Four innovative start-ups awarded Foundation BRAG funding to advance USF technologies

The University of South Florida Foundation and the University of South Florida Research Foundation are proud to announce the latest recipients of Foundation Bull Ring Accelerator Grants (BRAG). This program, designed to support early-stage start-ups affiliated with the Tampa Bay Technology Incubator (TBTI), provides critical funding to help bridge the challenging
"valley of death" that many nascent technology companies face on their path to commercialization.

The following four companies have been selected following a rigorous and competitive process to receive up to $25,000 each in BRAG funding:

Actualization AI
Founder: John Licato
Innovation: A cutting-edge tool designed to analyze the vulnerability of chatbots to security risks. This technology is crucial in today's digital age, where the security of automated communication systems is paramount.

Rubiconcrete
Founder: John Cotter
Innovation: A revolutionary concrete mixture that is not only waterproof but can also benailed and assembled with screws. This material offers a significant reduction in construction costs while delivering superior performance compared to traditional
materials.

MUSB Research
Founders: Shalini Jain, Hariom Yadov
Innovation: A novel probiotic enhancement aimed at treating leaky gut syndrome, a condition affecting millions. This innovative approach promises to improve gut health and overall well-being.

TheraSINE
Founder: Hana Totary-Jain
Innovation: A procedure that shows how microRNA target sequences could be added to guide RNA to selectively edit genes. This cutting-edge science could revolutionize RNA therapies.

The Foundation BRAG program is a joint initiative aimed at supporting companies that have been formed based on technologies licensed from the University of South Florida. Eligible companies must be TBTI members, have an active license or option to USF
technology, and be in good standing with USF.

"These competitively awarded grants and the all-important application process are instrumental in helping to reduce the risks associated with early-stage technology development," said Chip Newton, USF Foundation Board member and BRAG Committee chair. "By providing this funding, we aim to help these fledgling enterprises reach a stage where they can attract other, larger grants, private capital and/o r further partnerships, thus aiding successful commercialization of important technologies and
furthering the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem at USF."

"This year's BRAG recipients exemplify the groundbreaking potential within USF's ecosystem," said Sylvia Wilson Thomas, PhD, Vice President for USF Research & Innovation and President/CEO of the USF Research Foundation, Inc. "By supporting these
innovative start-ups, we are fostering a pathway from research to real-world impact. These grants not only accelerate the commercialization process but also strengthen the entrepreneurial spirit that drives USF's commitment to advancing technology and improving lives."