Research & Commercialization
Established by the 1999 Legislature, the Montana Board of Research and Commercialization Technology is attached to the Department of Commerce for administrative purposes. The purpose of the program is to provide a predictable and stable source of funding (grants) for research projects conducted in the state. The objective is to advance the state's economy by financing research projects that have commercial potential. State law requires that at least 20 percent of research grants made be directed toward projects that enhance production agriculture, and at least 30 percent of research grants be directed toward clean coal or renewable resource projects. The statutorily required matching funds must be in the possession of the applicant at the time grant funds are disbursed.
Grants are made from the Research and Commercialization Expendable Trust Fund to qualified research and commercialization centers. These are defined as the campuses of the University of Montana or Montana State University, tribal colleges, colleges of technology, community colleges, agricultural research centers, or private laboratories or research centers.
Criteria for awarding grants for projects include:
- There is potential to diversify or add value to a traditional basic industry of the state's economy.
- Promise exists for enhancing technology-based sectors.
- Taking advantage of existing research and commercialization strengths of the state's public university and private research establishment.
- A realistic and achievable project design has been established.
- Innovative technology is employed or developed.
- Activity for the project is located in the state.
- A qualified research team is used to complete the research project.
- Verification that the project was awarded based on its scientific merits.
- There are research opportunities for students.
- Grant applications require a peer review.
