MCRN Small Company Innovation Program Awards RealBio Technologies

LANSING -- The Michigan Corporate Relations Network announces the award of $38,040 in matching funds to Kalamazoo-based RealBio Technologies Inc.

Funding through MCRN's Small Company Innovation Program will support research at Wayne State University to aid the development of RealBio's in vitro tumor model technology to better mimic the natural composition, configuration and function of normal and diseased tissue for cancer research.

SCIP is one of several signature MCRN programs designed to help small Michigan-based companies by promoting collaboration with Michigan's top universities. SCIP enhances innovation and growth for Michigan's economy by making critical, early stage research more affordable for small businesses. SCIP also helps to stimulate talent retention in Michigan by developing relationships between small companies and graduate students who assist university faculty in funded research projects.

Individual SCIP projects are funded at matches of $20,000 to $40,000. Participating companies supply a 1:1 match of funds, for a total project budget up to $80,000. MCRN member universities will supply funds to cover all their indirect costs.

MCRN and SCIP are seeking Michigan companies for the next round of funding. The deadline to submit a proposal is May 1, 2013. For more information on SCIP, and the corporate relations network, visit www.michigancrn.org/scip.

The Michigan Corporate Relations Network is a collaboration among six public universities working to connect small businesses with university resources that will help to drive innovation and commercialization. MCRN consists of Wayne State University, the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Michigan Technological University, the University of Michigan-Dearborn, Western Michigan University, and the University Research Corridor. MCRN is funded by the Michigan Economic Development Corp.