NSF clearly states in the topics document that this list should be considered as examples and does NOT represent an exhaustive list of topics and subtopics. The NSF SBIR/STTR program encourages proposals in all areas of science and engineering and rarely rejects proposals for lack of a topical fit with the agency. Therefore, an exact fit into one of these topics or subtopics is not required.
The marten belongs to the weasel family (Mustelidae), which also includes animals such as ermines, mink, ferrets, and wolverines. Marten are found in Canada and in parts of the United States and in the Eastern Hemisphere from Europe to the Malay region.
The American marten or American pine marten (Martes americana) is a North American member of the family Mustelidae, sometimes referred to as the pine marten. The name  pine marten  is derived from the common but distinct Eurasian species of Martes.he American marten is broadly distributed in northern North America. From north to south its range extends from the northern limit of treeline in arctic Alaska and Canada to northern New Mexico.