FirstThen, an early-stage technology company specializing in the development of family-centered digital solutions used to treat pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders, has been selected as the inaugural recipient of the City of Richardson’s Research Award Match Program (RAMP) support. This recognition highlights FirstThen’s role as an upcoming leader in the vibrant Richardson business community.
“We’re excited to announce our first RAMP recipient just months after its launch,” said Richardson City Manager Don Magner. “The aim of this program is to support startups with demonstrated potential for commercializing R&D projects and fostering their growth right here in Richardson. This approach aligns with our strategy to balance opportunities between home-grown success stories and attracting well-established companies.”
FirstThen’s selection as the first recipient of a RAMP grant is based on the company having already secured a Phase I award from the National Science Foundation’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program The SBIR program fosters innovation by supporting small businesses that are driving economic growth by bringing new technologies to market. As part of the RAMP program, FirstThen will receive support from the City to expand its current capabilities and develop its technologies in ways that create economic opportunity in Richardson.
“FirstThen is thrilled to receive the first RAMP award. We look forward to contributing to Richardson’s continued growth as a vibrant innovation community,” said FirstThen co-founder and CEO Amanda Schnetzer.
FirstThen’s core technology is focused on addressing a massive unmet need for non-medication treatments for pediatric Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Their work will positively impact children, families, and society by making evidence-based behavioral interventions accessible and affordable.
RAMP and the Richardson Innovation Quarter (The IQ®)
Richardson is among the state’s leaders in SBIR funding, and The Richardson IQ® is uniquely developed to host start-ups and scale-ups due to its flexibility and affordability.
RAMP Program Features:
- Financial Support: The Program will provide matching grants to qualifying businesses, supplementing existing financial resources for research and development projects.
a. Phase I eligible companies may qualify for up to $50,000 in Program funding.
b. Phase II eligible companies may qualify for up to an additional $100,000 in Program funding. - Innovation Focus: Emphasis will be placed on projects that demonstrate innovative solutions, cutting-edge technologies and advancements that contribute to the economic vibrancy of Richardson.
- Collaboration: The Program encourages collaboration between businesses, research institutions and the City, fostering a dynamic ecosystem that supports growth and development.
- Application Process: Interested businesses can apply through a streamlined application process on the economic development website, ensuring accessibility and efficiency in securing financial support for their projects.
RAMP Program Eligibility
RAMP will award funds to research-focused, for-profit, privately owned small businesses that have received federal SBIR or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I or Phase II grants. It is intended to support startup companies that have a high potential for commercial viability. Recipients must be located in Richardson, or commit to relocating to and operating in Richardson, for a minimum of five years after receiving funds. Program eligibility and qualifications will be assessed at the end of the first year and adapted as needed.
RAMP Program Application
Businesses interested in applying for the RAMP are encouraged to visit www.telecomcorridor.com for detailed information on eligibility criteria, application procedures and program guidelines.
About the City of Richardson
Located just north of Dallas, Richardson is a culturally diverse community offering a blend of urban amenities with exceptional suburban service. Richardson benefits from being home to The University of Texas at Dallas, a research powerhouse. UT Dallas’ influence is felt in the presence of dynamic businesses in sectors such as advanced additive manufacturing, biotechnology, finance, software development, and R&D, as well as hosting incubators for entrepreneurial start-ups. Richardson’s thriving, innovation-focused economy creates numerous opportunities while also supporting a historically stable local government capable of delivering high quality-of-life and exemplary services for a diverse array of neighborhoods and multi-modal transportation options, enabling easy access to the entire DFW Metroplex. The community is regularly recognized in third-party rankings as one of the best places in the nation to live, raise a family, start a career, go to school, buy a home, and retire.
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About FirstThen
FirstThen Inc. is a female-founded digital health startup with a vision to make behavioral health care for childhood ADHD and other pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders accessible at scale and affordable for all. The company was founded by parents of a child with ADHD who saw the challenge faced by millions of families in accessing and sticking with proven, non-medication interventions that can help children with ADHD live into their full potential. The team consists of leaders in health science, technology and business who are committed to driving innovation in family-centered ADHD treatment. FirstThen is the proud recipient of a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award from the National Science Foundation and an alum of the prestigious Mass Challenge U.S. Early Stage Accelerator.
www.FirstThen.com
