06.16.15

Hoeven Announces $100,000 Award for UND to Support R&D, Small Business Innovation

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has awarded the University of North Dakota (UND) a $100,000 grant to help UND assist North Dakota small businesses and technology firms with innovation, research and development, as well as be more competitive for other SBA grants. Today’s award is made available through the SBA’s Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program.

“Strong small businesses and advancements in technology will secure our nation’s future,” Hoeven said. “We need to invest in forward-thinking strategies that will help us build and maintain a vibrant economy. With our Centers of Excellence Initiative and world-class research institutions such as at UND, we have built a robust and continually growing economy in North Dakota. This as a blueprint for success. Collaboration between our universities and small businesses can help ensure the success of our national economy for generations to come.”

UND will use the FAST grant to strengthen small businesses and technology firms in North Dakota by giving them increased access to technology at UND, while mentoring and assisting with the research and development of new technology. This collaboration is aimed at improving the participation of businesses and firms as they innovate and commercialize new technologies, while helping those businesses and firms compete for other SBA administered research and development grants – grants which collectively supported more than $2.5 billion in federal research and development funding last year.

UND was one of 20 recipients of today’s FAST awards. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hoeven works to support programs that invest in businesses and foster collaboration between the private and public sector to develop new technology.

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