ControlPoint Inc. Chosen for National Science Foundation SBIR Grant

Animal diagnostics startup among recipients selected for federal financial fuel

Campbell, Calif. – ControlPoint Inc., an animal diagnostics company focused on developing tests that can be used by anyone, anywhere, has received a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF).  SBIR programs fund startups and small businesses to stimulate technological innovation, meet research and development (R&D) needs, and increase commercialization.

The NSF grant will be used to demonstrate the initial feasibility of detecting several pathogens identified to cause kennel cough in dogs in a single device.  Launched in 2020, ControlPoint is on a mission to improve the health and well-being of animals around the globe. Since launching, the company has filed their provisional patent, demonstrated proof of concept and initiated product development.

“NSF is proud to support the technology of the future by funding the most creative, impactful ideas across all markets and areas of science and engineering,” said Carol Bessel, Acting Division Director within Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP) directorate at NSF. “With the support of our research funds, deep technology startups or small businesses can guide basic science into meaningful solutions that address tremendous needs.”

“Receiving an NSF grant is an honor for us and will enable us to continue our work in bringing a fast, cost-effective and easy-to-use solution to veterinarians,” said ControlPoint CEO Paula Walker.  “Kennel cough is a common but debilitating ailment.  The SBIR grant will allow us to move ahead with testing, validation, prototype manufacturing, clinical sample evaluation and reporting procedures. Thanks to the SBIR grant, we will be able to move ahead more quickly and efficiently in bringing point-of-service testing to animal health providers.”

Canine respiratory infections, commonly called kennel cough, result in more than 5 million veterinary visits/year in the U.S.  In 90% of the cases, dogs are treated based on empirical data or an educated guess; fewer than 10% of dogs are actually tested.  Even when tested, results may take several days to a week. The proposed project will develop a diagnostic test that will provide veterinarians a cost-effective, easy-to-use single test that can detect a wide range of organisms and provide results within minutes of the sample collection.

SBIR grants are known as “America’s Seed Fund.”  The selection process is highly competitive and designed to encourage domestic small businesses to engage in R&D with the potential for commercialization.  Grants are distributed across all 50 states and U.S. territories.

 About ControlPoint Inc.

ControlPoint Inc. is an animal diagnostics company focused on developing tests that could be used by anyone, anywhere, providing results within minutes. We are currently working on a point-of-care test that identifies multiple pathogens, providing veterinarians with an easy-to-use and fast test.  To learn more, visit www.controlpointdx.com.

For press inquires contact info@controlpointdx.com or Sharon Polk, 913-221-5834; spolk@dmgcommunication.com