The IURTC is taking the lead in preparing a grant application for a new program from several federal agencies led by the Economic Development Administration, called the i6 Challenge. This grant is a new $12 million innovation competition administered by the Economic Development Administration (EDA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce, in partnership with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF).  EDA will award up to $1 million to each of six winning teams with the most innovative ideas to drive technology commercialization and entrepreneurship in their regions.  NIH and NSF will award a total of up to $6M in additional funding to their Small Business Innovation Research grantees associated with winning teams.

i6 Challenge Goals: to accelerate technology commercialization and new venture formation as a driver for economic growth and new job creation.

One of the grant requirements is to leverage regional strengths. We feel one of Indiana’s strengths is in the willingness of community individuals and businesses to get involved in innovative solutions to statewide challenges. We would like for the companies that are members of INpact and the medical device community to play a role in bringing this program to fruition.

Application Deadline: Mid-July

If you do decide to get involved, we will only need a one page letter of participation to submit with the grant. We encourage entrepreneurs, investors, universities, foundations, and non-profits to participate in the i6 Challenge.

For more information, please go to www.eda.gov/i6