Programs

Through state appropriations, OCAST funds a variety of programs to assist universities, non-profits, manufacturers and businesses performing science and technology based research. The agency provides programs that fund basic research as well as programs that fund applied research. OCAST also offers the Technology Business Finance and Seed Capital Programs to assist groups commercializing their product, process or service.

OCAST works in conjunction with other entities, including i2E Inc., Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance, Oklahoma State University and The State Chamber of Oklahoma, to provide services throughout Oklahoma.

Programs to Assist Researchers

The Oklahoma Applied Research Support (OARS) program funds one to three year research and development projects with significant potential for commercialization. Oklahoma businesses, universities and nonprofit foundations are eligible to compete for OARS awards.

The Oklahoma Health Research (OHR) program awards seed funds for one to three year research projects related to human health.

The Oklahoma Nanotechnology Applications Project (ONAP) assists qualified Oklahoma companies with the process of applying nanotechnology through development and manufacturing to improve current products or processes or create new, cutting-edge products or processes.

The Oklahoma Plant Science Research (OPSR) program supports basic and applied research in the field of plant sciences by allocating resources according to merit, promoting collaborations and leveraging federal and private resources.

Programs to Assist Innovators

The Inventors Assistance Service (IAS) provides assistance and training to inventors. The program is managed through a contract with OCAST strategic partner Oklahoma State University.

The Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance helps small and medium sized manufacturers modernize in order to compete successfully. Assistance is provided through a network of local manufacturing extension agents by OCAST's strategic partner the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance.

The R&D Intern Partnerships (RDIP) program supports internships between local industries and two and four year colleges and universities.

The Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) program helps Oklahoma's small advanced technology companies tap into more than $3 billion in federal R&D money. OCAST provides money for proposal development, money to bridge gaps in federal funding, technical support and business mentoring.

Programs to Assist Entrepreneurs

The Oklahoma Nanotechnology Initiative (ONI) is the focal point for information on nanotechnology in the state. OCAST contracts with The State Chamber of Oklahoma to manage the Oklahoma Nanotechnology Initiative.

The Oklahoma Seed Capital Fund (OSCF) has been crafted to be an economic development tool with a goal of making equity investment in early stage companies that are engaged in the commercialization of promising new technologies in Oklahoma. Services are provided by OCAST strategic partner i2E Inc.

The OCAST Technology Business Finance Program (TBFP), managed by OCAST strategic partner i2E Inc., provides limited pre-seed financing for start-up advanced technology firms that are in a development stage prior to full production.

The Oklahoma Technology Commercialization Center (Tech Center), managed by OCAST strategic partner i2E Inc., assists start-up, advanced technology-related companies by providing business development services such as feasibility studies, marketing plans, business plans and access to early stage risk capital.