Monday, January 12, 2004

WILMINGTON, N.C. – An introductory SBIR/STTR and technology commercialization workshop will take place from 1 to 3:15 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10 at the Golden Hawk Room in the Nixon Annex of Trask Coliseum at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington The SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) and STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) Programs provided over $1.8 billion in funding to small, innovative U.S.-owned businesses in the fiscal year 2003. These funds are set aside from eleven federal agencies to assist small businesses, often university spin-outs, conduct early stage research and development of technologies that can ultimately be commercialized.

SBIR Program Specialist with the North Carolina Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) John Ujvari will present an introduction to the SBIR and STTR programs, the services that the SBTDC provides to those looking to submit proposals, as well as sources of additional program information. Technology Commercialization Counselor with the SBTDC Ervin Allen will present an introductory lesson on the steps involved in moving a technology beyond research and development into commercialization via licensing. The workshop will conclude with a UNCW faculty member who has been involved with several successful Phase 1 SBIR projects. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with speakers as well as members of the SBTDC’s Wilmington office during and after the workshop.

There is no charge for admission, but registration is strongly suggested as space is limited. Registration can be conducted online at www.sbtdc.org/events/sbir/workshops2004/. Also available at this site are an agenda and directions.

The mission of the North Carolina SBTDC, a business development service of the University of North Carolina system, is to support the growth and development of North Carolina’s economy by encouraging entrepreneurship, assisting in the creation and expansion of small and medium-sized businesses and facilitating technology development and commercialization. Since its founding in 1984, the SBTDC has counseled more than 75,000 business clients. Since 1998 the SBTDC has held the lead role in North Carolina in promoting and supporting SBIR activities. As a testament to the SBTDC’s efforts, North Carolina’s STTR ranking improved last year to 4th in the nation. North Carolina is now in the top tier of high performing states receiving SBIR and STTR funds.

Contact John Ujvari, the SBTDC’s SBIR program specialist, at 919/962-8297 or e-mail sbir@sbtdc.org for information about this or other planned events, as well as for general SBIR counseling.

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Media contacts: Leslie Langer at 910/962-4248 or e-mail llanger@sbtdc.org and John Ujvari at 919/962-8297 or e-mail sbir@sbtdc.org.