Blumenthal Praises Small Business Development Program, Highlights Connecticut Successes

(Hartford, CT) – Today, Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) travelled across the state to meet with businesses that benefited from the federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. This program, which the state promotes through the Connecticut SBIR Office at Connecticut Innovations, has been particularly valuable  to thousands of Connecticut small businesses, which have received over $500 million from the SBIR program for research and development projects.

“These visits were a great opportunity for me to see SBIR in action,” said Blumenthal. “The program has huge benefits for Connecticut and American Industry.”

Blumenthal met with biotechnology startup Myometrics in New London, custom optics development firm Aperture Optical Sciences in Durham, and contract research and development firm Advanced Fuel Research in East Hartford. Blumenthal  also hosted a discussion with business owners and program officials at Connecticut Innovations’ headquarters to learn about the successes business owners have experienced through participation in the SBIR program.

“The SBIR program has been a tremendous resource for Connecticut innovators, helping launch a number of the state’s most successful technology ventures,” said Claire Leonardi, chief executive officer and executive director of Connecticut Innovations. “Senator Blumenthal’s visit today demonstrates his strong support of the program, and we’re thrilled to offer him the opportunity to explore firsthand how SBIR promotes job creation and economic growth.”

While touring Advanced Fuel Research today, Blumenthal participated in the public launch of the company’s new mobile app, Gamma Pix, which allows users to detect gamma rays through the photo system in their smartphones. This app was developed with the help of SBIR funding.

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