Florida County R&D Authority Awards Tech Commercialization Grants

Many communities around the country have established authorities to oversee the real estate, infrastructure and management issues of their technology parks. Few of those authorities, however, provide direct grants to support industry-university R&D or commercialization projects. This more proactive approach to growing future tenants is the thinking behind a pilot program created last year for the Leon County Research and Development Authority (LCRDA) in Tallahassee.

Last month, the Innovation Park Technology Commercialization Grant Program awarded its first two $15,000 grants to be used for product development, business and commercialization services, or to secure matching funds. Grant recipients also will receive marketing support and strategic planning assistance.

Designed to promote technology commercialization, the grants are awarded on a competitive basis and are available to entrepreneurs, local business owners, universities and research labs.

"We're looking for technology-related products and services in various fields that have the potential to create jobs and stimulate the local economy," said Linda Nicholsen, executive director for Innovation Park.

LCRDA oversees the development and management of a 208-acre research park established in 1978. The authority is jointly governed by Leon County, the city of Tallahassee, Florida State University, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee Community College and local business representatives.

In addition to the grant program, LCRDA supports other programs to encourage entrepreneurship and tech transfer, including an internship program with a local high school to enable students to explore technology-related careers. The authority also offers workshops and seminars related to technology topics such as patents and establishing grant programs.

More information on the Innovation Park Technology Commercialization Grant is available at: http://www.innovation-park.com/park_news.cfm