DURHAM, N.H. - The New Hampshire Innovation Research Center (NHIRC) 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 College. A signed, nonbinding letter of intent (LOI) on company letterhead is due by March 9, 2015.

LOIs must include a short project description that clearly defines the research concept, identifies the company's field of technology, and anticipates the commercial outcome of the project. Interested businesses do not need an academic partner to submit an LOI and assistance in locating a partner can be provided. Details on submitting an LOI can be found at www.nhirc.unh.edu.

Grants funded by the NHIRC 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.

"These grants continue to promote promising university-industry collaborations that turn research 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."

Awarded 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 (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants.

The NHIRC was created in 1991 by the New Hampshire Legislature to support innovations through industry and university collaborations, thereby increasing the number of quality jobs in the state. Since its inception, the NHIRC has awarded more than $6 million in state funds to support research projects and has been responsible for the creation or retention of 650 jobs. Awardees have received more than $32 million in federal SBIR grants and over $900 million in investment/acquisition capital. 

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