trend
Technology Research and Development Center of Alaska

trend is a partner program within the University of Alaska Anchorage Small Business Development Center, established  to support and promote small businesses in the research and development of innovations in Alaska.   The center specializes in providing assistance with the federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.

In 1994 the Alaska Small Business Development Center started the trend of small business research and development in Alaska when it created trend, the Technology Research and Development Center of Alaska to support and promote the innovation and commercialization of new technology in the last frontier.

SERVICES Developing a research project based on the SBIR criteria and identifying the best way to tap into this resource can be daunting. TREND can help with: ·         Determining SBIR or STTR eligibility.

• Searching solicitations for research projects.
• Locating SBIR reference materials.
• Developing proposal strategies.
• Reviewing draft proposals prior to submission.
• Identifying key partners and collaborators.
• Assessing commercialization potential.
• Reviewing previously denied proposals and reviewer comments.

TREND also provides information on patent, trademark, and copyright.

SBIR/STTR Federal Grants

SBIR is a three-phase grant program that funds the Research & Development of products or services for the government.  The projects are designed to address the nation's scientific and engineering needs and span the technology spectrum from aviation and agriculture to medicine and manufacturing.  Phase I grants provide up to $100,000 to test the scientific merit or feasibility of an idea.  Phase II grants provide up to $750,000 for pilot testing and prototype development.  By Phase III SBIR/STTR projects are expected to attract private sector investment and result in the commercialization.

PHASE 0 Grants

In an effort to increase the number of SBIR proposals funded from Alaska, the Experimental Program to Simulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) has partnered with TREND to establish a SBIR Phase 0 program.  Phase 0 provides grants up to $5,000 to assist small businesses with SBIR/STTR proposal preparation.  A second level of funding, the Bridge Grant, is available under the Phase 0 program for those Alaska companies with current Phase I or II awards. Bridge Grants are up to $10,000. Newsletter

trend's quarterly electronic newsletter, the trend, highlights news about the center, its clients and the research and development community at large. It also provides SBIR coverage, an events calendar and University research and development spotlights.

Expert Network

trend's expert network, TrendNet, connects clients to a rich volunteer network of experts, mentors and service providers.

Workshops

trend workshops are not only educational activities, but also outreach events that both inform participants of, and prepare them for, research and development opportunities.

Outreach

trend is a statewide program, available upon request to provide workshops and other services in communities around Alaska. trend is also available to co-host and organize conference events, speak to professional organizations and contribute copy to periodical publications.