DURHAM, N.H. — The New Hampshire Innovation Research Center (NHIRC) at the University of New Hampshire is soliciting letters of intent from New Hampshire companies to conduct research at New Hampshire-based colleges and universities (including Dartmouth and UNH) that leads to increased competitiveness, profitability and new jobs.  A nonbinding letter of intent on company letterhead is due Friday, Sept. 21, 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 to receive additional NHIRC-sponsored training in SBIR/STTR grant writing in an effort to improve leverage of NHIRC dollars.

The NHIRC was created by the New Hampshire Legislature in 1991 to increase competitiveness, profitability and quality jobs in New Hampshire companies. In FY12 and FY13, the legislature reduced the program budget by 60 percent. The NHIRC Oversight Committee is committed to reinstating the budget at or above the original amount and asks for any and all public and private support.

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 2012:

ArgenTech Solutions, Inc., Durham - develop an additive to the powder coating of materials utilizing existing photoluminescent phosphors combined with microsphere encapsulating technology.
Hutchinson Sealing Systems, Inc., Newfields - determine bond strength of an ionomer tie-layer compared to an adhesive, related to process temperatures and bright metal surface pre-treatment.
New Hampshire Optical Systems, Inc., Nashua - method to design and manage an advanced SDN/OpenFlow network configuration for the state of New Hampshire.

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