Advancing policies that support education and research at universities is critical to the continued prosperity of the United States. TUFF works in partnership with the Association of University Research Parks (AURP) and the State Science & Technology Institute’s (SSTI) Innovation Council (IAC) to advocate for funding that advances innovation. With the help of the AURP Government Relations Committee, the Senate Commerce, Justice and Science subcommittee approved $25 million in funding for the Economic Development Administration’s 2019 Regional Innovation Strategies Program. Through our industry partnerships, we have been able to advance these critical programs and encourage Universities to submit applications for funding. The application deadline for the 2018 RIS Program is August 29, 2018.