State earmarks $1.4M to aid launch of emerging tech projects

By: Deborah Johnson Wood

Competitive-edge companies that receive federal research grants from the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) could also qualify for a piece of a $1.4 million pie provided by the State of Michigan 21st Century Jobs Fund.

That pie, called the Michigan Emerging Technologies Fund (ETF) provides matching grant monies earmarked specifically for bringing new technologies to market in the areas of life sciences, alternative energy, homeland security/defense, and advanced automotive manufacturing and materials.

The ETF will match 25 percent of phase I SBIR/STTR awards, up to $25,000, and 25 percent of phase II awards up to $125,000.

Applicants must have a third party match to be eligible for the ETF grants. Applicants must secure a matching commitment from the MI-SBTDC before applying for the federal grants.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center administrate the ETF grants.

“The MI-SBTDC and MEDC are matching SBIR/STTR awards to stimulate small business technological innovation in Michigan,” says Phil Teply, ETF program director. “These small businesses are a significant part of the economy and we want to see them succeed.”

The ETF is now taking applications and will continue until funds are exhausted. Only online applications will be accepted at www.mietf.org.

Source: Michigan Economic Development Corporation

Deborah Johnson Wood is the development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].
Enjoy this story? Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.