BeeHex Inc — Department of Defense SBIR Phase II: A17-078

Description

Army Soldiers currently consume pre-packaged Meals Ready to Eat (MRE), which are inadequate in providing sufficient nutrition for the level of physical activity they routinely perform. These MREs have limited choices; shorter shelf life and they are not tailored to individuals' needs. BeeHex proposes to analyze soldiers' DNA and gut-health data to formulate a list of ingredients for optimal nutrition for each individual soldier, then use a 3D food printer system capable of dispensing a variety of macro and micro-nutrients (paste, powder and granular forms) to provide personalized food based on individuals' preferences and physiological needs. BeeHex’s 3D food system will have a simple software interface, computational algorithm to convert bio-analysis and physiological data to nutritional values, and a complete hardware system with (1) 3D Food Printer for paste deposition (2) Integrated system for powder/granular micronutrient deposition, and (3) IR heating system for quick baking. BeeHex has successfully proved this concept in Phase I. The system is designed to be NSF compliant with an integrated self-cleaning mechanism. We have tested systems in a relevant environment for more than 500 hours and our experience will provide a very strong foundation for Army's 3D food printer system.