NHIRC offers businesses grant opportunities for advancement By Liisa Rajala Twice a year, the NH Innovation Research Center seeks grant applications from New Hampshire companies that wish to conduct research with New Hampshire-based colleges and universities, including the University of New Hampshire and Dartmouth College. Grants funded by the NHIRC support projects under development in the private sector — varying from proof-of-concept to a substantial product or process design. Companies that win awards, which range from $20,000 to $125,000, are required to provide matching dollars or services, and are offered additional training in grant writing to apply for federally funded Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants. Since 1991, NHIRC projects have attracted
$32.5 million in SBIR awards as well as $900 million in additional funding from other resources and private investors. “These grants continue to promote promising university-industry collaborations that turn research and product development into clear economic impact,” says Marc Sedam, executive director of the NHIRC. “In addition to increasing profitability for participating companies, these projects routinely go on to create jobs and enable businesses to get additional funding from private investors as well as federal sources.” For some companies, the grants have been essential to their success. “We entered the new market area of heat pipes through a NHIRC grant by working with an UNH chemical engineering professor to study the corrosion and aging to improve the reliability of these heat pipes,” says Craig Wood, former CEO of Laconia-based AavidTher-
malloy in a testimony. “UNH had equipment not available at Aavid and the expertise needed to develop a predictive aging model. Aavid officials estimated this market to produce between $500,000 and $1 million within the following year, and add about eight new jobs.” The process for applying for a NHIRC grant is competitive, with oversight by representatives from industry, government and academic institutions. Applications are encouraged from companies in biomedical/biotechnology, engineering, information technology, life sciences, materials science and manufacturing. Interested businesses do not need an academic partner to submit a letter of intent and assistance in locating a partner can be provided. More information, including upcoming deadlines, can be found on the NHIRC website at nhirc.unh.edu.
www.nhirc.unh. edu
✓ Accelerate Development ✓ Create Jobs ✓ Increase Profitability The NHIRC has awarded more than $8 million in state funds to support research projects and has been responsible for the creation or retention of 680 jobs. Awardees have received more than $32.5 million in federal SBIR grants and over $900 million in investment/acquisition capital on dollars spent.
Create university/industry partnerships Accelerate your development through an academic collaboration for prototyping, testing, or using specialized equipment.
Apply for a Granite State Technology Innovation Grant Visit www.nhirc.unh.edu or contact: nhirc.info@unh.edu
®
Administered by the University of New Hampshire
20 BUSINESS SERVICES GUIDE 2018
ALWAYS ON Reach your audience everywhere
with live, local radio. Radio works!