University Times

The Pittsburgh Tissue Engineering Initiative (PTEI) has research funding available for product-driven research in the field of tissue engineering.

Funding is available in amounts up to $50,000 for one-year projects. The application deadline is May 15. Applications are available by contacting PTEI at 383-9703, fax 383-9710 or e-mail at ptei@nauticom.net.

PTEI is a strategy to promote regional economic development through the advancement and commercialization of university-developed biomedical and related technologies associated with engineered tissues.

Members of PTEI include Pitt, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Allegheny University of the Health Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University and regional business leaders.

Grants are awarded on scientific merit and feasibility, product-orientation and commercial potential of the project, and the potential for contributing to regional economic growth.

"Tissue engineering" is considered to be the development of products that rely on biological methods to mimic, control or replace processes and functions of genes, cells or tissues for therapeutic benefit. Devices or computer models that assist in the development, use or testing of such products also will be considered.