NC
IDEA Grant Program Opens
NC IDEA, a private non-profit organization dedicated to helping establish and develop early-stage companies through commercialization of research innovation, is launching the NC IDEA Grants Program beginning January 15 to help companies bridge the gap between idea and private equity funding.
NC IDEA plans to award $150,000 in "proof of concept" grants in April 2006, with a maximum of $50,000 per company. North Carolina-based companies focused on information technology, medical devices or material sciences are invited to apply, with preference given to those that have not received equity financing. An entrepreneur who has not formed a company may apply, but company incorporation will be required prior to the award of grant funding. The grant cycle will begin Sunday, Jan. 15. Interested companies are invited to submit an online "pre-proposal" application through Feb. 15.
The NC IDEA Grant Program is a
catalyst that will ultimately produce high-growth companies and jobs in North
Carolina by helping position companies for private equity investment.
NC IDEA Grants will support business activities such as development of a business
plan, market research and analysis, IP activities or prototype development.
Grants will not be awarded to fund scientific research or pay salaries.
Approximately a dozen companies submitting "pre-proposal" submissions
will be selected to participate in a subsequent full proposal submission and
review period from Feb. 15 through March 22. This process will include submission
of a more in-depth proposal and budget for use of grant proceeds, and potentially
a presentation from the company to a NC IDEA Grants Program advisory committee.
Notification of grant recipients is scheduled for April 26.
Please help us get the word out about this opportunity by forwarding this
message to contacts in your network. For more information or to apply for
a grant, please visit the NC
IDEA website. If you have any additional questions, reply to grants@ncidea.org.
.