DURHAM, N.H. — The New Hampshire Innovation Research Center (NHIRC) is now soliciting letters of intent from New Hampshire companies for conducting research at New Hampshire-based colleges and universities (including Dartmouth and the University of New Hampshire).  A nonbinding letter of intent on company letterhead is due Friday, Jan. 27, 2012.

The grants support projects under development in the private sector. It is a competitive process, with oversight by representatives from industry, government and academic institutions. Projects vary from proof-of-concept to a substantial product or process design. Companies are required to provide matching dollars or services and will be required to receive additional NHIRC-sponsored training in SBIR/STTR grant writing in an effort to improve leverage of NHIRC dollars.

The New Hampshire Innovative Research Center (NHIRC) was created by the New Hampshire Legislature in 1991 to increase competitiveness, profitability and quality jobs in New Hampshire companies. It is administered by the NHIRC office at the University of New Hampshire in Durham. Due to budget constraints, the current RFP is for both the FY12 and FY13 budget years in the cumulative amount of $400,000.

To learn more about the NHIRC and how to apply for funding visit http://www.nhirc.unh.edu or call 603-862-0123.

Award recipients in 2011 and research funded to:

Albany Engineered Composites, Inc., Rochester - develop an analytical model for composite materials that incorporate three-dimensionally woven fiber reinforcement.

AxiSol, Inc., Lebanon -refine designs for an innovative high temperature receiver, develop a working prototype and test the new design. 

Conductive Compounds, Inc., Hudson -develop integrated scheme for in-situ production of inks meeting strict criteria of uniformity, thin-layer stability and conductivity.  

Design Mentor, Inc., Pelham -conduct pre-clinical activities (animal studies) for evaluation of end organ perfusion efficacy.

Hitchiner Manufacturing Co., Inc., Milford -improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions in the Investment Casting manufacturing process.

Itaconix LLC, Dover -evaluate liquid-liquid extraction technologies, minimize energy and materials need & minimal environmental impact.

M2S, Inc., West Lebanon -automate segmentation task, (3D data using 2D procedures) as fully 3D.

The New Hampshire Innovation Commercialization Center, Portsmouth -conduct development & testing to bring product to prototype stage and to produce a business development plan.

Unified Office LLC, Portsmouth -develop, test and implement a prototype of open systems based Voice over IP service architecture.

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