Jonesboro-based ag-tech company SMART Reproduction has achieved a remarkable feat by securing a $274,996 research seed grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) on its inaugural attempt. This milestone underscores the exceptional capabilities of the woman-owned company, which is at the forefront of pioneering innovative technologies in small ruminant reproduction.
Brittany Scott, CEO of SMART Reproduction, attributes the successful grant application to an insightful conversation with the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC). “This award is entirely due to a chance conversation with ASBTDC,” Scott explained. Through this interaction, Scott learned about America’s Seed Fund, which encompasses the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.
Encouraged by ASBTDC’s innovation consultants, Karen Bergh and Catherine Corley, SMART Reproduction decided to apply for SBIR/STTR funding. The consultants’ advice and support guided the company through the application process. “Karen and Catherine’s mentorship and direct support have inspired SMART to submit a USDA and NIH SBIR Phase I proposal in 2024,” Scott added.
Pioneering Non-Invasive Embryo Viability Assessment
SMART Reproduction is focused on developing the world’s first non-invasive tool for evaluating the viability of sheep and goat embryos using NSF SBIR Phase I funding. This innovative tool will allow embryologists to convert a 30-second video into valuable insights for sheep and goat production, leveraging machine learning (ML) models that will be tested during the NSF Phase I project.
As the first U.S.-based business to receive certification for the multi-country export of small ruminant semen and embryos, SMART Reproduction has already established a global footprint. The company’s products, manufactured in Jonesboro, have been instrumental in improving indigenous goat populations overseas and fostering sustainable local protein production systems in countries such as Nepal and Brazil, a source of pride for the company and its supporters.
“The need for innovative and scalable applied technology within the domestic small ruminant sector drives the foundation of this partnership,” Scott stated. “I am incredibly excited that the National Science Foundation recognized the value of our project as it directly and positively impacts the health and welfare of the American public.”
Addressing a Growing Demand
The U.S. imports $1.5 billion worth of sheep, goat meat, and milk annually to meet the increasing demand for small ruminant protein. Compared to significant suppliers like Australia and New Zealand, the country’s smaller sheep and goat population highlights the importance of embryo transfer and in vitro fertilization in boosting domestic production.
According to the Embryo Technology Society, between 2020 and 2021, the production of in vitro sheep and goat embryos increased by 443% and 279%, respectively. However, the limited number of trained embryologists has created a bottleneck, as the demand for these services far outpaces the rate at which new professionals can be trained. With each failed embryo costing producers nearly $200 and at least 30 days of labor, there is an urgent need for a fast and reliable method to determine embryonic viability, underscoring the importance of SMART Reproduction’s work.
SMART Reproduction is not only developing innovative tools but is also addressing this deficit by creating training curricula for new embryologists. By doing so, the company aims to increase U.S. production capacity and support the growth of domestic small ruminant herds.
EmVision 360 SR: A Smart Solution
In partnership with software developer EmGenisys, SMART Reproduction is developing EmVision 360 SR, which offers rapid and reliable embryo analysis through a user-friendly web-based platform. Unlike traditional methods, which rely on subjective visual assessments, EmVision 360 SR uses ML technology to assess embryo health through non-invasive video analysis.
“Current embryo health analysis relies on the International Embryo Transfer Society morphological classification system, which has remained unchanged for over 40 years,” Scott explained. “These methods are subjective, rely on the experience and skill of the examiner, and fail to convey critical, detailed information regarding the embryo’s biochemical, metabolic, and genetic status.”
The tool provides embryologists with actionable data to better determine whether an embryo will result in a successful pregnancy. Early tests of the ML models achieved 85-95% accuracy after being trained with 10,000 videos of in vitro embryos with confirmed outcomes. During the NSF Phase I period, the SMART Reproduction and EmGenisys teams will train these models further and conduct pilot tests with veterinarians to validate the tool’s effectiveness.
Expanding Horizons with ASBTDC
Scott’s engagement with ASBTDC began in 2022, following a recommendation from her banker. She sought guidance on business and financial strategy for her companies, leading to her participation in the ASBTDC’s SmartGrowth program. Through this experience, she connected with innovation consultants Bergh and Corley, who introduced her to the range of services available through the ASBTDC network.
“Their unwavering efforts and belief in our organization have opened our eyes to possibilities outside our initial business model,” said Scott. She credits ASBTDC with playing a crucial role in SMART Reproduction’s success, helping the company secure the NSF grant on its first try—a rare feat for first-time SBIR applicants.
Scott and her team also attended the 2024 America’s Seed Fund Road Tour stop in Little Rock, hosted by ASBTDC, where they met with multiple agency SBIR decision-makers. Upon receiving their feedback at this event further inspired them to pursue additional funding opportunities.
Most recently, SMART Reproduction was selected for the Lab2Launch Accelerator summer 2024 cohort, a program led by ASBTDC and the Arkansas APEX Accelerator. This entirely virtual program is designed to help Arkansas companies secure USDA seed funding through SBIR/STTR.
The Future of Small Ruminant Production
The collaborative research project between SMART Reproduction and EmGenisys has the potential to significantly increase the national animal inventory and accelerate the genetic improvement of domestic sheep and goat herds. By equipping American farmers with innovative tools like EmVision 360 SR, SMART Reproduction is not just enhancing domestic food security, but also creating new economic opportunities for rural farmers and reducing reliance on imported small ruminant protein.
SMART Reproduction is dedicated to providing American farmers with the tools they need to succeed. By doing so, the company is not only fostering the growth of productive domestic small ruminant herds but also creating job opportunities and increasing the American public’s access to quality, climate change-resilient protein.
The success of SMART Reproduction is a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and the strategic support organizations like ASBTDC provide. As the company continues to break new ground in small ruminant reproduction, it stands poised to make a lasting impact on the industry and the broader agricultural community.