WILMINGTON – opiAID has won a $276,000 federal grant to support its machine learning technology to fight substance abuse.

“This validation of concept is a significant step forward for opiAID,” says its CEO and co-founder David Reeser.

Founded in 2018 by Reeser and partner Stan Trofimchuk (who also goes by Stan Martin), is the development of the world’s first technology assisted therapy (TAT) that addresses opioid abuse.

The wearable bio-metric device, according to the young company’s website, will use advanced data technology and real-time cloud-based communication to “detect cravings and alert a family member or counselor in the event of an emergency.”

When the device detects an overdose, it will have the capability to deliver Naloxone to reverse the opioid’s effects while contacting nearby medical emergency services.

The grant is an SBIR NIH award.

The OpiAID model is made possible by the advances of Reeser and Trofimchuk’s other company, IT Works, founded a couple of years ago. The company, which partners with Google Cloud Platform and Microsoft, offers cloud-based virtual workspaces to companies of all sizes.

OpiAID said the grant will pay for its continued research.

OpiAID Animated Explainer Video from Aerial Data Solutions on Vimeo.

Progressing despite pandemic

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, it’s been a busy year for OpiAID. After participating in the 2020 FAST Cohort at RTP in February, opiAID was accepted into First Flight Venture Center’s  “Lift Off” program.

opiAID was also featured at CED (Council for Entrepreneurial Development) in Raleigh, which led to several investor and other collaborative partnership opportunities.

Recently, it was accepted into NC RIoT accelerator, which is supported by 80-plis sponsors, has created over 720 jobs and facilitated over $395 million in fundraising for their startups.

Other significant partnerships to date include: Google, NEW (Network for Entrepreneurs in Wilmington), SADA, Meharry Medical College, Triad Behavioral Resources, NC Federal Advanced Technology Group and the NIH (National Institute of Health).

Wilmington startup opiAID applies AI power to substance abuse