Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter’s IGEM (Idaho Global Entrepreneurial Mission) plan to promote research in Idaho would mean an additional $2 million split between the state’s three universities.
Otter held a video conference with University of Idaho President M. Duane Nellis, Boise State University President Bob Kustra and Idaho State University President Art Vailis, to talk about his proposed plan Jan. 18.
“So that, No. 1, we can attract folks, if we don’t have them … and No. 2, that we send a signal to the private sector in Idaho and the United States and around the world, that we’re open for business and we are going to be the best of the best,” Otter said.
Otter said the IGEM plan would create an environment that would attract business and entrepreneurs.
“My budget recommendation was to put nearly $1 million into a program with which we will be able to aid startup companies … not only to begin their research and development, but go into the manufacturing and get into that marketplace shelf,” Otter said.
The plan allocates $2 million for the Center for Advanced Energy Studies, and $1 million for the Idaho Department of Commerce to promote the transfer of research into the marketplace.
Nellis said the IGEM initiative would raise the economic returns the state is getting from money it is investing in research.
“This creates a catalyst, working with the Department of Commerce — working with businesses in our state to move our state forward,” Nellis said.
Jack McIver, UI vice president for research, said the transition from a good idea in the lab to the private sector is hard.
“Whether it is a gizmo or a new vaccine — for fish (or) for cattle,” McIver said.
The plan would also provide a stable source of funds for the Center for Advanced Energy Studies, a collaborative facility in Idaho Falls.
“We are doing work on energy related things (there),” McIver said. “The legislature’s been funding it for the last five or six years, but it is one time money. We have to go back and ask for more every year.”
McIver said UI has been struggling to keep faculty employed there.
“The governor’s proposal would make funding permanent,” McIver said.
The plan is based on the model Utah has been using, USTAR, and would provide money to fill research positions in the universities.
“Developing things that could be transitioned from basic research into the economy through patents,” McIver said. “Stimulate more research, bring in more research dollars.”
The plan still needs to be introduced to and work through the legislature. After that, the $2 million for Idaho universities would be allocated to the institutions by the State Board of Education.