SBIR-STTR Award

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on the development of techniques that will facilitate the design and development of affordable, compact, and patient-friendly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems. MRI systems are the preferred modality for a range of imaging types, notably pediatrics, due to their superior diagnostic capabilities, high resolution, and minimal side effects. However, traditional MRI experiences can be daunting for children due to the confined and noisy environment, often leading to alternatives such as the use of anesthesia for an MRI scan or the use of computerized tomography (CT), which exposes them to high levels of ionizing radiation. The objective of this project is to innovate novel techniques for developing a new generation of scanners, with a focus on creating child-friendly imaging experiences. These groundbreaking techniques have the potential to introduce new classes of MRI scanners, expand the imaging market, and democratize MRI systems to communities in need worldwide._x000D_ _x000D_ The intellectual merit of this project focuses on the development of B1 imaging approaches. While traditional MRI scanners rely on B0 gradient coils for spatial encoding, B1 coils have previously been shown to spatially encode, but they remain widely under-used and under-developed. The goal of this effort is to demonstrate the viability and expand upon the B1 imaging approach known as Frequency-modulated Rabi-Encoded Echoes (aka, FREE), specifically, frequency-encoded and phase-encoded FREE. FREE is unique from other B1 imaging approaches because of its high immunity to magnetic imperfections. FREE, unlike other approaches, can appropriately image in highly inhomogeneous (and inexpensive) magnets. A scanner built around FREE would take advantage of the cost savings that come with removing B0 gradient coils and from reducing the homogeneity of a magnet. An MRI scanner utilizing FREE would be more affordable, compact, and silent. This project will focus on demonstrating two- and three-dimensional imaging on a compact, affordable, and inhomogeneous 0.5 Tesla system, thereby demonstrating the capability of B1 imaging approaches._x000D_ _x000D_ This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project focuses on the commercialization of a novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) platform. Leveraging an innovative system architecture, the new platform provides silent, high-quality magnetic resonance brain imaging while operating at just one-tenth the cost and footprint of traditional MRI systems. This dramatic reduction in size and cost will make advanced imaging technology accessible to communities across the United States, particularly in rural areas where traditional MRI installations are not feasible. The platform achieves clinical equivalency to modern scanners while requiring minimal infrastructure, representing a breakthrough solution for widespread medical imaging access. The broad deployment of this affordable and effective MRI technology will accelerate the diagnosis of strokes, dementia, and head trauma, potentially saving thousands of lives and improving patient outcomes in communities throughout the nation. The intellectual merit of this project centers around B1 encoding, a novel methodology in designing MRI systems. Unlike traditional MRI architecture that relies on large, expensive, and loud electromagnets known as B0 gradient coils, this approach enables their partial or complete elimination. By removing these components, the system saves hundreds of pounds in weight and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cost, while enabling greater portability. At its core, B1 encoding represents a fundamental reimagining of MRI system design that promises to maintain clinical value while drastically reducing system complexity and cost. The neuro-imaging MRI system powered by this technology will be the first commercial system to demonstrate high-quality imaging without the use of B0 gradient coils. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.