Business and Innovation Assistance Center

NVision Solutions’ REACT software and NVTouch System development supported in part by USM/BIAC for NASA’s emergency management operations and USM’s National Center for Spectator Sport Safety and Security.

Focus – What we do:
Launching Innovation! USM/BIAC supports launching early stage technology R&D and innovation commercialization efforts by businesses, state/federal governments, universities and individuals that in turn are directed at fostering high-tech business growth and economic development within the state as well as supporting federal and state agencies in meeting their mission goals. It carries this out by identifying, networking and facilitating partnerships and opportunities among federal, state/university and private organizations that leverage their combined resources and capabilities in support of innovative technology development and commercialization.

Functions – How we do it:
To facilitate its clients in launching their innovation’s USM/BIAC offers the following set of programs, services and expertise:

MS-FAST Program – Working with its partners Innovate Mississippi and members of the Mississippi Research Consortium, the Mississippi Federal and State Technology (MS-FAST) partnership program supports Mississippi’s small high-tech businesses to better compete in the federally funded Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. These programs annually award more than $2.4 billions in contracts and grants supporting research and development of innovative technologies. Click here for more information on MS-FAST.

MRC – The Mississippi Research Consortium (MRC), formed in 1986, is a coalition of Mississippi’s four research universities: Jackson State University, Mississippi State University, University of Mississippi, and the University of Southern Mississippi.

The MRC entered into a cooperative agreement with NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center located in Hancock County, MS, to provide technical assistance to federal agencies and contractors located at the Center. USM/BIAC personnel administer the MRC contract. Click here for more information on the MRC.

Partnership Support – USM/BIAC personnel provide project development and management services to various USM grants and contracts supporting technology development and transfer and related economic development.