Four firms win Tedco funding for Ft. Detrick tech transfer

BYLINE: Scott Dance

Four companies working on medical- and health-related technologies with military applications have been awarded $50,000 each to develop the projects in tandem with researchers at Ft. Detrick in Frederick.

The Maryland Technology Development Corp., known as Tedco, announced the $200,000 award Wednesday. The grants came from the Ft. Detrick Technology Transfer Initiative, an $800,000 fund founded in 2005 to promote commercialization of technology developed on the base, where the U.S. Army conducts medical research.

The grant recipients are Active Signal Technologies Inc., Designturn Inc., Integrated BioTherapeutics Inc. and Maas BioLAB LLC, according to a release.

Linthicum-based Active Signal is developing a stethoscope that the Army can use amid loud noise on the battlefield.

Wellesley, Mass.-based Designturn is designing a system to deliver nutrients in personal drinking water without the risk of contamination.

Integrated BioTherapeutics, based in Frederick, is analyzing anti-infective vaccines and drugs.

Maas BioLAB, of Albuquerque, N.M., is testing a treatment for brain injuries and nerve agent exposure on the battlefield.

Tedco made the announcement alongside the U.S. Army Medical Research and Material Command and the Frederick County Office of Economic Development. Tedco is a quasi-state agency that promotes the commercialization of research and technology developed in government labs or higher education institutions.

Eleven companies have benefited from the fund, according to a Tedco release. Each company is eligible for a maximum of $50,000. At least $300,000 was drawn from the fund in 2006.