IZEN AI, INC. — Department of Energy SBIR Phase II: C52-10b

Description

The lack of skilled workers at all levels is challenging the growth of the U.S. bioeconomy. It is disproportionately affecting small and rural businesses that cannot afford higher-priced labor and who don’t have the means to train the new labor force on their own. There is also a need for increasing representation and inclusivity in the bioeconomy. This project demonstrates a unique approach to workforce development for rural and small businesses. The solution is a combination of a new tool and framework for workforce development and diversity & inclusion. The first component of the solution is a device that can deliver education and training programs to people with/without the Internet and with/without computers, anywhere, anytime. If the learners have a computer or mobile but no Internet, they can connect to this device wirelessly and start learning. If the learners do not have any computer or Internet, they can connect this device to a TV or other screens and start learning. The second component is the content, covering the foundational and practitioner-level skills. The content is portable across traditional Internet-based platforms and this new device used by people without the Internet and/or computers. In phase-I, research and development of prototypes and beta-testing were completed successfully, proving the technical feasibility and the commercialization potential. The Following eLearning programs were developed: (a) Introduction to Bioenergy and Bioeconomy, (b) Introduction to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, (c) What is Bioenergy (Spanish). In phase-II, a fully functional product will be developed, getting the solution ready for commercialization with enhanced features, security, reliability, broader environmental testing, and the maturity required for large-scale deployment. The primary goal of this solution is inclusive workforce development in the bioeconomy, making it more robust. However, it has a much broader commercial application: (1) Address the digital divide that exists across the country and the world, by making eLearning accessible and affordable to all. This can help schools and businesses in underserved communities. (2) Improve Diversity and Inclusion by providing upskilling opportunities to people who would otherwise be left out. This is especially helpful to women, minorities, and rural communities. (3) People on the go, or deployed in the field like the military personnel can access digital learning or instructions. (4) Restricted environments like prisons can use it for their training prisoners on correctional or skill development programs. (6) Defense forces or agencies handling natural disasters, this offering can provide instructions and training references without any Internet/computer/power in disaster situations.