Epivara Granted NSF SBIR Phase I Award

Epivara, a startup at the EnterpriseWorks tech incubator in the University of Illinois Research Park, recently received a $255,000 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I award from the National Science Foundation.

Epivara plans to use the funding to further develop a safe and effective injectable alternative to surgical spays in female dogs.

Epivara, a company developing more humane, natural sterilization methods for livestock and companion animals, was founded by Dr. Jay Ko, a faculty member in the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine,

The company’s scientists work out of a lab and office at EnterpriseWorks, the technology incubator in the Research Park.

Epivara’s mission is to make life better for animals and humans through innovative science and compassionate care. The company has developed EpiFix, a low-cost injection to spay and neuter pets efficiently. Currently, this is the only alternative to spay and neuter surgery that works safely, permanently, and works within seconds.

In March, Epivara received the 2021 Edwin Moore Family Agriculture Innovation Prize. The award, generously funded by University of Illinois alumni and their families, rewards University of Illinois entrepreneurs focusing on agricultural innovations.

To learn more about SBIR funding and to for more resources on how innovative Illinois startups can get funding, check out the FAST Center at Illinois.