoy@cs.umass.edu | Amherst, MA | We are a group of Engineers and Computer Scientists who have more than a decade experience working on smart and healthy buildings from the perspective of sensing, controls, and overall building management. We also work in the area of mobile health (mHealth). We have worked on novel approaches for indoor air quality sensing using mobile devices and also have experience with human-in-the-loop sensing systems that can obtain or provide user feedback. We have also built numerous software and hardware prototypes, built smart buildign testbeds and conducted user studies to evaluate effectiveness. | We have expertise in technical area 3 and are looking to form a team with researchers in technical areas 1 and 2. We are also looking to talk to industry partners in technical area 3. | Technical area 3: optimizing building systems for healthier indoor air; | |
| Drexel University, Dept of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering | James Lo, Associate Professor | ljl55@drexel.edu | plg28@drexel.edu | https://drexel.edu/engineering/academics/departments/civil-architectural-environmental-engineering/ | Based on our faculty expertise, Drexel is well poised to contribute strongly to TAs 2 and 3, and also to work with team members on TA 1 elements. We have expertise in microbial analytics, risk assessment, epidemiology, environmental monitoring and modeling, pathogen transmission, building control and operation, computational fluid dynamics, economic analysis, and community engagement and interactions. Because of these research areas, we have expertise to carry out the following activities. For TA2, we will create dose-response risk models using epidemiological data, considering occupant factors. Software will generate risk assessments based on measured concentrations. Dynamic thresholds for mitigation actions will be established, in collaboration with TA3. For TA3, we will develop methods to enable automated responses by Building Automation Systems triggered by risk modeling, develop control strategies to mitigate indoor pathogens, explore cost-benefit analyses, and work to present actionable communication strategies to occupants. | We are actively seeking a collaborative partner for TA1 who possesses the necessary technology, either already in use or soon to be deployed, capable of measuring the comprehensive suite of analytes specified in the RFP. This partner should have the capability to generate a continuous and reliable data stream that can be integrated into our anticipated building performance and risk models. | Technical area 2: developing respiratory risk assessment software;Technical area 3: optimizing building systems for healthier indoor air; |
| RTX Technologies Research Center | Joseph Mantese, Sr. Research Fellow | Joseph.Mantese@rtx.com | alison.gotkin@rtx.com | East Hartford, CT | Aerospace and defense | RTRC could provide platform validation and sensor production. | Technical area 3: optimizing building systems for healthier indoor air;Technical area 1: creating indoor air biosensors; |
| Raytheon Technology Research Center | Alison Gotkin, Associate Director, Business Development | gotkinae@rtx.con | Joseph Mantese | East Hartford CT | RTRC has been interested in research around air pathogens in both buildings and aircraft cabins for over 20 years. We are interested in being the system integrator for these devices. The research center is 95 years old and does research to support our business units, Pratt & Whitney, Collins Aerospace, and Raytheon. Looking forward to potential collaboration. | We are looking for a device manufacturer and we would serve as a system integrator. | Technical area 3: optimizing building systems for healthier indoor air; |
| NS Nanotech, Inc. | Seth Coe-Sullivan, CEO | seth@nsnanotech.com | Ann Arbor, MI | We are developing solid state light sources in the far-UVC, a region of spectrum where light can deactivate virus and bacteria, without exceeding known exposure limits for human safety in skin and eyes. | We can be a small part of TA3 with our existing light sources, as well as develop new sources tailored to the closed loop requirement of BREATHE. | Technical area 3: optimizing building systems for healthier indoor air; | |
| Convergent Research | Ales Flidr, Program Associate | ales@convergentresearch.org | glagoudas@gmail.com | Arlington, MA | Far-UVC emitters, IAQ sensors, safety and efficacy studies. Metagenomic sequencing. | Partnering on studies. | Technical area 1: creating indoor air biosensors;Technical area 2: developing respiratory risk assessment software;Technical area 3: optimizing building systems for healthier indoor air; |
