The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded a $274,997 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project grant to Flex Orthopaedics, Inc. under the NSF Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (TIP) program (CFDA 47.084). The project aims to develop a novel flexible tibial stem device to increase the longevity of total knee replacement implants. The device is designed to reduce mechanical stress and wear on knee replacement components, addressing the high failure rate of these procedures within 20 years. During this Phase I project, the design engineering will be finalized, prototypes fabricated, and accelerated mechanical testing conducted to validate the device's performance and long-term survivorship under simulated use conditions. The results are expected to demonstrate feasibility for eventually developing the device for human use. This grant reflects NSF's mission to support early-stage research and technological innovation with potential for societal and economic impact.
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