COLUMBUS – Among the states hardest hit by the nationwide opioid crisis, Ohio has awarded another round of prizes totaling $2.4 million in its global technology challenge seeking scientific breakthroughs to address the epidemic.
A dozen winners from Ohio, five other states and Canada were announced Wednesday. They prevailed among more than 50 proposals submitted in the second phase of the Ohio Opioid Technology Challenge.
Each winning team receives $200,000 to advance its technical solution. Winning ideas included a device to treat withdrawal symptoms in opioid-addicted infants and a glove, developed by a team at the University of Akron, that changes color when first responders come into contact with an opioid.
Dublin-based Apportis created a platform –accessible at clinics, hospitals, shelters and kiosks — that allows patients to connect electronically to healthcare professionals and addiction resources.
Relink.org, from Aurora, is a website that helps people struggling with addiction to find recovery service providers, ranging from detox to housing to employment.
Innovative Health Solutions, from Versailles, Ind., developed an electrical nerve field stimulator that is placed behind a patient’s ear to reduce the adverse effects of opioid withdrawal symptoms.
Gov. John Kasich in last year’s State of the State address called for Ohio to invest up to $20 million to generate science and technology innovations to fight the deadly problem.
The first phase of the challenge called for ideas while the second phase sought technical solutions from around the world.
The third and final phase will begin in late September and run through July 2019. The most promising solutions will receive funding to help its developers bring the idea to market.