Iowa – Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors

Phagelux AgriHealth Announces Phagelux Animal Health

Phagelux AgriHealth has launched a new subsidiary – Phagelux Animal Health – focused on developing innovative products for the animal health industry based on bacteriophage technology.

The new subsidiary will be based in Ames, Iowa and will conduct extensive research into bacteriophage technology. Bacteriophages are natural viruses that target and eliminate specific pathogenic bacteria to reduce disease in animals, enhance productivity in protein production, and improve food safety. Phagelux Animal Health intends to harness the power of bacteriophages to improve the health of livestock without the need for antibiotics and heavy chemicals. Phages are completely safe and non-toxic, enhancing sustainability and reducing the risk of antimicrobial resistance.

“We are excited to launch Phagelux Animal Health and contribute to the animal health industry with our expertise in bacteriophage technology,” said Mark Engel, CEO of Phagelux AgriHealth. “Our new base in Ames, Iowa, will allow us to leverage the local scientific community’s strengths and drive the development of new, effective solutions that meet the needs of the global livestock market.”

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.

BrokerTech Ventures Welcomes Accelerator Applications for Insurance Tech

BrokerTech Ventures have announced the opening of applications for the 2024 cohort of the BrokerTech Ventures Accelerator, marking a significant stride in reshaping the future of insurance technology. BrokerTech is the industry’s first broker-led convening platform and accelerator program.

BrokerTech Ventures’ commitment to innovation is evident in its strategic accelerator program. The initiative serves as a crucible for fostering groundbreaking ideas and solutions that have the potential to revolutionize the insurance industry. As the 2024 cohort applications open, the stage is set for a new wave of insurtech innovators to join the ranks of this dynamic accelerator.

The accelerator program provides a nurturing environment for startups to explore cutting-edge technologies, refine their offerings, and bring novel solutions to market. By actively fostering collaboration between startups and established players in the insurance industry, BrokerTech Ventures creates a vibrant ecosystem where ideas are exchanged, and innovations are accelerated. This collaborative approach not only propels the participating startups forward but also contributes to the overall evolution of the insurtech landscape.

As the applications open for the 2024 cohort, BrokerTech Ventures cements its position as a catalyst for positive change in the insurance technology sector. The 2024 cohort will be the fifth cohort and will bring in the top 20 startups in early March. The Selection Series will be a virtual event where BTV partners can dig deeper into the products, companies, and teams. Subsequently, the cohort will begin the five-week Accelerator program in April 2024. More than $500,000 in funding is at stake for the selected broker-centric, seed and early-stage startups, with each startup receiving $50,000.

The deadline for submissions is December 18, 2023. Submissions can be made here.

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

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.

SAFI-Tech and Indium Corp. Partner Up for SAFI-Tech’s Supercooled Soldering Technology

Iowa-based SAFI-Tech has announced a partnership with Indium Corporation. SAFI-Tech has set their sights on developing a no-heat and low-heat solder and metallic joining products. This partnership will bring this technology to customers, allowing them to explore the unique opportunities available with supercooled solder materials.

Their technology is a supercooled liquid metal particle which can allow manufacturers to solder on flexible substrates without the need for heat. The liquid particles are about one-fiftieth the size of a human hair and are filled with liquid metal. When popped, the particles release the encapsulated liquid metal which quickly solidifies, creating a solder joint. This unique process allows soldering to take place at room temperature. Removing heat from electronics manufacturing enables smaller, thinner, and flexible designs, currently unachievable with standard materials and processes.

This partnership has come just two years after SAFI-Tech was awarded an SBIR grant of $200,000 from the Department of Energy for research into their supercooled liquid metal technology.

“We’re always looking for innovative materials solutions that can give our customers ways to overcome current limitations of solder products,” said Indium Corporation President and COO Ross Berntson. “SAFI-Tech’s supercooling platform is a unique approach that has the potential to be a solution across a variety of applications.”

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.

Mazen Animal Health Secures $11M in Series A Funding

Mazen Animal Health, an Iowa-based startup, has secured $11 million in their Series A funding round, with investors such as AgFunder and Fall Line Capital.

Mazen is set on improving agricultural animal health by developing orally administered vaccines. These novel biological vaccines and therapeutics have the potential to disrupt the status quo of aghealth and address complex or unsolved challenges in animal health and protein production.

True to its name, Mazen’s technology uses plants, like maize, as molecular farms to produce the protein ingredients for its vaccines. This corn-based formulation is significantly cheaper than the typical precision fermentation process in expensive bioreactors. The cost-effectiveness of their process helps to combat the razor thin margins faced by farmers. With the vaccine being orally administered, it can also cut costs needed to effectively deliver the vaccine. Their formulation can be incorporated into animal feed and delivered as usual rather than individually injecting each animal.

The Series A funding round followed the company’s progress in combating Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV). This virus is deadly for newborn pigs and has been problematic for farmers since 2013. The funding will help support the efficacy studies of their PEDV vaccine to acquire approval by the USDA.

The funding will also help with plans to scale up their ability to manufacture the vaccine at commercial scale, while advancing a pipeline of other vaccines such as one for coccidiosis in poultry among others.

“Our investors are seeing the tremendous potential of the technology platform to deliver better vaccines more efficiently,” said Jennifer Filbey, CEO of the company. “In fact, the technology can help achieve better animal health through disease prevention – rather than treatment – and improve economics, stewardship, and sustainability.”

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.

IEDA Awards Funding to Four Iowa Startups

The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) has approved innovation funding for four local Iowa startups. This funding totals $275,000. They also approved awards for the established company, Ag Processing Inc. which should result in $71.1 million in new capital investment for the state.

