USF Selects Start-Ups for Innovation Awards: Pioneering Device Grants Revealed

Deal News | Jun 09, 2025 | University of South Florida

USF Selects Start-Ups for Innovation Awards: Pioneering Device Grants Revealed

The University of South Florida, through its Foundation and Research Foundation, has granted Foundation Bull Ring Accelerator Grants (BRAG) to three innovative start-up companies affiliated with the Tampa Bay Technology Incubator. These companies—MediMirror, QuantumSilicon Clocks, and SPKL—were selected to receive up to $25,000 each for their innovations. MediMirror has developed a polarized light mirror for early skin issue detection, which is planned for launch in 2025. QuantumSilicon Clocks offers a silicon-based atomic clock, with implications for various sectors like space and military navigation. SPKL has designed a device for early stroke detection by measuring blood flow differences in brain hemispheres. These grants aim to support the commercialization of these pioneering technologies.

Sectors

  • Healthcare and Medical Devices
  • Technology and Electronics

Geography

  • United States – The University of South Florida and the associated start-ups are located in the United States, focusing on innovations from the Tampa Bay area.

Industry

  • Healthcare and Medical Devices – The article discusses innovations in skin diagnostics and stroke detection devices, aligning with the healthcare and medical devices industry.
  • Technology and Electronics – QuantumSilicon Clocks' development of a silicon-based atomic clock falls under the technology and electronics industry.

Financials

  • 25000 – Individual grants awarded by the USF Foundation to each start-up for their innovations.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
University of South FloridaGrant ProviderCompanyThe institution providing financial backing to innovative projects through its Foundation and Research Foundation.
MediMirrorGrant RecipientCompanyStart-up developing devices for early skin issue detection utilizing polarized light.
QuantumSilicon ClocksGrant RecipientCompanyStart-up creating a more efficient silicon-based atomic clock for various applications.
SPKLGrant RecipientCompanyCompany developing a portable device for early stroke detection by examining brain blood flow.