(U.S. Department of Commerce: Washington, DC) -- The U.S. Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recently announced that 19 small businesses will receive nearly $3.3 million in grants to spur U.S. innovation and competitiveness through federally funded research and development.

“Small businesses across our nation develop the new technologies, advance manufacturing processes, and products that ensure the United States remains the world’s leading innovator,” says U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Bruce Andrews. “The Department of Commerce is committed to supporting these U.S. businesses that strengthen our economy and create jobs here at home.”

“These awards demonstrate the importance of measurement science to launching innovative products and solving pressing technical challenges,” says Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and NIST Director Willie E. May. “Continually pushing the technology envelope helps to secure our country’s position in the global economy.”

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