SC LAUNCH! Announces SBIR/STTR Phase One Matching Grant Program

COLUMBIA, SC, June 26, 2007 -- SC Launch!, an SCRA collaboration, announced today that it is implementing the SC Launch! SBIR/STTR Phase I Matching Grant Program.

The initial year-long trial stage of this program will award matching funds to South Carolina-based companies that have been granted a Federal Small Business Innovation Research Program or Small Business Technology Transfer Program (SBIR/STTR) Phase I award.

With a successful trial, the program is expected to expand in duration and scope in a trailing time frame. The SC Launch! SBIR/STTR Matching Grant Program is designed to foster job creation and the Knowledge Economy in South Carolina by increasing the competitive position of South Carolina small businesses in attracting SBIR and STTR grant funding. The program also provides incentive for companies who have been awarded Federal Phase I feasibility research support to participate in the Phase II program.

"Our intent for the SC Launch! Matching Grant Program is to further increase the number of South Carolina small businesses that apply for Federal research dollars within the state," said Bill Mahoney, SCRA CEO and SC Launch! Acting President. "This program can also increase the productivity of Phase I research for South Carolina start-ups, which can make them more competitive when they apply for Phase II funds," he said.

"Winning phase II awards allows start-ups to further develop innovative technology into expanded commercial offerings within the state," he added.

A total of $1,000,000 is currently available for the trial phase of the Matching Grant Program. Each grant award in the Program may be up to $100,000. Grants are available as of July 1, 2007 on a first-come, first-served basis. The last date applications will be accepted is June 30, 2008 unless Program funds have been exhausted prior to this time. To learn more about the Program and how to apply, visit http://www.sclaunch.org to download the Match Solicitation, Program Guidelines and the Application form.

About SC Launch!

SC Launch!, an SCRA collaboration, assists entrepreneurial start-up companies with up-front counseling, seed-funding, and access to a powerful resource network. The SC Launch! mission is to help generate knowledge economy jobs in South Carolina, enhance the state's quality of life and provide opportunity for all South Carolinians in the new economy. For more information please visit www.sclaunch.org.

About SCRA

SCRA is a global leader in applied research and commercialization services with offices in Anderson, Charleston, and Columbia. SCRA collaborates to advance technology with industry, government, and research universities like Clemson University, the University of South Carolina and the Medical University of South Carolina. For more information please visit www.scra.org.

SC Launch! is a trademark of SC Launch!, Inc. SCRA is a registered trademark of SCRA.

Contact SCRA: Jill Hirsekorn 843.760.3329 jill.hirsekorn@scra.org