The Scaling to Solutions (STS) Grant Program supports North Carolina universities and nonprofit research institutes in advancing innovative life sciences technologies that address specific research challenges and have the potential for real-world application and commercialization.

The STS program provides up to two years of funding to accelerate promising technologies, research, data generation, and scalable solutions. The program is intended to advance life sciences technologies and discoveries toward rapid commercialization or broader application.

This solicitation is open to proposals focused on Food Innovation within North Carolina, except personal protective equipment, solely AI-centered or in silico solutions, and/or mobile apps.  

This program will only fund life sciences-based projects.

Food Innovation topics of interest include but are not limited to:

• Gene editing for increased crop production
• Novel detection/diagnostic systems for food-borne pathogens, or food safety technologies
• Precision fermentation, traditional, and enzymatic fermentation - for emulsification, gelation, or nutrition enhancement
• Aquaculture/marine culture for food production
• Novel feed stocks and supplements for animal health and production
• Food production in challenging environments/conditions (soil depletion, salt intrusion, drought, unique terrains, etc.)
• Vertical farming and hydroponics
• Circular processing for food production and waste recycling
• Novel algae production for animal/human food
• Novel biodegradable/edible packaging materials
• Plant-based egg replacements
• Novel processing technologies to reduce sodium and sugar in preserved foods