CRDF/MRDA in collaboration with ASM/AITT announce STEP Business Partnership Grants 2008

The STEP Business Partnership Grants competition (STEP BPG), conducted by the U.S. Civilian Research & Development Foundation (CRDF) and Moldovan Research and Development Association (MRDA), its STEP Partner organization, along with the Agency for Innovation and Technology (AITT) promotes research and development (R&D) partnerships between companies (Company) and teams of scientists (Science Team) to develop new commercial opportunities of economic benefit to both parties.

STEP BPG projects must have research and development (R&D) as their core task and must include a preliminary market assessment a customer needs analysis, and business development components. Projects that demonstrate their ability to enable revenue creation and/or attract non-STEP Partner organization sources of funding will be given priority consideration in the selection process.  All goals and outcomes of the projects must be well defined and measurable.

STEP BPG projects are limited to a maximum of 24 months.  Funds for projects are provided by the MRDA, CRDF and AITT. Funds are limited to $10,000. Preference will be given to projects with at least 40% company cash contribution.  Preference will also be given to newly-formed partnerships.  All funds must be used for Science Team expenses.

Only individuals affiliated with institutions accredited by the National Commission for Accreditation and Attestation are eligible to participate in this program.

Complete proposals must be submitted to the following organizations:

- AITT (in official state language) in two original copies and one electronic copy in conformity with CSSDT’s rules, www.asm.md or www.aitt.md,  at AITT office, address: bd. Ştefan cel Mare, nr.1, office 446, tel: 54-63-82; 54-74-32, 27-72-98.

- MRDA (English version) one original copy and electronic copy elaborated in conformity with Program Announcement www.mrda.md/step, at MRDA office, MD-2009, Chisinau, 60 Mateevici str., Building 4, office 115.Tel:+373(22)57-77-07, +373(22)57-77-06;
Program Announcement (146K)

- CRDF via the Electronic Proposal Submission Web Site (EPS).
Only projects that apply simultaneously to the three above mentioned organizations will be taken into consideration.

The deadline for submission of proposals is June 20, 2008.  The top applications will be chosen by a group of technical and business reviewers during Phase 1 and named as Semi-Finalists.  At the Venture Forum, the Semi-Finalists will be given an opportunity to present their technology, product, or service to a panel of local businesses, business support agencies and government organizations.  The best projects will be selected as Finalists by the appointed panel and awarded during the conference.

Natalia Pipia, Manager Superior de Program  
Fundaţia SUA de Cercetare şi Dezvoltare Civilă (CRDF)
Blvd. Wilson 1530, etajul 3
Arlington, VA 22209 SUA
Tel: +1 (703) 526-4798    E-mail: [email protected]

Elvira Poştaru, Manager Programe Industriale
Asociaţia de Cercetare şi Dezvoltare din Moldova (MRDA)
Str.Mateevici 60
Chişinău, 2009 Republica Moldova
Tel +373 (22) 577-707    E-mail: [email protected]

Gheorghe Moldovanu, Vice Director
Agenţia pentru Inovare şi Transfer Tehnologic
Tel: 54 74 32; 54 63 82; 373 (22)27 13 72
E-mail: [email protected]