Dear Inventors and Researchers,

Technology commercialization is a key component of USU’s research and outreach missions. It supports our land-grant mandate to improve the lives of Utah citizens and to disseminate research results to the state, the nation, and the world.

Recently the Utah Science Technology And Research Initiative (USTAR) made available $800,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds to Utah State University. These monies are for the specific purpose of funding the newly created Technology Commercialization Grant (TCG) Program. TCG awards at USU can be for any amount up to $125,000, however, most awards will be smaller and the amounts will need to be justified by a detailed appropriate budget.

The USTAR TCG program is designed to assist inventors and researchers in the final stages of idea implementation; these funds are intended to drive the commercialization of technology forward. Therefore, the grants are designed to support transitional research in all areas and novel technology development with commercialization potential. Specially, the TCG program is committed to supporting research projects that are most likely to generate patents, technology licenses, and product commercialization in the short term.

The first application deadline is September 30, 2009. Subsequent application deadlines are December 31, March 31, and June 30. Detailed information regarding the application process can be found here.

We strongly encourage you to consider applying for the available grants and look forward to supporting your research and innovation at USU.

Regards,

Raymond T. Coward,
Executive Vice President and Provost

Brent C. Miller,
Vice President for Research 

Ned M. Weinshenker,
Vice President for Strategic Ventures and Economic Development