The CIT research and development (R&D) service line commercializes research and prototypes emerging solutions - solutions that address regional and national challenges. CIT R&D accomplishes this by identifying strategic opportunities and building and managing teams that design and implement innovative solutions. CIT R&D also develops strategic planning tools to increase technology company formation and attraction in the Commonwealth.

CIT R&D is managing the following projects:

• Commonwealth Research Commercialization Fund (CRCF) - CRCF invests in research and commercialization at Virginia colleges and universities, companies, political subdivisions, federal labs, and other research institutions to advance technology and drive economic growth in the Commonwealth.
• Commonwealth Research and Technology Strategic Roadmap - The Roadmap is a strategic planning tool that identifies key industry sectors with commercial promise and worthy of institutional focus and economic development for Virginia. The basis of the assessment is community input, spearheaded by CIT. Information gathered from Virginia industry, academia, research institutes, economic developers, and others includes regional technology strengths and 5-15 year priorities.
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship Measurement Systems (IEMS) - IEMS will provide a snapshot of performance measures related to high-potential innovation and entrepreneurship. A tool for policy development, the IEMS will report trends in such areas as the talent pipeline, R&D, and access to capital.

CIT R&D also develops and executes federally-funded research programs targeting the areas of defense and national security, energy, and marine sciences. CIT R&D’s current and recent projects include:

• Mid-Atlantic Regional Association Coastal Ocean Observing System (MARACOOS), to improve maritime safety and provide data and forecasts for the recreational, commercial, and fishery management communities;
• Mine Safety, to prevent mine disasters and protect miners and emergency personnel if incidents occur, using wireless and sensor technologies; and
• Vessel Tracking, to advance and demonstrate vessel detection technology in support of federal initiatives to detect and track approaching vessels off the Virginia coastline.

Additional areas of CIT focus have included biotechnology, nanotechnology, and information and communications technologies. Past and present CIT funding has come from federal and state organizations, including the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy (DMME).

For more information about how CIT R&D can support your requirements, contact rd@cit.org.