‘Technology as a Tool’ grant program provides funds for
companies looking to develop business tools and improve processes
WTC’s “Technology as a Tool” program awards up to $20,000
towards funding research necessary to help Washington-based technology
companies increase their profitability. A complement to the organization’s
research grant program, Technology as a Tool helps fund university research
studies for work that augments products and services the company already
has in place or is in the process of developing. Grant money can be used
for operational improvements at this level.
While the WTC’s research grant program is aimed at funding research
that directly results in new product development, Technology as a Tool
focuses on research partnerships with the potential to optimize a technique
or process and that, while not necessary resulting in the creation of
a new product, adds direct value to a product or process necessary to
improve the company’s performance in the market place. Examples
of this type of research include market analysis and optimization studies.
“We saw the value of offering a grant program that would allow
Washington companies to benefit from academic research beyond direct
product development,” says
Laura Dorsey, WTC Technical Services Manager. “The Technology as a
Tool program opens doors for companies to fund research partnerships for
optimization
or process improvements which in turn may be critical to their long-term
commercial success.”
To be considered for the Technology as a Tool grant program, companies
should submit a one-page proposal outlining the scope of the project being
funded
and be willing to contribute $2,000 to the project. Deadline for submitted
initial
proposals is April 30.
Selected companies are then invited to submit more detailed proposals
for review. Grants are awarded in June and the research projects begin
July
1.
For more information contact Laura Dorsey, Technical Services Manager,
206-685-4809, e-mail: ldorsey@watechcenter.org or
visit the
Technology as a Tool section
of WTC’s website for more information.
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