SBIR Phase II: AI-Powered Low-dose, Low-cost, High-Quality Computed Tomography (CT) Imaging

NSF Award Search · 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $1,250,000 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to expand access to advanced three-dimensional X-ray imaging during surgery without requiring hospitals to purchase expensive computed tomography scanners. Many surgical procedures, particularly spine operations, rely on two-dimensional X-ray images that can make it difficult to fully visualize anatomy and implanted hardware. Limited access to affordable three-dimensional imaging can increase procedure time, complication rates, and overall healthcare costs. This project seeks to enable existing mobile X-ray systems to produce high-quality three-dimensional images, allowing more procedures to be safely performed in outpatient surgical centers and community hospitals. If successful, the technology could reduce healthcare expenditures, improve patient safety, and lower radiation exposure by avoiding repeat scans. Commercially, the approach supports a scalable software-based model that upgrades widely deployed imaging equipment rather than replacing it, creating a large potential market across surgical centers in the United States and globally. Broader societal benefits include improved access to high-quality surgical care in rural and underserved regions, workforce development in advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence, and strengthened national leadership in medical imaging innovation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to

Key facts

NSF award ID
2604163
Awardee
NEURALTRAK, INC (CA)
SAM.gov UEI
XHJSFKKWBDU5
PI
Linxi Shi
Primary program
01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
BIOMEDICAL ENG AND DIAGNOSTICS
Estimated total
$1,250,000
Funds obligated
$1,250,000
Transaction type
Cooperative Agreement
Period
06/15/2026 → 05/31/2028