IN THE NEWS
Md. researchers discover $2.7M in state funds
Robert J. Terry
Contributing Writer
Research projects focused on homeland security and biotechnology are getting a $2.7 million boost from the latest round of funding from the Maryland Industrial Partnerships Program (MIPS).
The program aims to commercialize research at Maryland college campuses and links scientists with companies with operations in the state.
The 21 research projects announced Thursday will be funded with $1.1 million from MIPS, and $1.6 million from Maryland companies.
Among the projects are:
- A telecommunications system that will utilize voice over Internet protocol technology to quickly restore telephone service in the event of a system failure brought on by terrorist attack or other catastrophe. Rockville-based Telecontinuity will work with Steven Tretter, a telecommunications pioneer who co-developed an Internet modem technology, and a University of Maryland electrical and computer engineering professor.
- A portable test to detect a deadly E. coli bacteria. Gaithersburg-based Innovative Biosensors will work with university scientists to more quickly find the deadly bacteria in food, which kills 500 people each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Locally, NextBreath, part of the University of Maryland at Baltimore County's incubator program, and Guilford Pharmaceuticals will work to commercialize drug-delivery platforms.
"MIPS gives one of the best returns on investment of any economic development program in the state," says Chris Foster, deputy secretary for the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development. "Its reach has bolstered products across the whole commercial spectrum in Maryland, from crab, oyster and farming products to manufacturing and biotechnology."
Since its inception in 1987, the Maryland Industrial Partnerships Program has funded 726 projects with $122 million, officials say.
© 2004 American City Business Journals Inc.