Deluzio Announces $305,000 Federal Grant for Western PA Beekeepers’ Innovative Research
Project Will Help Commercialize New Technology to Improve Honeybee Health & Productivity, Helping Economy & Ecosystems
CARNEGIE, PA – Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) announced that $305,000 in National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Innovation Research grant funds have been awarded to O’Hara Township-based ObeeWAN Technologies, Inc. The grant will support the development and commercialization of an innovative new technology to help beekeepers maximize their pollinators’ economic, agricultural, and ecological benefit amid a declining honeybee population.
“Seeing local beekeepers and technology entrepreneurs partner together to protect honeybee populations and all the benefits they bring us is great,” said Congressman Deluzio. “I talk a lot about how our government should support the Common Good. Part of that is putting a little initial public investment behind good ideas that have potential to take off in the private sector, create jobs, and make life better for all of us. I'm glad to see federal support come to Western PA for this innovative project.”
“We’ve come together to bring science, sustainability, and technology to the heart of apiculture,” said Joe Zgurzynski, CEO of ObeeWAN Technologies. “This federal support reflects the kind of forward-looking investment that strengthens sustainable agriculture, rural economies, protects pollinators, and creates a healthier future.”
The grant supports deeper research into bio-acoustic technology that assists beekeepers in locating the queen bees within their hives more quickly and with less disruption to the rest of the colony. The technology mimics naturally occurring queen bee piping sounds and attracts queen bees to a predictable location within the hive. This reduces labor costs, enhances hive monitoring, and increases hive productivity.
The National Science Foundation’s Small Business Innovation Research grant program supports startups and small businesses in transforming scientific discovery into products and services with commercial and societal impact. Phase I funding—like this award to OObeeWAN Technologies, Inc—is intended to build a proof-of-concept. More information about this project can be found on the National Science Foundation website.
The Trump Administration’s efforts to freeze funding and pause federal grants has created significant uncertainty for grantees, varying by agency and program. As of now, the courts have paused many of these freezes. However, Congressman Deluzio will continue to monitor these developments and fight to make sure this congressionally-authorized funding continues going to projects that make life better for Western Pennsylvanians. If you are the recipient of a federal grant and have been notified that this funding is no longer available to you or are experiencing other issues accessing your lawfully appropriated funds, please share your concerns with Congressman Deluzio’s office at PA17Grants@mail.house.gov.
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