Two San Diego companies were awarded grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today to develop technologies that will improve human health and the environment.
RegeneMed Inc. will develop a three-dimensional human breast tissue model for screening human mammary carcinogens, according to the EPA. The agency said ACEA Biosciences Inc. will research and develop cell lines, protocols and data analysis methods to assess the toxic effects of environmental pollutants.
The two are among 25 companies nationwide awarded a total of $2 million to work on projects involving drinking water, wastewater, manufacturing, green building, waste monitoring and management, air quality, sustainable use of biomass and homeland security, the EPA said.
"Over the past 30 years, EPA has funded more than 900 small businesses that develop unique environmental technologies,'' said Jared Blumenfeld, the agency's regional administrator for the Pacific Southwest.
"With nearly one-quarter of the funding coming to California companies, this state is leading the nation in developing innovative technologies and more sustainable solutions that protect our health and the environment while creating jobs and increasing economic competitiveness,'' Blumenfeld said.
The companies will receive $80,000 each to support the development of the technologies over the next six months.
Once projects have been demonstrated as viable, companies will be eligible to compete for an award of up to $300,000 to commercialize their products.
The program is open to U.S. businesses with fewer than 500 employees.
