This Phase I Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) project seeks to demonstrate the feasibility of an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-augmented Raman scanner, small and portable for the warfighter, that can rapidly detect, identify and differentiate viral and bacterial pathogens and their variants. The proposed device would protect warfighters and civilians alike in a wide range of challenging field environments. Current fieldable pathogen detection technologies: Have limited panels of biothreats for detection Are time-consuming because a sample needs to be tested individually for each biothreat of interest Have major issues with false negative/positive results and reagent stability Are expensive - consumables include swabs, reagents, and collection bags Do not support outbreak analytics and outbreak response The proposed solution leverages a Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) Raman scanner, ruggedized and augmented by SBIR-derived AI innovations. The electronic detection method eliminates the need for expensive consumables that can range from $80 to $450 per analysis, enabling unlimited analysis at less than one cent per analysis. The proposed devices also will be networked and interoperable to support outbreak analytics and outbreak response.
