CCAT looking to fund new military technologies

We have written several stories about important and innovative technologies which were given support and nurturing by the Center for Commercialization of Advanced Technology (CCAT). We thus note with anticipation the announcement by CCAT that it plans to award funding and business support for small businesses, government laboratories, and academic researchers seeking commercialization assistance for technologies which address priority military requirements. Award applications are now being accepted. The cut off day is 27 February 2008. To submit an application, visit CCAT’s Web site.

CCAT is specifically seeking technologies to support (1) the smart unmanned ground robotics initiative; (2) technologies of interest to the Naval Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC); and (3) force health protection. Qualified technologies are those that have been developed through the prototype stage and are ready for transition to the commercial market. Commercialization assistance may be offered in the form of product development funds for integration, test, and evaluation; market research studies; introductions to investment opportunities; and other business assistance tailored to the specific needs of each award recipient. Submissions will be reviewed and evaluated by independent subject matter experts with oversight by the CCAT staff located at San Diego State University and at California State University, San Bernardino. Upon completion of the review and selection process, finalists will present information on their technologies and organizations to a panel of experts for further evaluation. CCAT will announce awards by May 2008.

CCAT is sponsored by the Department of Defense (DoD) Office of Naval Research (ONR). The organization aims to fast-track advanced military and security technologies into the hands of the U.S. military, security personnel, and first responders.