UB CAT accepting applications from life sciences companies to accelerate product development, technology commercialization

BUFFALO, NY — The University at Buffalo Center for Advanced Biomedical and Bioengineering Technology (UB CAT) is now accepting proposals from life sciences companies that wish to accelerate product development or technology commercialization of devices, diagnostics, drugs, software, and related products and services.

New or established life sciences companies of all sizes that operate in New York State and have a project that can benefit from funding or access to UB’s research expertise and technology are encouraged to apply.

The UB CAT will award matching funds to projects including new product development; validation and quality control; product optimization and design; testing services utilizing specialized equipment; clinical trials; and other projects supporting commercialization.

To receive funding, projects must involve a UB researcher as principal investigator. The UB CAT staff can work with companies to facilitate a connection with a researcher if necessary.

To learn more or download application materials, visit www.bioinformatics.buffalo.edu/cat. Applications are due May 3, 2013.

An informational session will be held for companies that wish to learn more on Monday, April 15, from 2 to 3 p.m. at UB’s New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences at 701 Ellicott St., Buffalo. To register for the session, visit www.bioinformatics.buffalo.edu/events.

Last year, the UB CAT granted more than $415,000 in matching funds to 16 regional life sciences companies. Since 2005, the UB CAT has provided support for more than 75 firms, including Empire Genomics, Kinex Pharmaceuticals, QuaDPharma, Greatbatch and CTG, with results that range from costs savings to new job creation.

“The UB CAT is an effective way for life sciences firms to move their next great idea forward while reducing costs, improving efficiency and taking advantage of UB’s research expertise and advanced technological resources,” said Marnie LaVigne, UB associate vice president for economic development and co-director of the UB CAT program.

The UB CAT is one of 15 centers across New York State, funded and supported by Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR), that fosters university-industry collaboration in research, education and technology transfer, with a strong focus on helping New York State-based businesses find technological resources to grow and succeed. 

About the New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics & Life Sciences at UB
The mission of the University at Buffalo’s New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences is to foster economic development by connecting university resources with life sciences and high-tech industry through funding, research and development support, programming, and education, with the goal of helping companies find business solutions, accelerate new ideas and grow. This technology-based economic development mission is complemented by the Center’s efforts to support the advancement of new discoveries in science that seek better ways of preventing and managing disease and improving lives.