ALBANY, N.Y. –
FuzeHub, the statewide New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NY MEP) center, announced the launch of a competitive grant program that will award $400,000 in COVID-19 manufacturing grants.
FuzeHub’s COVID-19 Manufacturing Grants are designed to aid existing New York State-based, small to medium-sized manufacturing companies that can meet prevailing FDA requirements and can quickly accelerate production of personal protective equipment and respiratory care equipment that has been depleted due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The program offers two tracks:
1.) Prevent the Spread: Four $50,000 grants will be awarded to increase manufacturing capacity of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), specifically N-95 masks.
2.) Save Lives: Two $100,000 grants will be awarded to increase manufacturing capacity of respiratory care equipment, specifically ventilators.
The application deadline is Friday, April 17. To apply, manufacturers should visit
fuzehub.com/coronavirus-grant/.
Due to the urgent need for more respirators and ventilators, the panel reviewing applications will prioritize projects that are clearly defined and ready to be undertaken immediately. Projects will be expected to be completed as quickly as possible to help address emerging shortages of supplies. Further eligibility requirements are listed at FuzeHub’s website.
The COVID-19 Manufacturing Grants will be allocated through FuzeHub’s Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund, which annually awards about $1 million to bolster New York’s manufacturing, technology and startup ecosystems.
As the statewide NY MEP center, FuzeHub is a nonprofit organization that works with small and mid-sized manufacturing companies to solve challenges, increase competitiveness and create jobs. Across the state, there are 10 regional NY MEP centers that support the growth of manufacturers in their communities.
The NY MEP is a state and federally funded program that is overseen by Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR).