Precarn launches new fund for small business

Precarn Inc has announced a major new pilot program to boost intelligent systems R&D in smaller Canadian firms. The $2-million program is aimed at increasing the commercialization of relevant technologies at companies with 5-50 employees and revenues of $500,000 to $10 million. The first request for proposals is expected within days and between four and seven projects are expected to be approved, depending on their size. If the first round is successful, the pilot program will be made permanent. To encourage the participation of smaller firms, Precarn has simplified its application and review process, reducing both the length for proposals and contract awards. Precarn will contribute a maximum of $500,000 per project or 50% of total costs.. FMI: www.precarn.ca....