| Yale University | Jordan Peccia, Professor | jordan.peccia@yale.edu | New Haven, CT | Our team has focused on the application of molecular biology-based tools to understand human exposure to and human health impacts of pathogens and allergens in the environment. We have more than 20 years of experience working with indoor aerosols and the built environment (homes, schools, hospitals) and operate one of the world's longest running wastewater surveillance programs. | Looking to partner with teams that have interest in allergen detection and understanding the emissions, fate, transport, and human exposure to allergen in buildings. | Technical area 1: creating indoor air biosensors;Technical area 3: optimizing building systems for healthier indoor air; | |
| Nucleic Sensing Systems | Edgar Rudberg, CEO | ed@ns2co.com | mark@ns2co.com | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Nucleic Sensing Systems is developing the world’s only field-deployable, autonomous, web-connected monitoring tool able to report real-time data on environmental DNA (eDNA). By taking humans out of the loop, we connect autonomous high-frequency sampling with geospatial data to better monitor biological activity. We thereby empower our customers to connect autonomous high-frequency sampling data with geospatial data to better monitor, predict, and mitigate biological activity. | We are seeking partners with the ability to develop respiratory risk assessment software and optimize building systems for healthier indoor air. | Technical area 1: creating indoor air biosensors; |
| Carnegie Mellon University | Mario Bergés, Professor | marioberges@cmu.edu | Pittsburgh, PA | My lab has experience developing hardware and software solutions for building energy monitoring and controls. Particularly relevant to this call is our work on safe and sample-efficient machine-learning based control of HVAC systems. From a disciplinary stand point, the lab draws from tools and knowledge in building science, civil/computer/electrical engineering and machine learning. From an application stand point, the group has expertise in occupancy monitoring/estimation, electricity monitoring and disaggregation, building automation system protocols, fault detection and diagnosis for HVAC, and other related areas. | We are comfortable contributing solutions to address TA-3, and would seek to partner with experts addressing TA-1 and TA-2. | Technical area 3: optimizing building systems for healthier indoor air; | |
| University of Minnesota | Chris Hogan, Professor | hogan108@umn.edu | Minneapolis, MN | My laboratory generally focuses on aerosol science, with a specific emphasis on aerosol physics and transport, and the design of aerosol sampling systems and measurement instruments. We design unique virtual impactor concentrators, able to sample >1000 liters per minute of flow and concentrate particles in the 0.5-10 micrometer diameter range to 1 liter per minute of flow. We achieve such concentration increases by coupling virtual impactors in series (2-3 stages in series). These systems can be coupled with downstream in-flight analysis approaches and collection systems for bioaerosol analysis. Our sampling systems are optimized through a combined simulation-experimental approach, where we simulate hundreds of nozzle designs to identify nozzles which minimizes losses of large particles, and maximize inertial separation of smaller particles from flow streamlines. We believe sample concentration in-flight is going to be an essential step in biosensor implementation to overcome signal limitations. | We are looking for partners able to design biosensors with the specificity to identify more than 25 pathogens on a rapid time scale. Our group has experience in the design and optimization of aerosol collection systems, and can design virtual impactor concentrator-collection systems to be coupled with nearly any sensor. We are also looking for partners for TA2 and TA3. | Technical area 1: creating indoor air biosensors; | |
| University of Texas at Dallas | Hui Ouyang, Assistant Professor | Hui.Ouyang@utdallas.edu | Dallas, Texas | Our Aerosol Measurement & Control (AMC) lab at UTD is dedicated to advancing aerosol physics fundamentals, with a particular focus on investigating the transport and control of bioaerosols within indoor environments. Presently, our research involves conducting lab measurements to understand the viability decay of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in airborne conditions. Additionally, we are committed to fostering the standardization of aerobiology lab studies. This includes enhancing the characterization of bioaerosols in terms of size, concentration, and physical decay, as well as improving sampling devices and refining protocols. Moreover, we aim to elevate the biological characterization of bioaerosols, encompassing RNA/DNA analysis and viability assessments. | Our lab at UTD can contribute specifically to chamber tests and wind tunnel tests for bioaerosol control technologies and biosensors. We look forward to collaborations with all technical areas. | Technical area 3: optimizing building systems for healthier indoor air; | |
