The Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority (BFTDA) has announced an approval of $3.15 million fund for the University Research Commercialization Grant Program to promote research and development works in the nanotechnology field.
The BFTDA, a state technology development program, offers an investment vehicle to make university, community and economic-based investments.
This commercialization grant program is launched to promote university research in the nanotechnology field by developing workforce and education, establishing public-private collaborations and drawing capable graduate and undergraduate students into research.
The competitive grant program will also promote the commercialization of new technologies, co-operation with economic development works based on other technologies, and coordination between academies and companies. Universities or colleges and their not-for-profit partners are the eligible applicants to secure funds through the program.
The Department of Community and Economic Development will accept the grant applications until December 31 2011. The submission of the application must be done through the online DCED Single Application for Assistance sited at www.esa.dced.state.pa.us or at newPA.com.
C. Alan Walker, who serves as the Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary, stated that the Corbett management is dedicated to offering established and start-up technology companies the capability to promote innovations and to create high-salaried jobs across the state. This grant program will promote partnerships and technology development between technology-based businesses and higher education institutions in Pennsylvania, he added.