Opportunities for Partnerships in Technology with Industry (OPT-IN)
This program is designed for tenured, tenure-track, or full-time research professors in science and engineering (S&E) disciplines seeking funding to partner with industrial entities to: build sustainable relationships between academia and industry; facilitate the commercialization of research; enhance research competitiveness; and contribute to the economic development of Louisiana.
This program is limited to the science and engineering research disciplines supported by NSF.
Two types of awards are offered:
Category I (research focus)
- Provides funding for one year
- Cash match from industry sponsor(s) is required
- Single or multiple investigators are allowed;
Category II (Commercialization Focus) Award
- Provides funding for one year
- Funding is to be used for prototype development, which can result in the commercialization of a product, or formation of a spin-off company
- Requires a letter of support from the PI’s Department Chair, Dean of the College, or Center Director that would reflect commitment of time and effort to achieve the goals of the proposed project
- Single or multiple investigators are allowed
Category I awards will receive a minimum of $10,000 with a maximum of $50,000 awarded based on the amount of required industrial sponsor cash match. Category II awards will receive up to a maximum of $20,000 funds. Award dollars for both categories may be used to support students, travel, and the purchase of scientific equipment and supplies.
Proposal submission deadline: December 15, 2011