The Arizona Commerce Authority awarded $1.6 million to support eight applied research projects through the Partnership for Economic Innovation’s (PEI) WearTech Applied Research Center. The WearTech Center’s 2022 cohort of eight projects partner with one of Arizona’s three public universities: Arizona State University, University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University. The projects to be funded include a range of initiatives in the optical and photonic domains: Biomotum’s Wearable Robotic Ankle Assist Device (RAAD), an on-demand mobility assistance device to aid at-home functional gait training for individuals with a walking disability. Biomotum’s Wearable Robotic Ankle Assist Device (RAAD), an on-demand mobility assistance device to aid at-home functional gait training for individuals with a walking disability. Courtesy of Biomotum. GoX Labs’ and AKE’s Quasi-Active Exoskeleton (PhenEx), a device aimed at reducing work-related injuries and improving wellness with springs that aid activities like squatting or lifting. TouchPoint Solutions’ Anti-Anxiety Device, an over-the-counter device that combines look-up table and AI algorithms with (BLAST) technology to reduce stress and anxiety. Movement Interactive’s HijiBand, an integrated solution for measuring acute injury in individuals exposed to brain injury. KLS’s Fetal Monitor uses biosensors and machine learning to detect emerging compromises to a baby’s health status for intervention. TF Health Company’s Personal Exposure Badge-Like Device, a personal exposure device worn like a badge that monitors air pollutants, and a Breath Fat Oxidation Sensor, a sensing device that detects acetone in the breath to monitor adherence to calories in/calories out diets and ketogenic diets. 8Chili’s Virtual Reality for Medical Training technology and headband, a virtual reality simulation of clinical studies for medical students. Desert Platform’s Thrush Treatment Device, a wearable phototherapy device for least invasive, most natural, and fully mobile treatment for thrush. For more information, visit www.azpei.org.