Turning Grant Support into Lasting Impact: How the Morgan Startup Grant Propelled S4 Mobile Laboratories’ Subterra Model H Forward

In spring 2025, S4 Laboratories was honored to be named a recipient of the prestigious Morgan Startup Grant, made possible by the Burton D. Morgan Foundation in partnership with Bounce Innovation Hub. This grant program is uniquely designed to help early-stage companies transform bright ideas into tangible innovations that create both economic and societal value. For S4, the funding has provided vital resources to advance our technology platform and expand its applications into areas of real-world impact.

The Subterra Model H is the latest advancement in our portfolio and has been developed alongside the Subterra Green and Subterra Grey systems. Together, these complementary technologies reflect our mission to deliver portable, field-ready soil and subsurface analysis tools designed for different user needs and environments.

With support from the Morgan Startup Grant, S4 has accelerated the development of the Model H — a handheld unit specifically designed to perform in difficult or remote environments where larger equipment cannot easily operate. Built in response to the needs of law enforcement and forensic investigators, the Model H is intended to be a reliable companion for teams working in rugged conditions such as rubble, tunnel walls, and other complex terrains.

This project highlights the vision behind the Morgan Startup Grant: driving early-stage innovations from concept into field-ready solutions for specialized professionals. With engineering partners at MAGNET, S4 has advanced Model H from design sketches to prototype-ready status — a milestone that represents a decisive step in turning cutting-edge science into practical tools.

We are deeply grateful to the Burton D. Morgan Foundation and Bounce Innovation Hub for fueling this next chapter of S4’s growth. Their investment in Northeast Ohio entrepreneurs enables companies like ours to bring breakthrough technologies to life.

Learn more and explore our products: Products | S4 Mobile Labs