BINGHAMTON, NY — The Strategic Partnership for Industrial Resurgence (SPIR) office at Binghamton University invites technical project proposals from interested New York state small businesses for the 2013-14 academic year.

In 19 years, SPIR has helped partners to create and retain more than 2,500 jobs with estimated annual wages totaling $90 million. On average, SPIR students and faculty mentors work on 30 projects across 20 small- to mid-sized companies annually, providing technical assistance resulting in the retention and creation of jobs.

Organizations currently receiving SPIR project funding include Bridgeware Systems, Inc. of Vestal, Crysta-Lyn Chemical Co. of Binghamton, Custom Electronics, Inc. of Oneonta, Innovation Associates of Johnson City, Seraph Robotics of Ithaca, and Vergason Technology, Inc. of Van Etten.

By leveraging the resources and talents of Binghamton University's Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science, SPIR can assist companies in streamlining operations by applying high technology content to products, devising methods to adapt to new industrial regulations and exploring opportunities to break into new markets.

SPIR provides local industries with:

• The expertise of engineers and applied scientists in fields including mechanical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, bioengineering, systems science and industrial engineering, and computer science. 
  
  
• Experience with industry partners across a multitude of domains including communications, clean or renewable energy technology, computer hardware, defense technology, life sciences, electronics, sensors, displays, semiconductor and software. 
  
  
• Access to top engineering and applied science students.
  

The SPIR program was established in 1994 by the engineering schools of the State University of New York in an effort to strengthen the state’s small and mid-sized businesses by applying technology solutions to make them more competitive.

Proposals should include specific deliverables, expertise sought or needed, a description of the positive impact the project will have on the company, number of company jobs retained, number of company jobs added and anticipated Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer or other grant funding.

Project applications should be submitted online to www.binghamton.edu/watson/spir/spir-form.html and will be accepted through 5:00 p.m. on April 12, 2013.

For other more information about the program, visit the SPIR website at spir.binghamton.edu or contact Cheryl Monachino, Watson School director of industrial outreach, at 607-777-4532, or Lisa Altman at 607-777-2154.