Contact: Kristin Jobin, KBS 
kristin@kbsincorporated.com
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News Release
November 28, 2012

Four Small Companies Awarded Grants for Research Partnerships with Universities

Michigan Corporate Relations Network Announces Latest Round of Small
Company Innovation Program Funding

Lansing, MI –The Michigan Corporate Relations Network (MCRN) announces four Small Company Innovation Program (SCIP) grant awards that will enable research partnerships between small Michigan businesses and MCRN universities.

SCIP enables small Michigan-based companies to collaborate with universities on research projects that support the commercialization of a product or service. By awarding matching funds, SCIP helps small businesses stretch their budget for critical, early stage developments. With over $1.8 billion of research (98% of the academic research done in Michigan in 2009), the MCRN universities have a wealth of resources to offer small business. By offering a 1:1 match, this program provides financial support for companies to have a productive engagement with their university partners.

Through a competitive process, the following projects were selected for funding:

Armune BioScience, Inc. in the amount of $19,217
SCIP funds will support research at the University of Michigan to reduce the number of unnecessary second biopsies performed to detect prostate cancer.

Leadfoot Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $10,000
SCIP funds will support research at Michigan Technological University to develop new piston materials with improved mechanical properties at elevated temperatures.

      Sustainable Technologies, Inc. in the amount of $37,000 
SCIP funds will support research at Michigan State University to examine the ability of the company’s AGIS technology to extend the life of septic fields underneath fast food restaurants.

      NanoBio Corporation in the amount of $40,000 
SCIP funds will support research at the University of Michigan to develop a topical therapy that halts burn wound progression while also acting as an antimicrobial.

SCIP’s next application deadline is May 1, 2013. For more information on SCIP and other MCRN programs, visit http://www.michigancrn.org.

The Michigan Corporate Relations Network is collaboration among six public universities working to connect small businesses with university resources that will help to drive innovation and commercialization. MCRN consists of Wayne State University, the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Michigan Technological University, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Western Michigan University, and the University Research Corridor. MCRN is funded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

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