Surf Internet Makes Waves in Knox, Indiana: A Fiber-Optic Revolution

Iowa Patent of the Month - October 2021

In a groundbreaking moment for the City of Knox, Indiana, Surf Internet has set its sights on transforming the digital landscape. On a sunny July 20th, Surf Internet joined forces with the Starke County Economic Development Foundation and the City of Knox to kick off a monumental construction project: delivering fiber-optic internet to the heart of the city.

With an ambitious investment of nearly $2 million, Surf is on a mission to provide fiber connectivity to 1,200 addresses this year alone. But the vision doesn’t stop there – by 2024, they’re planning to extend this high-speed privilege to over 1,600 homes. This ambitious undertaking is particularly remarkable due to the rural nature of Starke County.

Leveraging strategic grant funding, Surf is determined to connect even the most remote locations. Thanks to the Indiana Connectivity Program, Surf is ensuring that 20 rural addresses become part of the digital revolution. In a recent triumph, the company secured $79,500 in the program’s latest round of funding.

Gene Crusie, the visionary CEO of Surf, emphasized the significance of this endeavor. “Surf is the first company to step up and deploy fiber-optic broadband to Knox,” he stated. This commitment resonates deeply with the community, as it promises to transform lives, businesses, and educational institutions.

Scheduled for completion by summer 2024, the project encompasses various phases that will usher in a new era of connectivity. The fiber infrastructure lays the groundwork for Surf’s future plans, including introducing multi-gig speeds – a testament to their dedication to providing top-notch service.

Mayor Dennis Estok of Knox expressed his excitement, highlighting how high-speed, affordable internet will enhance the community. “We look forward to building a long-lasting community partnership with them,” Mayor Estok stated, underscoring the potential for positive change that Surf brings to the city.

This endeavor is part of Surf Internet’s broader mission: constructing an advanced fiber-optic network that blankets rural communities across the Great Lakes Region of Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan.

Surf Internet isn’t just providing internet connectivity – they’re crafting a gateway to the future. By bridging the digital divide in underserved areas, they’re empowering communities and demonstrating the transformative power of innovation. As the world becomes increasingly connected, Surf Internet is at the forefront of ensuring no one gets left behind.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Federal Initiatives Support AI Investment, Education and Feedback

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With a rapid growth in AI technology and publicly available AI models, the federal government is looking to support innovation while protecting Americans’ rights and safety in this new age. 

We saw a massive increase in growth following the release of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in November which quickly became the fastest-growing consumer app in history. This launch had domino effects, igniting a full-scale AI battle between all the big tech firms.

In support of this mission, the Biden-Harris administration has announced new efforts to advance R&D and deployment of responsible AI.The administration has announced 3 new efforts which aim to manage potential risks presented by AI systems. By investing in responsible research and development (R&D), the administration hopes to effectively and safely seize the opportunities that AI presents.

  1. National AI R&D Strategic Plan

The plan has been updated for the first time since 2019 – from the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). The roadmap outlines key priorities and goals for Federal investments in AI R&D.

The plan will incorporate 9 key strategies for investment in order to better understand the national AI R&D workforce needs and ensure long-term investments are made to support fundamental and responsible AI research.

  1. Request for Information (RFI) to inform the National AI Strategy

Requested by the OSTP, the RFI will help inform the strategy to chart a path to harness the benefits and mitigate the risks of AI.

OSTP is looking for public comments by July 7 to help update U.S. national priorities on future AI actions.

  1. New Report Released by Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology

The report will analyze the risks and opportunities related to AI in education including teaching, learning, research, and assessment. Opportunities may include new forms of interaction between educators and students while risks may include algorithmic bias and security risks.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Cedar Grove Cheese Awarded Dairy Processor Grant

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Cedar Grove Cheese Inc., a traditional and specialty cheese producer, has been granted funding from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection’s (DATCP) Dairy Processor Grant.

A total of 38 applicants submitted grant proposals to the Department with projects ranging from cheesemaker training to cybersecurity. The grant is intended to fund and support innovation to improve profitability and sustain the long-term viability of Wisconsin’s dairy processing facilities. Of the 28 applicants, 21 companies were selected.

