Panel approves Collins bill to fund scientific innovation

WASHINGTON – One of Rep. Chris Collins’ first major legislative efforts took a big step forward Thursday, as the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology approved his bill establishing a grant program that aims to fund innovations being created at the nation’s universities, research institutes and laboratories.

Collins’ TRANSFER Act builds on an existing program and would redirect federal money into grants that would average $50,000 each to help propel those innovations into the marketplace.

“This legislation addresses what we as a committee have heard time and time again – there is a valley of death – a place where innovative new ideas die because there is no path to commercialization,” said Collins, R-Clarence. “This legislation mends that valley.”