Idaho Global Entrepreneurial Mission Legislation Moves Forward

2/22/2012
Originally in The Idaho Falls Post-Register, 02/22/2012
Written by Clark Corbin

Boise, ID: Legislation creating the $5 million Idaho Global Entrepreneurial Mission program pushed by Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter and officials at Idaho National Laboratory is headed to the House floor with a recommendation for approval.

Members of the House Commerce and Human Resources Committee voted unanimously Tuesday to advance House Bill 546, which would create the IGEM program and funding to help researchers bring their discoveries to the marketplace.

IGEM would strengthen the existing partnership between INL, the Center for Advanced Energy Studies, the University of Idaho, Boise State University and Idaho State University.

The program calls for sending $2 million in ongoing annual state funding to CAES and dividing an additional $2 million among the three partnering universities. Nearly $1 million more would be available as grants or loans to businesses looking to develop ideas created in universities or at INL.

Idaho Department of Commerce Director Jeff Sayer pushed for the bill's passage as he walked lawmakers through a four-page proposal.

"Idaho has some of its greatest assets in its researchers," Sayer said. "IGEM captures that and puts it in a position where we can turn to a commercial setting, create jobs and move our economy forward."

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News tag(s): Business IGEM Project_60