The team has identified its initial target customers as health-conscious individuals. This group faces an unmet need: a safe and effective way to detoxify their bodies from the microplastics they inevitably consume. Worldwide, families unknowingly absorb microplastics through everyday exposure, and given the unavoidable reliance on plastics today, addressing this challenge has become increasingly urgent. [Business Plan pages 8,23]

The team has presented evidence that our proposed solution is both feasible and scalable. Early testing of our product has demonstrated effectiveness, validating the potential for real-world application. Our innovation enters a market where no major published solutions currently exist, positioning our research at the forefront of this emerging field and encouraging further scientific exploration. At present, we are targeting the detoxification of a specific microplastic; however, our long-term vision includes expanding to address multiple types of plastics found within the human body. While our current focus is on the small intestine, the area where microplastics are most concentrated, we plan to explore additional pathways for detoxifying other affected areas of the body. Importantly, our goal extends beyond removal. We aim to break the cycle by supporting innovations that prevent microplastics from entering the body in the first place, such as improved filtration technologies. This dual approach not only highlights the scalability of our innovation but also underscores its potential to drive systemic change. [Business Plan pages 20,22,25]

Yes, the team has presented a logical and strategic product development plan supported by clear milestones, realistic timelines, and structured resource allocation. The plan moves from laboratory validation to commercial readiness, ensuring both scientific feasibility and entrepreneurial scalability. In the short term (0–6 months), the focus is on confirming peptide expression and validating the probiotic’s safety and efficacy through lab assays to establish a proof of concept required by accelerators such as IndieBio or Y Combinator. During this period, the team is also working with the FSU Office of Commercialization and FSU College of Law to secure intellectual property through a provisional patent, which includes filing an invention disclosure, reviewing ownership terms, submitting the provisional patent, and later transitioning to a utility patent once data is validated. In the medium term (6–12 months), the plan includes improving the proof of concept, gaining mentors and sponsors within the respective fields, and applying to accelerator programs like IndieBio, YC, or IGNITE FSU to gain resources, mentorship, and seed funding. In the long term (24–30 months), the team plans to evaluate its overall progress and hopefully transition from academic research to early-stage commercialization through the development of a market-ready capsule or supplement product. During this phase, the team will also explore regulatory steps, pursue additional sponsorships and grants, and strengthen relationships with investors and industry partners to support growth. Alongside product development, the team has also created backup plans to commercialize both the brand and the science in parallel by building public awareness campaigns, digital outreach, and educational content around the health impact of microplastics, as well as preparing early branding materials for potential supplement or awareness-based product lines. Furthermore, if a market-ready product cannot be achieved in the short term, the team has identified a realistic alternative pathway through sublicensing or co-licensing its patent and research data to established biotech or nutraceutical companies. This would allow the intellectual property and research outcomes to generate value and impact even without direct product commercialization. These dual commercialization routes—direct development and strategic sublicensing—ensure long-term flexibility and sustainability. Risks such as delays in expression, IP negotiations, and regulatory barriers are recognized, with contingency strategies in place through partnerships, legal guidance, and phased proof-of-concept milestones. Overall, the plan is ambitious yet realistic, integrating patent development, accelerator readiness, brand growth, and alternative commercialization strategies that position the project for continued advancement and tangible post-competition success. [Business Plan pages 25-30]

The team has identified a diverse group of skilled and capable stakeholders, including institutions both within and beyond the university. In addition, we actively seek information, resources, input, and guidance from credible professionals, past and present, who are recognized experts in their respective fields. One key example is Dr. Bhargav R. Karamched, whose continued insights and expertise in body-specific mathematics and kinetic modeling have been invaluable. His contributions have significantly supported the development and testing of our solution, as well as advanced progress across other stages of our research cycle. [Business Plan pages 10-13]

We envision our fully developed solution to reduce some of the harm caused by microplastics within the human body, which is an important positive step. At the same time, we recognize that this alone does not end the cycle. If our work were to stop at removal, the solution could risk becoming a temporary crutch rather than a lasting answer. Our broader vision is to prevent microplastics from entering the body in the first place or to significantly reduce the amount that does. This focus on both removal and prevention ensures that our innovation delivers immediate health benefits while also contributing to long-term systemic change. [Business Plan pages 24,27]