A total of $400,000 was available for this year’s grants, with a maximum of $50,000 per project. Grant recipients are required to provide a match of at least 20 percent of the grant amount. DATCP received 38 grant requests totaling more than $1.5 million.

Founded in 1878, Cedar Grove Cheese has been providing Wisconsin with specialty cheeses for over a century. In December 1993, the company became the first in the country to assure its customers that all of their products were rBGH-free, which means there were no synthetic growth hormones involved. Shortly after, in 2001, the company decided all its products would be made exclusively with non-genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The company has continuously committed to R&D and innovation, ensuring they are leading the industry in traditional and specialty cheese production.

The other Dairy Processor Grant recipients and their planned projects are:

  • Chalet Cheese Cooperative, Monroe ‒ Create a marketing development plan.
  • Eau Galle Cheese Factory LLC, Durand ‒ Invest in a wastewater treatment plant.
  • Family Dairies USA, Madison ‒ Conduct a feasibility study for the ownership of a conversion facility.
  • Harmony Cheese LLC, Stratford ‒ Make processing improvements.
  • Klondike Cheese Co., Monroe ‒Invest in cybersecurity for cheese plants.
  • Landmark Creamery LLC, Paoli ‒ Invest in expansion and modernization.
  • Marieke House of Gouda LLC, Eau Claire ‒Invest and model for distance retail and remote sales.
  • Nasonville Dairy Inc., Marshfield ‒ Facilitate expansion and audit assistance.
  • Roelli Cheese Co. Inc., Shullsburg ‒ Invest in cheesemaker training and expansion.
  • Rosewood Dairy, Sturgeon Bay ‒ Fund installation of a wastewater tank.
  • Terry Woods LTD, Walworth ‒ Purchase comprehensive responsive software package.
  • Safety Fresh Foods LLC, Plymouth ‒ Invest in waste reduction and innovation.
  • Scoops Ice Cream, Chilton ‒ Invest in expansion and modernization.
  • Uplands Cheese, Dodgeville ‒ Develop new cheese plant engineering.
  • V&V Supremo, Browntown ‒ Invest in a plant modernization project.
  • Weber’s Farm Store, Marshfield ‒ Invest in flavor labels and expansion.
  • Westby Cooperative Creamery, Westby ‒ Develop packaging redesign.
  • Widmer’s Cheese Cellars Inc., Theresa ‒ Invest in plant modernization.
  • Winona Foods, Inc., Green Bay ‒ Invest in a leak detection system.
  • Wisconsin Whey Protein, Turtle Lake ‒ Complete dryer modification project at Turtle Lake plant.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, 

please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Unleashing Innovation: CorVent Medical’s Research and Development Journey

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CorVent Medical, a leading medical device company based in Fargo, North Dakota, has announced Jeremy Nelson as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Nelson’s extensive operational experience, spanning nearly two decades, positions him as a valuable addition to the company’s executive team.

With a robust background in supply chain, manufacturing, engineering, and automation, Nelson brings a wealth of expertise to his new role. Based at CorVent’s Fargo office, he will play a pivotal role in guiding the company’s operations and overseeing its expansion as it transitions from a startup to a fully-fledged commercial medical device enterprise.With CorVent’s recent move to a new 15,000-square-foot headquarters, Nelson’s appointment is a strategic move towards further enhancing the company’s operational capabilities.

Nelson’s vision for CorVent Medical is centered around developing a world-class medical device quality and operations team. He is committed to implementing best-in-class systems and processes that align with the company’s mission of delivering simple, yet sophisticated respiratory solutions for post-ICU and home environments. By leveraging the collective strengths of CorVent’s team, Nelson aims to maximize the company’s value for all stakeholders by cultivating a winning combination of people, processes, and systems that enable local production and global distribution of respiratory products.

