22 TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER Annual Report INL understands that investing in the economy means investing in people and their communities. By fostering partnerships and supporting new technology, INL stimulates economic growth and encourages an exciting culture of innovation. Nurturing the talents of the people of Idaho—from veterans to women to tribal members to small business owners—INL seeks to energize the future. As Idaho’s sixth-largest private employer, INL undoubtedly makes a mark on the state. But by championing people and their potential, INL ensures its impact on technology, innovation and the economy goes much further. Technology-Based Economic Development Highlights Supporting the Military Community • An INL Technology-Based Economic Development Grant supported the College of Southern Idaho in their endeavor to help veterans transition to civilian careers. The program includes a Hiring Our Heroes Workforce Summit to bring together Idaho veterans and potential employers. • INL’s Economic Development connected the HR team to the National Guard Cyber Squadron, building on INL’s relationship with the skilled cybersecurity professionals needed to tackle ever-increasing cyber challenges. Boosting Women in Technology • INL supported the business-development nonprofit Trailhead in its launching of “Idea, Set, Go,” a series aimed at helping women develop their business ideas. • INL issued a grant to the University of Idaho to aid its collaboration with the Innovative Collective and Apple, Inc. to bring a group of women together to learn how to code. The project, part of Inspire Idaho, will focus on app development, enabling women to bring their creative app ideas to fruition. Reaching the Rural and Tribal Populations • Only nine of Idaho’s 44 counties are considered urban. Such a low population density makes coordinating large conferences or workshops difficult. With that in mind, in 2017 INL partnered with the Idaho Department of Commerce and the Idaho Small Business Development Center to launch the Idaho Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Road Tour to educate Idaho industry partners, innovators and entrepreneurs about tapping in to the more than $2.5 billion in research and development grants. • With the help of a grant from INL, the Idaho Rural Partnership can expand its efforts to guide rural communities toward sustainable growth. IRP’s program will include the publication of “Turning Ideas into Action.” • INL led a panel discussion at the Tribal and Western Planners Conference. Collaborating with the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, the conversation focused on cultivating relationships of understanding and cooperation. Did You Know? In Fiscal Year 2018, INL awarded 10 Technology-Based Economic Development Grants to spur economic development and entrepreneurship throughout Idaho. INL employs nearly 4,300 people, making it Idaho’s 6th largest private employer. INL spent over $130 million with Idaho’s small businesses. Participants from Inspire Idaho’s launch.