Deadline approaching for Michigan small businesses to apply for research grants giving them access to top faculty at six universities
September 11, 2013
The Michigan Corporate Relations Network (MCRN) currently is accepting applications for Small Company Innovation Program (SCIP) grants. These grants are designed to promote research partnerships between Michigan small and mid-sized businesses and Michigan’s six top research universities. The deadline for submitting applications for SCIP grants is Thurs. Sept. 27.
SCIP provides matching funds for collaborative research projects between small- to mid-sized Michigan companies and MCRN universities, including Michigan State University, Michigan Technological University, the University of Michigan, the University of Michigan-Dearborn, Wayne State University and Western Michigan University, as well as the University Research Corridor. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation provides funding for the grants.
Businesses that receive SCIP matching funds are able to work with top researchers and research facilities at one of the MCRN universities to solve technical challenges and move their work closer to commercialization.
“SCIP funds provide access to the vast resources available through Michigan’s leading research universities,” said Lorelei Davis, associate director of MSU Business Connect office. “Companies can become familiar with the practices of university researchers and business engagement offices, while accelerating business development through access to equipment and expertise.”
To apply for a matching grant, applicants should contact the university business engagement office at the MCRN university closest to them. Applicants who already have identified a researcher to work with at an MCRN university can continue building that relationship through SCIP. Contact information for MCRN university business engagement offices can be found here. Answers to frequently asked questions also are available on the website.
Previous SCIP grantees have included companies throughout Michigan. Among them are:
- Stellar Fuels LLC, Detroit, awarded $40,000 in matching funds to expand the company’s research on converting methane gas into diesel fuel.
- Coy Laboratory Products Inc., Grass Lake, awarded $20,000 in matching funds for research that will determine the ideal equipment needed to allow researchers to study the interaction of bacteria with the cells of the intestine.
- Advanced Technologies of Michigan, Livonia, awarded $40,000 in matching funds to further its work creating a new way to build tissue to combat osteoporosis.
MCRN encourages small businesses in need of research assistance to apply for the SCIP grant by Sept. 27. For more information about SCIP and MCRN’s other business assistance programs, please visit this website. Application procedure questions should be directed to Kristin Jobin at (517) 925-8649 or kristin@kbsincorporated.com.