This sbir phase II project seeks to demonstrate the commercial feasibility of a next generation analyzer platform that offers rural water utilities a cost efficient, low input, and highly adaptable…

The Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded $600,000 to Foundation Instruments Inc. on September 1, 2026, under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program (CFDA 10.212) to develop and validate a next-generation water quality analyzer platform for rural utilities.

Foundation Instruments will finalize machine learning-driven detection models, complete prototypes, and conduct trials to validate performance of an analyzer capable of monitoring primary disinfectants and inorganic contaminants. Key metrics focus on accuracy, operational reliability, and cost savings. The platform is designed to offer rural water utilities a cost-efficient, low-input, and highly adaptable method for monitoring water treatment operations, with milestones advancing both the core platform and automated variations toward market readiness. The technology is intended to lower treatment costs, safeguard water infrastructure, and ensure more reliable access to clean drinking water in rural communities.

The project runs through August 31, 2028, and is performed in Collierville, Tennessee. This is a Phase II award, continuing work developed under a prior Phase I grant.

This sbir phase II project seeks to demonstrate the commercial feasibility of a next generation analyzer platform that offers rural water utilities a cost efficient, low input, and highly adaptable method for monitoring primary disinfectants and inorganic contaminants critical to water treatment operations. Objectives include finalizing machine learning driven detection models, completing prototypes, and conducting trials to validate performance, with key metrics focused on accuracy, operational reliability, and cost savings. Milestones will advance the platform and its automated variations toward market readiness. The resulting technology enhances rural community development by lowering treatment costs, safeguarding water infrastructure, and ensuring more reliable access to clean drinking water.