CorVent Medical is a value-driven institution, developing the technology needed to improve access to critical care ventilation. Traditional systems have been limited by their complexity and cost. Through constant R&D, CorVent has developed robust and elegant solutions that are easy to use for daily and off-the-shelf ventilation so providers can focus on critical patient needs.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Harnessing Sustainable Power: Goosebay Sawmill & Lumber’s Research and Development Journey

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Goosebay Sawmill & Lumber, a prominent business in New Hampshire, is set to embark on an exciting venture thanks to new federal funding. With a focus on renewable energy and clean water initiatives, this investment aims to revitalize water infrastructure and introduce solar power to the business.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program, in collaboration with Congresswoman Annie Kuster, D-NH, is spearheading this transformative endeavor. The objective is twofold: expanding access to clean energy and creating essential infrastructure in rural communities across New Hampshire.

Congresswoman Kuster, a strong advocate for renewable energy, emphasizes the significance of this endeavor. She believes that supporting clean energy technology and reinforcing clean water infrastructure are essential for the state’s development. During a recent visit to Goosebay Sawmill & Lumber and Woody Hollow Cooperative, Kuster witnessed firsthand the positive impact that federal resources will have on these communities.

The funding for these initiatives has been secured through the Rural Energy for America Program and Water and Environmental Programs. Goosebay Sawmill & Lumber will receive a substantial grant of $44,602 from the Rural Energy for America Program. This grant will be dedicated to the purchase and installation of two solar arrays, a transformative step towards harnessing sustainable energy for the business.

Meanwhile, Woody Hollow will benefit from a generous grant of $800,000 and a $156,000 loan through the Water and Environmental Programs. This financial support will enable the community to replace its aging water infrastructure, ensuring access to clean and reliable water for all residents.

Carl Mahlstedt, the owner of Goosebay Sawmill & Lumber, expressed his excitement about the USDA Rural Development grant. He emphasized the positive impact it will have on their operations and the significant cost savings on energy expenses. By embracing solar energy, Goosebay Sawmill & Lumber is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable practices while bolstering its long-term viability.

The infusion of federal funding into these ventures signifies a pivotal moment for Goosebay Sawmill & Lumber and the local community. By embracing renewable energy and revitalizing water infrastructure, these initiatives will pave the way for a more sustainable future. 

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Revolutionizing Agriculture: EnGeniousAg’s Instant Nitrate Sensors

Oregon Patent of the Month - July 2022

Agtech sensor startup EnGeniousAg has secured a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation. Their innovative in-field nitrogen sensors are poised to transform the agricultural industry, revolutionizing fertilizer application and boosting both farmer profitability and environmental sustainability.

Nitrogen fertilizer is a costly input for corn farmers, with over $1 billion wasted annually. EnGeniousAg’s cutting-edge sensors measure nitrogen levels in crops in just three seconds, allowing farmers to make same-day nitrogen application decisions. By eliminating the need for costly lab testing and addressing excess nitrate runoff, EnGeniousAg sensors reduce the environmental impact of agriculture while enhancing farmer profitability.

EnGeniousAg’s revolutionary sensors offer a superior alternative to traditional soil nitrate tests. By directly measuring nitrate levels in plants, these sensors accurately identify the 10-30% of corn acres that won’t benefit from nitrogen fertilizer application. This breakthrough has the potential to save farmers up to $6 billion annually without compromising crop yields. EnGeniousAg’s sensors empower farmers with precise data, enabling them to apply fertilizer where it’s needed most, maximizing efficiency and reducing waste.

The company’s $1 million National Science Foundation Phase II Small Business Innovation Research grant signifies recognition and support for their groundbreaking work. This funding will facilitate large-scale field tests of corn grown under varying fertilizer application rates, validating and refining EnGeniousAg’s predictive model. By translating nitrate levels in corn stalks into fertilizer application recommendations, this research will enhance the company’s technology and pave the way for widespread adoption in the industry.

