Sbir phase II: improving early childhood literacy through a screen-free interactive device

Federal Cooperative Agreement Summary: Calis Books Inc.

On July 15, 2025, the National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded Calis Books Inc. a $1,058,349 Cooperative Agreement under the Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (TIP) program (CFDA 47.084) for an SBIR Phase II project to develop an innovative screen-free interactive learning platform. The company will refine and commercialize a technology that combines physical books with embedded Near-Field Communication (NFC) technology to deliver interactive, curriculum-aligned Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and literacy activities for children aged 3-8. The platform integrates audio-guided learning experiences with tactile book elements, designed to reduce screen exposure while promoting independent learning and foundational skills development.

Through the performance period ending June 30, 2027, Calis Books Inc. will expand content libraries aligned with national educational standards, conduct efficacy studies measuring learning outcomes and engagement, and perform real-world testing in classroom environments. The project incorporates feedback from educators and parents to create a scalable, scientifically validated educational tool positioned for adoption among families, early education providers, schools, and libraries. Upon completion, the platform is projected to have positively impacted thousands of children with a developmentally appropriate learning experience that supports national educational priorities in early literacy and STEM engagement.

Abstract

The broader/commercial impact of this small business innovation research (sbir) phase II project is to improve early childhood literacy and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (stem) engagement through a screen-free, interactive learning platform. Unlike traditional screen-based tools, this innovation integrates the tactile benefits of physical books with interactive, audio-guided literacy activities across stem topic areas. Designed for children aged 3?8, the platform fosters independent learning, encourages curiosity, and reduces screen exposure. This approach addresses critical developmental concerns while promoting foundational skills in stem and literacy. Initial adoption is expected among families and early education providers, with long-term scalability to schools and libraries. By year three, the platform is projected to have positively impacted thousands of children, offering a healthier and more effective learning experience that supports national educational priorities. This small business innovation research (sbir) phase II project advances a screen-free educational platform that combines physical books with embedded NFC technology, enabling interactive, curriculum-aligned stem and literacy activities. Research objectives include refining the platform for classroom use, expanding content libraries to align with national educational standards, and conducting efficacy studies to measure learning outcomes and engagement. The project will employ real-world testing in classroom environments, incorporating feedback from educators and parents. Anticipated outcomes include a scalable, scientifically validated platform with proven benefits for early literacy and stem education, establishing a new benchmark for innovative, developmentally appropriate learning tools for young children. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.