OREANDA-NEWS. April 22, 2008. As the sources in the Organization for export promotion and attraction of investments in Moldova (MIEPO) informed, STEP BPG projects must have research and development (R&D) as their core task and must include a preliminary market assessment, a customer needs analysis, and business development components.

Projects that demonstrate their ability to enable revenue creation and/or attract non-STEP Partner organization sources of funding will be given priority consideration in the selection process. All goals and outcomes of the projects must be well defined and measurable. STEP BPG projects are limited to a maximum of 24 months. Funds for projects are provided by the MRDA, CRDF and AITT. Funds are limited to \\$10,000.

Preference will be given to projects with at least 40% company cash contribution. Preference will also be given to newly-formed partnerships. All funds must be used for Science Team expenses. Only individuals affiliated with institutions accredited by the National Commission for Accreditation and Attestation are eligible to participate in this program. The deadline for submission of proposals is May 31, 2008 at AITT (www.aitt.md), MRDA (www.mrda.md/step), CRDF http://proposals.crdf.org/FirstSteps/.

The top applications will be chosen by a group of technical and business reviewers during Phase 1 and named as Semi-Finalists. At the Venture Forum, the Semi-Finalists will be given an opportunity to present their technology, product, or service to a panel of local businesses, business support agencies and government organizations.

The best projects will be selected as Finalists by the appointed panel and awarded during the conference.