Sec. 32-41u. High technology research and development program: Establishment and purpose.

(a) There is established a high technology research and development program to be administered by the corporation for the purpose of promoting collaboration between businesses and colleges and universities in this state in advanced materials, aerospace, bioscience, energy and environmental systems, information technology, applied optics, microelectronics and other high technology fields. The corporation may accept applications to the program from eligible participants in a form and manner prescribed by the corporation.

(b) In approving any application the corporation shall assess the collaborative nature of the proposal as well as scientific and economic factors, including, but not limited to, the following:

(1) The formal participation in the proposal by businesses actively engaged in the commercial use of advanced materials, aerospace, bioscience, energy and environmental systems, information technology, applied optics, microelectronics and other high technology fields;

(2) The likelihood that a proposal will result in the development or commercialization of high technology products or processes in this state; and

(3) The likelihood that a proposal will result in long-term, sustainable economic growth for this state.

(c) The corporation shall provide financial aid, as defined in subdivision (4) of section 32-34, to eligible participants whose proposals have been approved by the corporation as provided in subsections (a) and (b) of this section.

(d) The corporation may establish other programs, including financial programs, in order to attract and retain residents with postsecondary education in science, engineering, mathematics and other disciplines that are essential or advisable to the development and application of technology.

(P.A. 00-187, S. 56, 75.)

History: P.A. 00-187 effective July 1, 2000.