MMI engages in contract research programs in a myriad of ways.  Through working with our for-profits, Dendritech and Oxazogen, our researchers get involved in SBIR and STTR funded programs.  We also work with other, third-party organizations as a subcontractor on SBIR/STTR and other funded efforts.

Direct, company-sponsored research collaborations are the most effective way to engage with the MMI R&D team, although we have been involved in R&D interactions with commercial entities set in place through R&D brokering services, too. Direct company funded projects at MMI have ranged from large, multi-year, multi-million dollar programs to much shorter, narrowly focused projects.

The Institute also has experience with congressional appropriations programs focused on researching and developing technologies in narrow, well-defined areas.  This type of funding has been used to foster research partnerships with other non-profits, commercial entities, and university R&D groups.

The guiding principle in determining whether or not to enter into a joint R&D program ties back to MMI’s interests in applying some of its own technology developments to solve real world problems.  MMI is not strictly a research house for hire; we seek R&D collaborations where we see can solve existing problems, fill unmet needs and see potential value added benefits. These could include helping our partners succeed, opening new paths to MMI technology licenses, increased product sales or the desire to get involved in a new R&D area.

Our primary research thrusts today include work in the areas of photonic materials, membranes (reverse osmosis, fuel cell, lithium-air battery), smart specialty coatings that carry out their function only after recognizing that function is needed, chemical and environmental sensing applications, and a range of other technology applications.

MMI is always looking for new collaborations that will lead to stronger teaming relationships that take advantage of MMI’s strengths in polymers, materials science, and materials characterization. We welcome your call if you think MMI might be able to offer something of value to your organization.