DURHAM, N.H. - The New Hampshire Innovation Research Center is now accepting letters of intent from New Hampshire companies that wish to conduct research with New Hampshire-based colleges and universities including the University of New Hampshire and Dartmouth University. A nonbinding letter of intent on company letterhead is due Oct. 1, 2014.

Letters must include a short project description that defines the research concept, identifies the company's field of technology, and anticipates the commercial outcome of the project. Details on submitting letters of intent can be found at www.nhirc.unh.edu/rfp.html.

Grants funded by the NH Innovation Research Center 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. Applications are encouraged from companies in biomedical/biotechnology, engineering, IT, life sciences, materials science, and manufacturing.

"Year after year, these grants promote promising university-industry collaborations that turn research, conceptualization, and product development into clear economic impact," said Marc Sedam, executive director of the NHIRC. "In addition to increasing profitability for participating companies, these projects routinely go on to create jobs and enable businesses to get additional funding from private investors as well as federal sources such as Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) awards."

Companies are required to provide matching dollars or services and are offered additional training in grant writing to apply for federally funded Small Business Innovation Research or Small Business Technology Transfer grants and leverage the state-funded NHIRC dollars.

For more information about the NHIRC and how to apply for funding, visit www.nhirc.unh.edu or call 603-862-0948.