FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 14, 2006

Columbus, OH -- The Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) this week released a request for proposal (RFP) for funding awards under the Third Frontier Program (TFP). The ODOD's Technology Division administers all grant awards.

The Wright Centers of Innovation Program (WMI) is designed to establish centers for research and commercialization issues that cannot be addressed by a single investigator of institution and will have a sustainable, measurable and substantial impact on Ohio's economy.

"Important scientific discoveries and the commercialization of new products are often the result of more than one scientist or research institution," said Lt. Governor Bruce Johnson, who also serves as director of the ODOD. "By establishing centers for collaborative and interdisciplinary research, Ohio is establishing itself as an international leader in research, development and commercialization of new technologies and will have a significant impact on the state's economy."

The opportunity to access up to $60 million for one center is the largest amount awarded in the Third Frontier Program's history and showcases the State's commitment to the development of such collaborative centers. Successful projects will recruit at least three new hires with prominence in disciplines that will contribute to the technical and commercialization excellence of the WMI from outside Ohio. Cost share is required at a level of at least two to one for every dollar of TFP funding awarded.

The RFP opened June 13, 2006 and responses will be accepted through August 29 with award announcements made in December 2006. For more information, call 1-800-848-1300, or visit http://www.thirdfrontier.com/open_rfps.asp.