| Agentis Air LLC | Larry Rothenberg, President | lrothenberg@agentisair.com | rothenberglarry@gmail.com | Rockville Maryland | Agentis Air is developing air filtration technology that is energy efficient and can be adjusted in real time in response to demand due to building occupancy and/or IAQ threat measurements. This real time variability allows the technology to power a "smart" filtration system when connected to a building control system and IAQ sensors, so filtration level (and energy draw) are set based on IAQ targets and energy minimization goals. AA has released several stand-alone air purification products with this technology, as well as full scale commercial prototypes for both HVAC systems and air exchangers. | We are looking for teaming partners that are capable of providing project management and technical capabilities responsive to TA1 and TA2. Our goal is to provide one filtration component responsive to TA3, namely a dynamically variable HVAC filter operated by the facility control system in response to sensor and occupancy data. | Technical area 3: optimizing building systems for healthier indoor air; |
| Vibrant Building Technologies | Stephen Horowitz, CTO | steve@vibrantbt.com | michael@vibrantbt.com | Norwalk, CT | Vibrant Building Technologies is a rapidly growing tech startup developing a suite of home automation products. Our premiere product is an innovative air purification system combining extensive air quality monitoring and advanced purification controls. As an organization, we bring expertise in microsensor development, (optical/spectral, chemical, piezoelectric, capacitive, and other transduction methods), sensor integration and automation, IoT, electronics design, electrical and mechanical engineering, medical/physiological research, air quality sensing, air purification system design and technology development, machine-learning, and software development, as well as physical interventions to improve air quality. We are also an experienced proposer and performer on government-funded research and development efforts. | While we can participate and contribute to varying levels across all technical areas of ARPA-H BREATHE, we are seeking potential teaming partners in the following areas: 1) Specialized expertise in biosensor development (design and fabrication) and or novel biosensing technologies. We have expertise in microsensor and nanosensor development but seek targeted experts in functionalizing and/or customizing sensors for relevant biological detection. We can provide sensor integration, data collection, and automation, including electronics, system control, communications, algorithms, and data analysis. In particular, we seek a partner with access (in-house or other) to relevant facilities for prototype fabrication of sensors at low volumes for R&D. 2) Medical expertise, particularly in air quality impacts on physiological parameters and long-term health. Also, partners with experience in designing and running medical research studies would be beneficial. 3) Partners with access to commercial building spaces for test and evaluation. | Technical area 1: creating indoor air biosensors;Technical area 2: developing respiratory risk assessment software;Technical area 3: optimizing building systems for healthier indoor air; |
| Applied Photonix LLC | Lovely Goswami, President and COO | l.goswami@holtec.com | goswami@usf.edu | Tampa, FL | We have developed an indoor air disinfection technology based on a Plasmonic Photonic process. This is the most advanced technology that integrates with the central air conditioning (HVAC) systems of buildings. It has been tested at a third party lab for efficacy against all kinds of microorganisms and VOCs. Test results show greater than 5 log reduction of DNA and RNA type of viruses, Gram Positive and Gram Negative bacteria and Bacillus Subtilis and Aspergillus Niger spores in indoor air in less than 20 minutes when the air is moving at 500 CFM. We plan to commercialize our systems for hospitals, airports, commercial, schools and residential buildings. | We are looking for partners that either assist our technology (sensors etc.) or can use our technology. | Technical area 3: optimizing building systems for healthier indoor air; |
