Sirti Seeking Grant Proposals To Create New, Better Products
Business owners, college professors and garage-lab inventors are invited to seek up to $100,000 to create new and improved products through Spokane’s Intercollegiate Research and Technology Institute.
Grants approved by SIRTI directors later this year will receive the money for either one or two-year proposals that create new products or stimulate regional business.
Those planning to apply must submit an initial application by July 30.
A full application must reach SIRTI by Oct. 20.
Money for those projects comes from a $15-million grant SIRTI received from the Department of Defense two years ago.
Grants will range from $10,000 to $100,000 annually and will be awarded to projects that use current or state-of-the-art technology.
They also must create products or services that can be sold within two years.
While anyone in the Northwest can apply, first priority will be for projects that have impact on the Spokane area.
SIRTI officials mailed out more than 3,000 bid invitations recently, covering all five Northwest states and several universities in California.
Three review teams comprised of industry officials and educators will review the applications and make awards by Dec. 30.
Eight development projects are already receiving money through the Defense Department grant. Those include efforts to improve products and manufacturing methods for several major firms, including The Washington Water Power Co.
SIRTI plans to continue inviting bids for the defense grant money for an additional three years beyond this one, Anderson said.
The federal grant came to SIRTI through the assistance of former House Speaker Tom Foley. Its purpose is to encourage research and development of new manufacturing techniques or innovative products.
, DataTimes MEMO: A full packet of bid information can be ordered from SIRTI (fax number: 509-358-2019). SIRTI is offering a bid preparation session at its offices Wednesday from 3 to 5 p.m. SIRTI’s address is 665 N. Riverpoint Blvd.