EnGeniousAg has partnered with precision agriculture companies Premier Crop Systems and Soil View to conduct field tests across multiple locations. By leveraging their expertise and resources, these collaborations will provide valuable insights into different nitrogen fertilizer application levels. This collaborative effort will work to ensure the reliability and versatility of EnGeniousAg’s technology, further strengthening its potential to transform farming practices and improve outcomes for farmers.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

IACMI: Leading the Charge in Composites Research and Development

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The Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI) is at the forefront of technological research and development in the composites manufacturing industry. Recently, IACMI announced a funding renewal from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that will support its continued efforts to accelerate commercialization and decarbonization through advanced composites technologies.

Over the past six years, IACMI has managed over 60 collaborative and industry-led technical projects, representing over $200 million in R&D investment, catalyzed more than 25 new composites-based products to commercialization, supported the creation of 3,000 jobs at composite materials and parts manufacturers, and spurred investment of $75 million in five states for R&D and scale-up facilities.

One such successful project was IACMI’s collaboration with Volkswagen of America to redesign and validate a liftgate for the VW Atlas using composites, reducing its weight by 35% and lowering its cost by 9% compared with steel. Another example is the scaling, manufacture and testing of novel thermoplastic wind turbine blades that are recyclable and lower in cost.

IACMI’s working groups are dedicated to R&D for high rate aerostructures fabrication, digital twins, future mobility, wind energy, infrastructure and construction, and the circular economy through recycling and novel materials.

Furthermore, IACMI has invested in a shared infrastructure for open-access composites manufacturing R&D capabilities with state economic development organizations and the DOE. These shared scale-up facilities include the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Carbon Fiber Technology Facility at ORNL, the Fibers and Composites Manufacturing Facility at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, the Laboratory for Systems Integrity and Reliability at Vanderbilt University, the Composites Laboratory at the University of Dayton Research Institute, the Composites Manufacturing & Simulation Center at Purdue University, the IACMI Scale-Up Research Facility (SuRF) managed by Michigan State University, and the Composites Manufacturing Education and Technology Facility (CoMET) at National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

IACMI’s continued efforts in the composites manufacturing industry have earned it the distinction of being the first clean energy institute to be renewed by the DOE, and it is one of 16 national Manufacturing USA institutes established to catalyze advanced manufacturing and materials applications. IACMI aims to further its mission by attracting startups and small enterprises, as well as large enterprises, national labs and universities.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

REGENT Unveils Full-Scale Model of All-Electric Seaglider Prototype

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REGENT, a company that is developing a revolutionary all-electric seaglider, recently unveiled a full-scale mock-up of its prototype. The company also announced plans to expand its global headquarters, which will include new manufacturing and test facilities. The expansion has the potential to fulfill $8 billion in commercial orders by 2025 at the headquarters in Rhode Island.

According to REGENT, its seaglider is the first vehicle to take off from a controlled hydrofoil to wingborne flight. The seaglider is designed with multiple redundancies in its all-electric distributed power system and automated flight software and sensor systems to provide operators with full situational awareness for navigation, object detection, and flight conditions.

The $50 million in funding has significantly accelerated the development of the seaglider prototype, including building and flying the first quarter-scale seaglider prototype to prove out the float-foil-fly mission. The cumulative learnings from more than a year of flight testing were used to inform the design of the full-scale seaglider. REGENT aims to deliver its product to market by the mid-decade, tailoring its vehicles to meet the diverse needs of its customers, including commercial transport, supply chain and logistics, and military defense applications.

REGENT’s seagliders are designed to revolutionize sustainable, maritime transportation in coastal communities, offering a fast, efficient, and emission-free solution. With 40% of the world’s population living in coastal communities, there is a dire need for a fundamentally new method of transportation to efficiently move people and cargo through coastal routes.

The seagliders will serve as a complementary addition, rather than a replacement, to traditional modes of maritime and airline transportation, which can be seamlessly integrated into customers’ existing fleets. Based on publicly validated data, REGENT’s studies show that its seagliders serve an $11 billion market that could swell to as much as $25 billion as battery technology advances.

