USF/Mote Receive $2 Million Federal Aquaculture Grant

Small business startups and regional technology commercialization got a substantial boost when the US Commerce Department announced a $2 million grant for the University of South Florida and Mote Marine Laboratory on Aug. 20.

The grant expands the USF CONNECT program to the Mote Aquaculture Research Park supporting a test-bed and business innovation facility that will build upon Mote's innovative programs in sustainable energy and protein for food production. Environmentally compatible, the facility in Sarasota seeks to apply good water management principles while insuring the bio-purity of farm-raised fish protein. Mote has the largest inland facility of this kind in the nation. New job creation is also part of the expansion.

USF and Mote signed a landmark affiliation agreement in June 2009, building upon a three-year relationship established in the Joint Center for Coastal Ocean Studies. Through this partnership they are joining forces in new science ventures...