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The Tennessee Technology Development Corporation (TTDC), an organization whose mission is to increase the formation and expansion of science and technology businesses in Tennessee, has informed the UT Research
Foundation of the availability of a new grant program to help researchers move promising technologies from the lab to the proof-of-concept or prototype stage. Up to $50,000 in total costs will be awarded to proposals that are judged to have a high likelihood
of advancing a project to the stage where it will attract investor support or secure a third-party licensing deal. In addition to the technical component, proposals will be required to have detailed commercialization plans explaining
the positive economic impact to the State of Tennessee (e.g., creation of jobs), so collaborations with industrial or entrepreneurial partners are encouraged.
UTRF is only allowed to submit a total of three (3) proposals from across all campuses and institutes so an internal competition will be held to select projects for further development.
To aid UTRF in its deliberations, please send us a one (1) page abstract by the close of business on Monday, January 3, 2011.
Following are the guidelines for the abstract submission:
1.
This is open to all UT researchers (faculty, staff, students) at all campuses and institutes.
2.
The abstract must demonstrate how the funds will increase the readiness of the technology for commercial success.
3.
Collaborations with a Tennessee business are encouraged but are not mandatory.
4.
It should not exceed one (1) page in length (no appendices are allowed).
5.
There are no formatting requirements, but following is information that should be included in the 1-page abstract:
a.
Project title
b.
Principal Investigator(s)
c.
Outside collaborators (if any)
d.
A description of the work to be performed (if the project has an outside collaborator, explain their role in the project)
e.
The expected outcome of the work
f.
How the invention will have a positive economic impact to Tennessee
g.
How the work will ready the invention for either licensing to an existing company or a new start-up company
The submission should be sent via email to
[log in to unmask].
Winners of the internal competition will be notified by close of business on Friday, January 7, 2011. Guidelines for the final proposals, which are expected
to be eight (8) pages in length, will be provided at that time. Final submissions will be due to the Office of Research on Thursday, February 10, 2011. The UTRF Technology Transfer Office will be available to assist the winners to develop these proposals.
If you need more information, don’t hesitate to
contact me.
Joy
Joy Fisher
Director of Marketing and Business Development
University of Tennessee Research Foundation
865-974-0520