REGENT envisions its vehicles to act as a bridge between coastal city centers, facilitating multi-modal transportation through coastal airports. The company has established a loyal customer base of major airlines and ferry operators, such as FRS in Germany, Ocean Flyer in New Zealand, and Southern Airways/Mokulele Airlines, who plan to deliver their first commercial passenger seagliders to once they hit the market. The seagliders will comprise the best features of both maritime and aviation transport, combining the speed and comfort of an airplane with the cost efficiency of a boat.

The new facility expansion in Rhode Island will support initial low-rate production and at-rate production to fulfill the $8 billion commercial backlog. With the electrification of ferries, aircraft, rail, and other modes of transportation, REGENT’s all-electric seagliders are an integral part of the future of sustainable, multi-modal mobility.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Resilient Lifescience Is Fighting Opioid Overdose with Tech

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Resilient Lifescience, a startup based in Pittsburgh, is making waves in the fight against fatal opioid overdose with its wearable medical device. In 2021, over 5,000 people in Pennsylvania lost their lives to overdoses, and CEO Brad Holden was personally impacted by the epidemic after losing a family member to opioid use. He teamed up with CTO Charlie Proctor to develop a wearable patch that can detect and reverse overdoses using naloxone, an overdose-reversing drug.

The device can be worn on the abdomen and monitors the wearer’s vitals. If it detects an overdose, it automatically injects naloxone to prevent death. Resilient Lifescience has been working with harm reduction organizations in Western Pennsylvania and talking to people who have struggled with opioid use to develop the device.

The startup has also received support from life sciences-focused accelerators such as LifeX, as well as funding from the Richard King Mellon Foundation’s Social-Impact Investment Pitch Competition. Resilient Lifescience is now in the process of raising a seed round of $1.5 million to support its research and development.

Holden believes that technology will be a critical tool in combating the opioid epidemic, and the Resilient Lifescience device could save tens of thousands of lives per year. The startup plans to conduct a clinical study this summer and partner with a supervised injection facility by the beginning of 2024 to show that its device can detect overdoses in a real-world setting.

Resilient Lifescience’s mission to reduce opioid overdose deaths is an important one, and its innovative wearable medical device could make a significant difference in the lives of people struggling with opioid addiction. With its partnerships with harm reduction organizations and life sciences-focused accelerators, Resilient Lifescience is well-positioned to continue its research and development and bring its device to those who need it most.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Lumata Health and Prevent Blindness Join Forces to Tackle Mental Health Challenges for Americans with Vision Loss

Florida Patent of the Month - November 2021

Lumata Health, a healthcare startup that aims to prevent vision loss from chronic eye diseases, has partnered with Prevent Blindness, the leading volunteer eye health and safety organization in the US, to address barriers to care for patients. The partnership will initially focus on providing mental health resources to individuals with chronic eye diseases, including anxiety and depression. With over seven million Americans experiencing vision impairment and one in four adults with vision loss experiencing anxiety or depression, the partnership is timely and vital.

To kick off the partnership, Lumata Health and Prevent Blindness will collaborate on a training program for Lumata’s certified eye care coordinators. The program will focus on capacity building around mental health resources and support for individuals experiencing vision loss and blindness. Lumata’s care coordinators work directly with patients to ensure adherence to their doctor’s care plan and address barriers to care.

This partnership will enable Lumata’s team of care coordinators to connect with various resources in any given geographical area to support low vision patients. Lumata Health currently serves thousands of patients suffering from vision-threatening chronic eye conditions through partnerships with ophthalmology clinics and health systems. Patients supported by Lumata Health’s intelligent eye care management platform miss an average of 30% fewer appointments.

Prevent Blindness was founded over one hundred years ago, and together with its six state affiliates, advocates and engages millions of people each year to promote eye health and vision preservation. The organization’s services include public and professional education, advocacy, certified vision screening and training, community and patient service programs, and research.

The partnership between Lumata Health and Prevent Blindness will go a long way in addressing mental health issues among patients with chronic eye diseases. By providing impactful resources and support, the two organizations hope to prevent preventable blindness and preserve vision in the US. Follow Lumata Health and Prevent Blindness on their social channels for the latest news and information.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.