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National Science Foundation Program Director Speaks at the INCubator


The INCubator welcomes the Program Director of the National Science Foundation, Dr. Rajesh Mehta, to speak on Catalyzing Commercialization at the National Science Foundation (NSF).

This presentation will provide an overview of the program with time for interactive Q&A, June 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the INCubator. 

The NSF awards nearly $190 million annually to startups and small businesses through the Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer program, transforming technological discoveries into products and services with commercial and societal impact.

The non-dilutive grants support research and development across all areas of science and technology helping companies de-risk technology for commercial success. The program increases the incentive and opportunity for startups and small businesses to undertake cutting-edge, high-quality scientific research and development. NSF provides grants in phases: a proof-of-concept/feasibility grant (6-12 months, $225,000), then potentially a longer development grant (2 years, up to $750,000).

Rajesh Mehta joined NSF in 2012 after a 26-year career at Kodak in Rochester, NY. He is currently a Program Director and manages the Advanced Manufacturing and Nanotechnology portfolio in the Small Business Innovation Research Program.  He holds an undergraduate degree from IIT-Bombay, Ph.D. from Penn State and a Masters of Product Development from Rochester Institute of Technology. He also completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Imperial College, London.

RSVP at 423-752-4301.

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