Ben Franklin Technology Partner Innovation Works Seeks Funding Proposals for PA-based Companies, University Research in Electronics and Robotics

Proposals being accepted for developments in digital multimedia, digital networking,
robotic applications

PITTSBURGH, July 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovation Works, the Ben Franklin Technology Partner of Southwestern PA,  a statewide economic development organization that supports technology commercialization and company growth through innovation,  will award up to $800,000 in technology commercialization funding to universities, early-stage and/or established companies based in Pennsylvania.  Draft proposal submissions for funding through the Technology Commercialization Initiative are due August 3, 2012 with final proposal submissions due September 7, 2012.

Through a competitive selection process, funding will be awarded for individual projects ranging up to $100,000 each that address key engineering design challenges, show a high degree of innovation and most importantly, identify a clear path to commercialization with the potential to significantly impact digital and/or robotics-related companies in Pennsylvania. Required project completion is 12 months commencing from date of contract.

"The Technology Commercialization Initiative aims to establish and grow a leading industry presence in Pennsylvania focused on market segments in digital multimedia, digital networking, and robotic applications," said Chuck Brandt, Ph.D., Vice President, Technology Programs for Innovation Works.  "We are driving rapid and continuing progress in technology development and commercialization in these areas. Our project funding helps to identify technology challenges within these market segments and create prototype solutions that reach beyond the current generation of available products and services," continued Dr. Brandt.

The full Request for Proposals can be downloaded from the homepage of Innovation Works website at: www.innovationworks.org.  Visitors will be to be redirected to http://www.techcollaborative.org/default.aspx?id=download_rfp.  Commercial submissions will only be accepted from PA firms that have either: a) not previously received Technology Commercialization Initiative (TCI) funding from predecessor organization The Technology Collaborative, or b) received less than $250k of total funding, as prime- and/or subcontractor, from prior TTC TCI solicitations.

Potential applicants should check the Innovation Works website periodically for date(s) for webinars and/or location(s) of proposal workshops to take place throughout the state. These briefings will provide a detailed overview of the submission and evaluation process, as well as a forum for more information. Workshop attendance is not mandatory for submitting a proposal. Those seeking funding can find more examples of funded projects and information on the website, or contact Chuck Brandt, Ph.D., VP Technology Programs, [email protected].

Innovation Works assumed responsibility for the Technology Commercialization Initiative (TCI) when it assumed the primary programs of The Technology Collaborative in May.  The Technology Collaborative is ending operations, but funding for the TCI continues at Innovation Works as well as other support for the state's digital and robotics industry cluster. 

About Innovation Works:

Innovation Works (www.innovationworks.org)  is Southwestern Pennsylvania's Ben Franklin Technology Partner.  The Ben Franklin Technology Partners (BFTP) is a statewide network dedicated to technology commercialization and company growth through innovation. Innovation Works and other centers in the Ben Franklin network provide funding and business assistance to startups and innovative companies that diversify Pennsylvania's economy, attract talent and capital, and generate growth across the Commonwealth. BFTP is an initiative of the PA Department of Community and Economic Development, and is overseen by the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority. Currently, Technology Commercialization Initiative funding comes primarily from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development's signature Discovered in PA, Developed in PA program. To date, over 180 technology commercialization projects have been selected for a total of $27.8 million in awards.

SOURCE Innovation Works, Inc.