Studer Community Institute

UWF has $1.5 million in grants to build your big idea

November 18, 2014
/ Staff Reports
/ government

The University of West Florida Office of Economic Development and Engagement recently launched a $1.5 million matching grant program to connect Northwest Florida businesses with research resources available through UWF. The new program, called the Northwest Florida Industry Research Matching Grants Program, makes UWF faculty, staff and students available to participating businesses to promote job creation in Northwest Florida by aiding in the development of new, commercially viable intellectual property that could net new revenue for the region and state. “We’re excited to launch the program, which is another in what is becoming a long line of innovative economic development and community engagement initiatives that UWF is undertaking,” said Brice Harris, director of strategic initiatives with OEDE. Harris said the program is modeled after a similar effort by the Florida High Tech Corridor that has been in operation for nearly two decades. The local program is a way for UWF to continue to build a close relationship with the private sector to build the local economic base. Harris says the effort has the potential to foster a $6 million portfolio of activities with the aim of supporting research and development, commercialization of research, economic diversification and high-wage job creation throughout Northwest Florida. The grant program will accept proposals from businesses operating in any industry, with priority on bids received from firms in aerospace, aviation, information technology and services, manufacturing design, marine technologies, transportation systems, financial services, medical products, microelectronics, software development, medical technologies and telecommunications. Participating businesses will be required to contribute at least $3 for every $1 provided by the matching-grant program. Businesses interested in participating in the grant program must work with a UWF faculty or staff member to draft a proposal they will submit to OEDE for review by a committee. OEDE expects to award grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, and the office will accept bids until the entire $1.5 million is allocated. Ownership of intellectual property developed through the program will vary by project. But, it is expected that UWF and the participating business will retain rights to the intellectual property, with the business having preference for use and licensure.

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UWF has $1.5 million in grants to build your big idea

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