Workshop to Educate Researchers about Application Process for Government Funds to Finance Emerging Technologies
Representative from Governor’s Office to Provide Information on Proposals
 
The Community Outreach Department at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi will sponsor a Texas “Emerging Technology Fund” (ETF) workshop Friday, Aug. 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz International Center, 402 Harbor Dr.

In 2005, the 79th Legislature approved a bill establishing the Texas Emerging Technology Fund to support and expedite the commercialization of emerging technologies that have the potential to impact the economy of Texas. Gov. Rick Perry then secured $200 million to help Texas stimulate growth in high-tech fields like biomedicine and nanotechnology.

The Emerging Technology fund is expected to attract the world's best scientists and researchers to Texas universities, as well as thousands of high-tech jobs. It will also help start-up companies get their inventions out of the lab and into the hands of consumers sooner.

“Our goal is to identify specific projects on campus that may qualify for ETF Funding,” said Gretchen Arnold, director of Air Quality Programs for Community Outreach. “We’re trying to get the word out about the availability of these funds so that we can identify projects that may be eligible for funding under this program.”

The Legislature earmarked $100 million from its state reserve (“rainy day”) funds to encourage emerging technologies, many in the biotech field, for Fiscal Year 2006. The same amount has been appropriated for Fiscal Year 2007 which begins Friday, Sept. 1, 2006. Depending on the available reserve funds, $50 million will be allocated for regional centers of innovation and commercialization projects; $25 million for emerging technology research matching grant activity; and $25 million for acquisition of research superiority grant activity.

Mark Ellison with the governor's office will be at the workshop to provide valuable information about the fund and the type of proposals the Governor's office is seeking. The workshop will also include a session that takes attendees through the application process.  Recent changes in the application requirements will also be discussed at the briefing. The briefing and lunch are free of charge.

For more information about the Texas Emerging Technology Fund, go to www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/ecodev/etf.