Academic Programs Awards Two Matching Grants
Summerville, S.C. – Today, SCRA announces recipients of the Academic Programs Grant Matching Awards. Columbia-based Senex Biotechnology and Charleston-based Engineered Marine Coatings both received a matching grant from SCRA’s Academic Programs for their Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Awards.
SCRA awards matching funds to client companies that have been awarded federal SBIR or Small Business Tech Transfer (STTR) Phase I grants. The matching funds help the companies further the research approved under the Phase I projects, conduct market research and/or purchase required equipment. The grants are matched one-to-one with the agency award amount, up to $50,000.
Senex Biotechnology is developing novel drugs for the treatment of cancer and other major diseases. The company’s intellectual property portfolio includes patents that are exclusively licensed from the University of South Carolina. Senex will use the SBIR grant matching funds to further preclinical studies on drug efficacy that is not covered under the federal grant.
Engineered Marine Coatings has developed its Quantum product line of marine paint, additives, sealers and primers that is not only twice as durable, but also surpasses EPA standards. The company’s SBIR Phase I project will build on intellectual property licensed from the Clemson University Research Foundation to develop a foul deterrent coating formulation for the current Quantum line of products.
“From marine craft coatings to cancer treatment drugs, innovative research is occurring across South Carolina,” said Bob Quinn, SCRA Executive Director, “We are honored to help these two companies grow the Innovation Economy.”
Through its Academic Programs, SCRA works directly with academic institutions and affiliated startups, creating partnerships to advance research capabilities and commercialize technology. In addition, SCRA is working with academic institutions across the state to establish collaboration centers in multiple technology areas.
About SCRA
Chartered in 1983 by the State of South Carolina as a public, non-profit corporation, SCRA fosters South Carolina’s Innovation Economy by supporting entrepreneurs, enabling academic research and its commercialization, and connecting industry to innovators.