Mazen Animal Health, Inc

Mazen Animal Health develops oral animal vaccines to prevent animal disease. These vaccines are edible, formulated to be dosed with feed in order to simplify the animal vaccination process and provide a cost-effective, room-temperature option for animal vaccines.

The company was awarded $125,000 from a Demonstration Fund loan for IP development and evaluation and will also contribute to marketing planning, entry activities, staff costs and more.

NanoSpy, Inc

NanoSpy produces biosensors for rapid detection of Salmonella in food processing facilities. This detection method aims to reduce the economic impact of foodborne illness. Current processes require a two-day period before lab results are finalized. NanoSpy’s technology should allow for near real-time decisions.

They were awarded a $25,000 Proof of Commercial Relevance (POCR) loan.

Townhall, LLC

This EdTech software development company is focused on creating desktop-based apps to improve video conferencing. Their goals are to increase engagement during large remote meetings regardless of platform and will achieve this through gamification and instant feedback.

Townhall received a $25,000 POCR loan.

Lola’s Fine Sauces, Inc

Starting from a family’s secret hot sauce recipe, Lola’s Fine Sauces has expanded to seven sauces, five salsas, a seasoning mix, and a Bloody mary mix. They have engaged in constant formulation and testing to reach the point of selling products in more than 10,000 stores nationwide.

The company was awarded a $100,000 Demonstration Fund loan to refine their product and further their commercialization.

Are you developing new software 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.

Greenfield Nitrogen Partners Up to Build Green Hydrogen and Ammonia Facility

Hawaii Patent of the Month - August 2021

NextChem, a subsidiary of Maire Tecnimont, is focused on the field of green chemistry and technologies for the Energy Transition. Recently, NextChem, along with Maire Tecnimont’s other subsidiaries MET Development and Stamicarbon, have reached an agreement with Greenfield Nitrogen, LLC to develop the first dedicated green ammonia plant in the US Midwest, specifically in Iowa.

Greenfield Nitrogen is working on developing a crucial network of green hydrogen and ammonia facilities along the Midwest to serve the emerging renewable energy markets. With the new advancements in electrolysis technology, their plant design is a completely green, carbon free hydrogen and ammonia facility which will use 100% renewable energy as well as significantly less water than conventional hydrogen and ammonia production.

To kickstart this agreement, NextChem will start a feasibility study for the 240 tpd green ammonia project, using renewable energy as feedstock through the intermediate production of green hydrogen. MET Development will assist Greenfield Nitrogen in the development throughout the project. Stamicarbon will provide the ammonia technology used in the plant.

This green ammonia plant will strengthen the development of the low carbon industry in the region. The companies estimate it will save over 166,000 tpy of CO2 emissions. Since it will also produce approximately 83,000 tpy of ammonia, it will reduce the dependency on importing ammonia from abroad and further reduce the carbon footprint for the industry.

Linda Thrasher, President, Greenfield Nitrogen, LLC commented: “This partnership represents a collaboration of strengths. As a development partner, Maire Tecnimont and its subsidiaries bring decades of expertise in successfully designing and executing nitrogen projects as well as creating new technology, including state-of-the-art zero-carbon facilities. Greenfield’s development expertise, operational experience, and market knowledge align well and position both companies to play a critical role in meeting the world’s decarbonization goals.”

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.

ClearFlame Engine Technologies Receives Funding to test Clean Diesel-style Fuel

ClearFlame Engine Technologies has announced they have successfully acquired $2.5 million in additional financing from multiple Corn Grower Associations, including the Iowa Corn Growers Association. This funding will help ClearFlame deploy pilot Class 8 trucks with its patented technology.

ClearFlame is a growing startup whose focus is on clean engine technologies. Their research leverages diesel-style mixing-controlled compression ignition (MCCI). Historic attempts in the industry have tested the use of clean-burning fuels and fuels that are easily made from waste CO2 have failed to ignite using MCCI.

ClearFlame’s solutions have been validated and combat the ignition limitations by elevating combustion temperatures. This elevation allows the use of non-traditional fuels without sacrificing performance. It even increases power by 25%.

Their technology can be integrated into existing diesel engine platforms and offer a more sustainable and cost-effective solution than diesel fuel while utilizing the existing liquid fuel infrastructure. They intend to use this latest funding to get a series of Class 8 trucks deployed by the end of 2021.

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.

LenderClose Receives $10 Million in Series B Funding

Prime Movers Lab Funds Startups with $245 Million

LenderClose, an Iowa-based real estate and home equity lending technology company, has received $10 million in a Series B funding round. This funding will help the company focus on growth following rapid growing interest from credit unions and community banks.

LenderClose recently released an automated loan processing solution, HEX – Home Equity Express. They want to use technology to increase the speed and efficiency of lending processes. HEx equips credit unions with innovative workflows and process automation, so that employees can process loans at a pace customer’s expect. The new funding will help advance this into a comprehensive lending solution, with a fully integrated lending process.

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.

Spanton Dynamics Receives Funding From IEDA

Spanton Dynamics was one of two startups that received funding from the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board. Spanon Dynamics received a $25,000 loan for the purpose of product refinement and other development costs. Spanton Dynamics is the maker behind the Spanton Board, a spine board that reduces risks that come with traditional movements to transfer an injured individual. Traditional movements consist of rolling the patient, scooping them, and other lifts that can be complex and, if performed incorrectly, can cause further damage to a patient.

The Spanton Board minimizes movement by using a fully automated stretcher that has high powered torque to move a conveyor belt to move patients onto the board. The Spanton Board was originally designed with injured athletes in mind, however, it can easily be applicable to hospitals and first responder environments.

Are you developing a new product? 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.