Friday, August 02, 2019

UNCW researchers whose projects show “early indications of exceptional commercial potential” are invited to consult with a representative of the North Carolina Biotechnology Center for guidance in submitting “Flash Grant” proposals to advance their work. 

Tracey du Laney, director for science and technology development at NCBiotech, will be available Aug. 13 for half-hour consultations at the MARBIONC building with faculty and staff who are interested in filing a proposal. The next grant filing deadline is 12 p.m. on Aug. 28. Additional application cycles are planned with deadlines of Dec. 11, 2019, and April 22, 2020. 

The grants are designed to advance basic life science research or translational research programs for agriculture, marine and natural products, said Steven Fontana, director of UNCW’s Office of Innovation and Commercialization. For this cycle, only projects related to those specific areas will be accepted. 

“This is an outstanding opportunity for faculty and staff researchers to gain an advantage in competing for North Carolina Biotechnology Center grants to help them expand their research,” said Stuart Borrett, Associate Provost for Research and Innovation. 

Flash Grants provide money for projects with the potential to generate additional funding, intellectual property filings, licenses and startups. The maximum amount that may be requested is $20,000. 

The funding can help move a project from the research stage into development, Fontana said. 

To schedule a half-hour consultation, contact Karin LeMaire, business services manager at MARBIONC, at lemairek@uncw.edu or 910.962.2330. More information about Flash Grants and application instructions can be found here. 

-- Tricia Vance 

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