OCAST is taking applications

The Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) is taking applications for funding of basic and applied research and development and intern partnership projects.

OCAST programs are designed to encourage and enable Oklahoma researchers, entrepreneurs and small businesses to accomplish research and development, technology commercialization and technology application.

Funding opportunities are available for health research, Oklahoma Applied Research Support (OARS), faculty and student intern partnerships, plant science and the new Health Research Postdoctoral Fellowship programs.

The newest addition to OCAST’s lineup of technology-based economic development tools, the Health Research Postdoctoral Fellowship initiative provides OCAST funding to support postdoctoral fellows who work on projects that form the basis of new high-technology health research and care industry for the state.

Application for all programs is made through the state’s online grant management system, OKGrants, at www. okgrants.com.

OCAST utilizes external peer review by recognized experts to evaluate funding applications according to published procedures and criteria to ensure funds are awarded to applications with the greatest technical and commercial value. Over the last 30 years, OCAST programs have shown a return of $22 for every dollar invested by the state.

For more information about specific programs and how to apply, go to www.ok.gov/ocast/ FUNDING_OPPORTUNITIES.