North Carolina R&D project receives $1.47m Grant

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SeaTox Research Inc. and the University of North Caroline Wilmington (UNCW) have collaborated in an R&D study to further develop toxin tests for seafood.

The study has now received a $1.47 million R&D grant, which will provide significant advancement in its ability to detect neurotoxins from harmful algal blooms that make people sick when they eat contaminated fish and shellfish.

The tests are designed to be used by research groups and regulatory agencies to monitor toxin content in fisheries to protect the public from the detrimental effects of neurotoxins.

SeaTox Research Inc. is a biotechnology company located in UNCW’s CREST Research Park. It is involved in assay development and pharmaceutical R&D utilizing materials, originating from the marine environment.

Assay development involves inventing and designing scientific tests, modifying the tests to optimize efficiency and then validating those tests with a large pool of data to determine effectiveness.

The university’s strategic plan includes innovation as one of its core values as this is a commitment to continuous improvement and breakthrough advances to ensure distinctiveness.

To find out more about R&D or to determine whether you may be eligible for an R&D Tax Credit Contact a Swanson Reed specialist to see if you qualify.

New 3D printing R&D facility opening in North Carolina

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North Carolina may become the next 3D printing hub in the near future after Swiss company, Oerlikon, announced it will be opening a new R&D production facility for advanced 3D printed parts in Charlotte, NC.

The new facility will offer clients integrated, end-to-end services for advanced additive manufacturing. 3D printing offers manufacturers a number of advantages over traditional manufacturing processes, such as customization and efficiency in terms of materials, lead time, and cost.

Oerlikon, the globally recognized technology group, will be investing roughly CHF55 million (Approximately $55 million USD) into the new facility over the next two years and will create over 100 new jobs.

The company says additive manufacturing has been identified as a potential growth area, and is primed to leverage its strong materials heritage, service reputation, access to markets, and more.

With its new 3D printing R&D and production facility, Oerlikon is aiming to further establish itself as a global leader in surface solutions and advanced materials. The expansion of the company’s global additive manufacturing business can be owed to the simultaneously growing demand for advanced 3D printed metal parts in various industries.

The planned R&D facility in Charlotte will be an important step in Oerlikon’s plans to grow their additive manufacturing business and investment in key technology areas.

To find out more about R&D or to determine whether you may be eligible for an R&D Tax Credit  Contact a Swanson Reed specialist to see if you qualify.

U.S. Universities Spending More on Research and Development

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U.S. universities are spending more and more on R&D these days. In 2015 alone, colleges and universities spent a combined $68.8 billion on research and development with the top 20 colleges accounting for 30% of that.

To discover the universities spending the most in research and development, 24/7 Wall St. assessed R&D expenditure by university for the 2015 fiscal year with data from the National Science Foundation. Of the 1,871 major colleges and universities reviewed, 10 schools spent more than $1 billion on R&D.

Top 10 Universities for R&D Expenditure

  1. Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland
    • Annual R&D spend: $2.31 billion
  2. University of Michigan
    • Annual R&D spend: $1.37 billion
  3. University of Washington
    • Annual R&D spend: $1.18 billion
  4. University of California, San Francisco
    • Annual R&D spend: $1.13 billion
  5. University of California, San Diego
    • Annual R&D spend: $1.10 billion
  6. University of Wisconsin – Madison
    • Annual R&D spend: $1.07 billion
  7. Duke University in Raleigh, North Carolina
    • Annual R&D spend: $1.04 billion
  8. Stanford University in Stanford, California
    • Annual R&D spend: $1.02 billion
  9. University of California, Los Angeles
    • Annual R&D spend: $1.02 billion
  10. Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts
    • Annual R&D spend: $1.01 billion

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If your company is conducting R&D through a local university or college, you may be eligible for a higher R&D tax credit rate. Contact a Swanson Reed specialist to find out more information.