MITO bags NSF small business innovation research grant
September 23, 2019 - United States Of America
MITO Material Solutions has been awarded a National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant of $224,988. The US-based company will conduct research and development (R&D) work on a nano-additive that doubles the inter-laminar toughness of composite materials utilised in aerospace, recreation, and automotive industries.
The additive was developed in Oklahoma State University’s Helmerich Research Centre in Tulsa by Dr. Ranji Vaidyanathan, who is the co-PI. This grant will help create two engineering positions at inception, and help MITO grow to a predicted 200 employees within five to seven years, according to a media statement by the company.
Once a small business is awarded a Phase I SBIR/STTR grant (up to $225,000), it becomes eligible to apply for a Phase II grant (up to $750,000). Small businesses with Phase II grants are eligible to receive up to $500,000 along with matching funds with qualifying third-party investment or sales. (GK)