| University of Maryland | Jelena Srebric, Ph.D., Margaret G. and Frederick H. Kohloss Chaired Professor in Mechanical Engineering | jsrebric@umd.edu | College Park, MD | City@UMD (Center for Sustainability in the Built Environment) at the University of Maryland was established in 2019 to revolutionize the physical infrastructure in cities through sustainable distributed systems providing healthy and comfortable environments, energy efficiency, and clean water. The current focus of center’s research is on measurements and multi-scale modeling of built infrastructure to provide reliable assessments of how these systems affect occupant respiratory health, and building energy consumption. Our most recent work focuses on personal protective equipment and personal comfort systems to improve health and comfort outcomes for occupants. City@UMD’s work spans multiple-scale because we are looking for subscale processes and engineered devices that benefit building occupants and can positively influence emerging properties at the city infrastructure scale. | We are looking for corporate partners to use our sensing technology, analytical solutions and provide services to facility mangers in educational facilities. | Technical area 1: creating indoor air biosensors;Technical area 2: developing respiratory risk assessment software;Technical area 3: optimizing building systems for healthier indoor air; | |
| University of Illinois at Chicago - (bioAerium / AMFBG) | Igor Paprotny, Associate Professor | paprotny@uic.edu | caffrey@uic.edu | Chicago, IL | Our technology enables real-time multi-pathogen sensing from air using highly sensitive optimized nucleic acid amplification (NAA) techniques. We can sense for a panel of airborne pathogens, including COVID-19, H5N1, RSV, measles, as well as their mutations. Our technology is equivalent to optimized PCR from air, including front-end concentration and precipitation stage, reaction and detection microfluidics. We can multiplex multiple pathogens, 5 per well, and more than 100 wells at a time if needed, our time to detection is 30 min, with LOD of 1virion/10L air. We can continuously sample and detect due to microfabricated well form factor. Our technique can be quickly adapted to different pathogens as their genetic sequence emerges (https://www.bioaerium.com/) | Our research consortium, Air Microfluidic and Bio-surveillance Group (AMFBG) (https://amfg.lab.uic.edu/) is seeking partners to help us address TA2 and TA3. | Technical area 1: creating indoor air biosensors; |
| | Poppy Health Inc. | Sam Molyneux, Co-CEO | sam@poppy.com | ec@poppy.com | Mountain View, California | Poppy Health is the global leader in advanced indoor air measurement technology for infectious aerosol control. We have unique and extensive real-world experience that spans the very core vision of this program, across airborne pathogen detection / alerting, spatial and temporal airborne infection risk monitoring and responsive building mitigations. We collaborate extensively with global HVAC and building controls leaders. Through this we have served >1,000 customer locations (35M sqft+) across 25 cities in the US and Europe, covering nearly all typical and industrial environments. We have developed, deployed and scaled massively multiplexed DNA & real-time aerosol tracer solutions that enable direct, accurate, calibrated and standard-backed (ASHRAE 241) engineering control mitigations. We are the only provider of real-time aerosol tracer hardware, software and data systems that can be used as installed and kit-based solutions. We deliver Standard 241 particle decay measurement at scale today, and implement this for diverse space types. We are a strong technology integrator, with sophisticated cloud computing, machine learning, data fusion, and sensor systems, along with rapid hardware development capabilities. Our team previously commercialized and operationalized the IARPA FUSE program ($133M), participated in the X-Prize AI for Global Good, lead the CZI Computable Knowledge AI program. | We have an exceptional TA2 and TA3 plan for BREATHE, and are looking for TA1 performers to join a leading set of industrial, government and academic collaborators in this visionary program. | Technical area 2: developing respiratory risk assessment software;Technical area 3: optimizing building systems for healthier indoor air; |
| Nano Lab at Tufts University | Sameer Sonkusale, Professor and Director of Nano Lab | sameer@ece.tufts.edu | Boston MA | Develop chemical and biological sensors for healthcare and environment. | To address Technical Area 3: We are looking for partners in developing smart infrastructure for healthier air using novel and scalable disinfection platforms. Partners in sensing and software are welcome. | Technical area 1: creating indoor air biosensors;Technical area 2: developing respiratory risk assessment software; |