The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is seeking nominations for awards honoring the economic role small businesses play in federally funded research and development, according to a SBA statement.
Three awards will be given: one for companies that have participated in the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs, one for individuals who advocate on behalf of the programs, and a "Hall of Fame Award" recognizing companies that have an extended period of extraordinary success of research, innovation, and product commercialization within the innovation and technology transfer programs.
An example of a previous winner is a Maine company that created a self-propelled and eco-friendly "AquaPod" for sustainable aqua-culture, according to the statement.
Nominees are judged on the economic impact of the technological innovation, overall business achievement, and demonstration of effective collaborations.
Nominations for these awards opened December 15, 2011 and will close 5 PM EST on January 31, 2012. Awards will be presented in Washington, DC, in April` 2012. To submit a nomination, visit tibbetts.challenge.gov (Tibbetts Awards - companies and individuals) and sbirhof.challenge.gov (Hall of Fame Awards).
