Three New York state small businesses will receive JumpStart awards to work with the Cornell Center for Materials Research (CCMR) this spring.

Crysta-lyn Chemical of Binghamton will collaborate with Warren Zipfel, associate professor of biomedical engineering, to analyze the company's library of dyes. Sock Science of Walton will work with David Feathers, assistant professor of design and environmental analysis, to develop protective and ergonomic garments for wheelchair users. Taylor Concrete Products of Watertown will work with Ken Hover, professor of civil and environmental engineering, to optimize the use of post-industrial materials in concrete masonry.

The Jumpstart program is funded by the New York State Foundation for Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR) to help New York small businesses develop and improve their products through university collaborations. Companies receive up to $5,000 in matching funding to initiate a relationship with the faculty and facilities of a NYSTAR-sponsored university research center to conduct a four-month research project.

The program was launched at Cornell in 2005, and since then 85 companies have applied and 24 projects have been completed at CCMR. Two-thirds of the companies have continued their interactions with Cornell faculty members. Several other New York state universities and other institutions have recently joined the program, and CCMR will direct each company to the most appropriate collaborator.

Companies interested in a fall 2009 project should submit a brief "Request for Technical Assistance" by June 21, 2009, at http://www.ccmr.cornell.edu/industry.