The Centers of Excellence proposed in support of economic development in Vermont at their inception will be at very different stages of development. The Vermont Food Science Center is the most completely developed of the initiatives.
The Vermont Biotechnology Center, on the other hand, will initially involve only a small group of experts from academia and the private sector who will work with the UVM researchers to identify potential technology transfer opportunities and to organize the activities necessary to move this potential along the path toward commercialization.
It is the goal that every center of excellence over time will become a selffunding entity. The funding will come from contract research for industry, government research and development grants, foundation support, industry association support, or membership dues. At very early stages, start up help from the State of Vermont may be required.