Department of Commerce

Description

EDA is committed to helping foster connected, innovation-centric economic sectors which support commercialization and entrepreneurship as described in the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010. Working with regions across the country to develop regional innovation strategies, including regional innovation clusters, is also a Strategic Goal of the DOC’s FY 2014-2018 Strategic Plan and a keystone of the Secretary’s commitment to building globally competitive regions. As part of this strategy, funding is available for capacity-building activities that include Proof of Concept Centers and Commercialization Centers as well as scaling of existing commercialization programs and centers; feasibility studies for the creation and expansion of facilities such as science and research parks; and supporting opportunities to close the funding gap for early-stage companies. To that end, EDA’s existing and highly successful i6 Challenge is being joined by additional grant opportunities to create the Regional Innovation Strategies (RIS) Program. Under this program, EDA is soliciting applications for three separate competitions: 1. 2014 i6 Challenge; 2. Science and Research Park Development Grants; and 3. Cluster Grants for Seed Capital Funds. Applicants may, but are not required to, submit proposals for more than one competition under the RIS Program.

Who can apply

• State governments
• County governments
• City or township governments
• Special district governments
• Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
• Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
• Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education)
• Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education)
• Private institutions of higher education

Contact

Julie Kirk <br/>Director, Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
oie@eda.gov