Kai Sensors, a developer of products measuring and monitoring vital signs wirelessly, said it has won a National Science Foundation contract to develop a system for detecting sleep apnea and other sleep disorders.

Kai Sensors said it will use the Small Business Innovation Research Phase I contract to develop a prototype wireless sleep monitoring system. By successfully completing a working prototype, it could qualify for a $500,000 Phase II award that would support completion of the device, the company said.

"Kai Sensors' non-contact sensors are a natural fit for the wireless sleep monitor we will develop," said Andrea Yuen, Kai Sensors' chief executive officer.

"We believe this monitor will make detection of sleep apnea more convenient and effective and thus help improve the lives of many people."

Kai Sensors said it will own any intellectual property generated from the project. The company also said in developing the system it anticipates developing technology that will become advanced monitoring features specific to sleep disorders in future products.

Kai Sensors is the 2008 recipient of the Frost & Sullivan Technology Innovation of the Year Award. It is working with companies to commercialize its noncontact wireless monitoring products.