Development of Wearable Device for Detecting Biomarkers and Treating Viral and Bacterial Infections
SBIR Opportunity Analysis
The Department of the Air Force, through the Defense Health Agency SBIR program, is seeking a non-invasive wearable device to detect biomarkers of viral and bacterial infections and provide initial broad-spectrum treatment in austere operational settings. The effort covers feasibility work, prototype development, and eventual deployment of a device that can distinguish pan-viral from pan-bacterial infections using non-blood biomarkers such as TRAIL, MxA, CRP, and PCT, with secure wireless data storage and transmission. Key technical goals include continuous monitoring at intervals of five minutes or less, at least 30 days of operation without recharging, rugged performance across 0°F to 120°F and high humidity, a thin wearable form factor, and 95% sensitivity and specificity or higher, along with an FDA regulatory strategy. The opportunity opened May 6, 2026 and is due June 3, 2026 at 4:00 PM UTC, under solicitation DHA26BZ01-NV004 / 26.BZ.