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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Sirti Solicits New Product Proposals

Michael Murphey Staff writer

High-tech entrepreneurs seeking help in turning concepts into commercial products have a chance to tap into funds from the Spokane Intercollegiate Research and Technology Institute.

SIRTI is soliciting proposals for new, innovative, technology-based products for energy, environmental and agricultural industries that have potential military application.

The institute will provide funding up to $200,000 over two years to move the best ideas out of laboratories, off of drawing boards and into the marketplace.

“We intend to work in partnership with companies, academic experts and others to develop and bring technologies into the marketplace,” said Dr. Anthony Lentz, SIRTI’s associate director of technology development and commercialization. “Our goal is to combine good science with good business to create jobs and economic growth for this region.”

SIRTI is calling on private companies and academic experts to propose projects with the potential to bring a new product or process on-line during the two-year time frame.

The projects must demonstrate the ability to create jobs or grow regional companies. They also must be relevant to U.S. Defense Department needs or have a military application, because much of SIRTI’s current funding is provided through an agreement with the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.

SIRTI offers grant support, access to specialized facilities and equipment, research and development expertise through academic partners and technical networks, as well as access to business networks to help in product development and commercialization.

Respondents must file a notice of intent to propose by June 10, with full proposals due Aug. 1. Award notifications will be made by Sept. 10.

For full proposal packets, contact Nancy Perrigue at (509) 358-2059, or nancyp@sirti.org.

, DataTimes