AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DELAWARE TECHNICAL INNOVATION PROGRAM.

Added new section 8736A (Duties) authorizing the Division of Small Business to administer state matching funds for SBIR/STTR programs, provide matching funds to compensate for the lag between Phase I and Phase II awards, and provide supplemental grant funds to eligible Delaware small businesses.

The bill's scope expanded from a narrow Council recommendation role on fund allocations to a full program authorizing matching and supplemental grant funds with defined eligibility, administration, and annual allocation flexibility for the Council.

Added new section 8737A establishing specific eligibility criteria: a small business must have won a federal SBIR or STTR Phase I award, submitted a Phase II proposal, have its principal place of business in Delaware, and certify that the funded work will benefit the Delaware economy.

Added provision allowing the State to provide matching funds up to a maximum of the federal grant for Phase I, subject to funds allocated or otherwise made available for such purpose.

Added authority for the Division to establish application requirements, program guidelines, allowable uses of funds, award amounts, and other criteria necessary to carry out the matching funds section.

Removed the House Amendment provision that required the Council to review applications for use of available funds and make recommendations to the Division regarding fund allocation (former subsection (d)).