The 2020 Atlanta Center for Microsystems-Engineered Point-of-Care Technologies (ACME POCT) call for pilot projects invites proposals related to development, refinement, testing, and/or commercialization of innovative* microsystems-based point-of-care (POC) devices that are likely to create a high impact** upon application and use. This year’s call especially encourages proposals for devices designed to address the unique clinical needs and constraints that exist in low resource settings. As such, proposals should be geared toward improving access to rapid, accurate test results, screening methods, and/or improve monitoring, and/or improve care management to address unmet clinical needs existing in low-resource settings. Low resource settings include any setting where there is limited access to healthcare and healthcare technology including international health settings and rural health settings that exist both internationally and domestically.
ACME POCT supports projects that involve microsystems-based POC technologies, which we define as POC technologies that are enabled by microscale devices with characteristic feature sizes of <1 mm and may be comprised of microelectromechanical systems-based sensors, biosensors, microfluidic components, or even smartphone-based systems, and the data analysis thereof.
In this year’s call we will prioritize funding proposals that fall under the auspices of the clinical theme of meeting clinical needs in low resource settings. Because microsystems are often portable, they are ideal for fabrication and use in low-resource settings. Additionally, novel technologies and novel applications of existing technologies can offer connectivity to commonly used smart devices, internet networks and Bluetooth technology for efficient collection, storage and dissemination of data even in the most resource-poor environments. Therefore, applicants should consider how their devices can be best designed and positioned for successful use in such low resource settings.
*Innovative in this context may be defined as novel technology, novel application or novel dissemination techniques to solve a clinical problem in the target setting.
**Impact is defined as the likelihood for the project to exert a sustained, powerful influence on the targeted field of use.
Two major areas of impact to address are:
· A. Clinical Impact (i.e., the number of patients who could be benefited) and
· B. Business impact (i.e., the generation of sufficient revenues to sustain and promote future innovations).
This year, project applications should:
1. Include a microsystems component (sensor, fluidic or wearable)
2. Address a clinical need and/or solve a clinical problem that exists in a low-resource setting
3. Clearly articulate the potential impact (both clinical and business impact) on the target user and community
4. Account for challenges in low-resource settings (including but not limited to power, waste, disposal, cost, governmental and personnel considerations, as applicable)
5. Include team members with relevant and appropriate healthcare and engineering expertise
6. Identify and demonstrate evidence that the appropriate decision makers and stakeholders will be receptive to the proposed solution
7. Consider human factors and cultural appropriateness in design choices
Finally, note that highly innovative and/or commercially competitive microsystems-based POC technologies that do not directly address problems in low resource settings will still be considered.
Questions? Contact: Erika.acmepoct@gmail.com
