$15 Million Research Fund Proposed in Minnesota

Legislation to be reconciled by a conference committee of the Minnesota State Legislature next week includes language creating a $15 million fund to support industry-university research collaborations. The North Star Research Coalition, a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation, would be established by the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to administer the one-time appropriation. 

The Education Omnibus Bill, SF 3801, defines the duties ofthe Coalition to include: 

• identifying technology-based research projects that have the potential to create significant opportunities for economic development and industrial growth in the state; 
• strengthening the university's research capabilities in subject areas associated with emerging technology-based industries; 
• expanding the research capacity of the university through the creation of opportunities for the university to assist private enterprises in emerging technology-based industries; 
• promoting the transfer of technology from the research laboratory to commercial application by businesses; and, 
• developing application procedures for, reviewing, and prioritizing research projects seeking funding under this initiative. 

The legislation authorizes the use of the funds to support collaborative research projects by the University of Minnesota and private industry, the Mayo Clinic, nonprofit research institutions, or the Minnesota state colleges and universities. All coalition funding must be matched 1:1 by non-state sources. Permitted uses of the funds would include individual research projects, laboratory equipment purchases, and endowed chairs in technology-based areas of research. 

The legislation does not define any technology concentrations for Coalition investments or any continuity plans for the Coalition once the $15 million is distributed. The Coalition would be governed by a 12-member board of directors comprised of six university-appointed members and initially, six private sector members appointed by the Governor. Subsequent private-sector representatives of the board would be appointed by the incumbent directors. 

A copy of SF 3801 can be viewed under Senate Bills at: http://www.leg.state.mn.us/leg/legis.htm