Grant & Award Programs MTI implements a portfolio of programs to address specific needs consistent with its purpose. Following is a brief description of our award programs. Please note carefully that all MTI programs require a minimum 1:1 cash match and a request for proposals or for applications may change from round to round. Please be sure to download all instructions and forms if you are applying for another program, as they may be different from the prior round. Email questions about the proposals to info@mainetechnology.org You must have Acrobat Reader and/or a word processor capable of reading Microsoft Word documents to view the Request for Proposal and some of the Proposal Forms. Business Innovation Programs Four MTI programs for research and development financing Seed Grant Program Offered to Maine companies and entrepreneurs six times a year, these grants range from $1,000 to $12,500 to help fund small, early-stage R&D projects and activities leading to commercialization. Activities include market research, intellectual propertyfiling, and prototype development. Seed grants require at least a 1:1 match from the applicant. The next deadline for seed grants is February 11, 2010 by 5:00 p.m. Proposals received after 5:00 p.m. will not be accepted. Development Awards Offered three times a year, these awards fund $50,00 to $500,000 per project for comprehensive, later-stage R&D activities leading to commercialization. Activities include those funded by the seed grant program, as well as small-scale manufacturing. Repayment of this award is required when the product, process or service developed is successfully commercialized. Development awards require at least a 1:1 match from the applicant. The next deadline for development award applications is February 9, 2010, by 5:00 p.m. Applications received after 5:00 p.m. will not be accepted. Accelerated Commercialization Fund (ACF) This program can help selected Development Award recipients bridge the financing gap between R&D and sales. SBIR/STTR Phase 0 Proposal Assistance Program MTI helps small companies identify business opportunities within a $2 billion federal market for research and development. MTI grants of up to $5,000 are offered to support competitive federal Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) proposal submissions from Maine applicants. These grants are awarded on a rolling basis and require at least a 1:1 match from the applicant. MTI also provides no-cost guidance to Maine technology companies to help prepare competitive proposals. SBIR/STTR Pre-Phase II Matching Grant MTI grants of up to $10,000 are offered to support Maine base small businesses who have received a Phase I award from one of the eleven federal agencies that participate in this federally mandated program. Phase I applicants are encouraged to obtain a letter of support and notice of commitment from MTI to include with their Phase I application. Cluster Initiative Program Awards made through the Cluster Initiative Program support Maine's technology sectors and businesses by improving the effectiveness of their infrastructure, as well as resources and connections among firms, service providers, research laboratories and educational institutions. They focus on collaborative efforts to spread knowledge and skills, build connections among businesses, connect them to research and service partners, and address common opportunities and challenges, leading to more vibrant economic growth and innovation in Maine's high-potential technology clusters. This new program was launched in September 2008, replacing the Cluster Enhancement Awards Program and expanding the total amount of awards to over $2 million per year and the maximum award limit from $200,000 to $500,000. There are two levels of applications, both of which require matching funds. Maine Technology Asset Fund The Maine Technology Asset Fund is a two-year, competitive award program funded by a $50 million bond approved by Maine voters in November 2007. The awards must be used to fund capital and related expenditures supporting research, development and commercialization projects that will lead to significant economic benefits for Maine. The expenses may include facilities construction and renovation, machinery and equipment (including computers, software and licenses required for their use, as well as related technician training for operation of equipment and machinery purchased) and land purchase. This may also include expenses directly associated with the acquisition and installation of such assets. The awards may not be used to fund ordinary annual operating expenses. There will be two rounds of awards. The MTI Board approved the first round of awards on August 11, 2008. Read the list of 14 award recipients and the project descriptions with total requests for $29,919.446. The MTI Board approved the second round of awards on June 8, 2009.  Read the list of 16 award recipients and their project descriptions with total requests of $25,199,507.