City of Richardson Approves Ramp Incentive Award for IntelliEPI IR, Inc. Located in the Richardson Innovation Quarter

The City of Richardson has approved a Research Award Match Program (RAMP) incentive package for IntelliEPI IR, Inc. (IntelliEPI-IR), a Richardson Innovation Quarter (The IQ^®) based manufacturer of epitaxy-based compound semiconductors used in sensing and imaging applications. The company recently received a $2 million Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II grant from the U.S. Department of Defense (Army Branch) and applied for Richardson's RAMP program to further advance its work in infrared semiconductor applications.

"IntelliEPI-IR strengthens Richardson's reputation as a center for advanced semiconductor innovation," said Richardson City Manager Don Magner. "By supporting its ongoing research and development efforts, we are fostering the kind of ecosystem we strive to provide in both the community and The IQ^®. Our priority is to sustain a business environment where cutting-edge companies choose Richardson as the foundation to grow, innovate, and thrive."

Under the approved agreement, IntelliEPI IR, Inc. will receive a total of $100,000 in RAMP funding, distributed in two $50,000 installments over two years. The funds will support the development and operation of a capacitance-voltage setup to optimize semiconductor materials used in infrared applications.

"Richardson's strong support for high-tech industries has created a favorable environment for growth and innovation," said Dr. Paul Pinsukanjana, President, IntelliEPI IR, Inc. "With this recent RAMP award, the City has shown a continued commitment to foster local innovators. This generous incentive matching package to our Phase II SBIR program will enhance our infrared capabilities and further ensure our success."

IntelliEPI IR, Inc. and its affiliate, Intelligent Epitaxy Technology, Inc., currently employ approximately 80 people across two Richardson locations, with an average salary of $95,000. The company will continue operations in Richardson at its 23,000-square-foot facility on Collins Boulevard for a minimum of five years as part of the agreement.

RAMP Program Features:
Richardson's RAMP program is designed to encourage and accelerate innovation by providing matching support to local companies that have received federal SBIR or STTR awards. The initiative reflects the City's commitment to fostering a strong innovation ecosystem anchored by industry leaders, startups, and research partnerships with institutions like The University of Texas at Dallas.

1. Financial Support: The Program will provide matching grants to qualifying businesses, supplementing existing financial resources for research and development projects.
   1. Phase I eligible companies may qualify for up to $50,000 in Program funding.
   2. Phase II eligible companies may qualify for up to an additional $100,000 in Program funding.
2. Innovation Focus: Emphasis will be placed on projects that demonstrate innovative solutions, cutting-edge technologies and advancements that contribute to the economic vibrancy of Richardson.
3. Collaboration: The Program encourages collaboration between businesses, research institutions and the City, fostering a dynamic ecosystem that supports growth and development.
4. Application Process: Interested businesses can apply through a streamlined application process on the economic development website, ensuring accessibility and efficiency in securing financial support for their projects.

RAMP Program Eligibility
RAMP will award funds to research-focused, for-profit, privately owned small businesses that have received federal SBIR or STTR Phase I or Phase II grants. It is intended to support startup companies that have a high potential for commercial viability. Recipients must be located in Richardson, or commit to relocating to and operating in Richardson, for a minimum of five years after receiving funds. Program eligibility and qualifications will be assessed at the end of the first year and adapted as needed.

RAMP Program Application Businesses interested in applying for the RAMP are encouraged to visit https://www.richardsoneconomicdevelopment.com for detailed information on eligibility criteria, application procedures and program guidelines.

How Richardson Creates A "Better Climate for Business"
Richardson offers one of the strongest business climates in North Texas due to a combination of factors including:

• Strategic Location in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
  • Richardson sits at the heart of the DFW region, with direct access to major highways, light rail (DART), and proximity to two major airports, making it ideal for regional, national, and international business operations.
• Thriving Industry Clusters
  • The city is home to robust clusters in technology, advanced manufacturing, and professional services. Major employers include Collins Aerospace, Raytheon, 1Finity (formerly Fujitsu), State Farm, and Texas Instruments.
• Highly Educated Workforce & Talent Pipeline
  • Richardson is in proximity to a large skilled labor force, with a high percentage of area residents holding advanced degrees. The University of Texas at Dallas, located in Richardson, fuels innovation and provides a steady pipeline of tech-savvy graduates.
• Innovation-Friendly Infrastructure
  • The Richardson Innovation Quarter (The IQ^®), a 1,200-acre innovation district, supports research, entrepreneurship, and Smart City applications. It serves as a collaborative hub for startups, corporations, and university research centers.
• Pro-Business Policies and Incentives
  • Richardson offers competitive incentive programs, streamlined permitting, and economic development tools like Chapter 380 agreements and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to support business growth and expansion.
• Stability Through Diversification
  • With a mix of industries of both domestic and international investment, Richardson's economy is resilient through both strong and weak economic cycles.

Available Incentives for Investing in Richardson
The City of Richardson's Economic Development Department invites businesses considering expansion or relocation to apply for a range of incentives available to entities that demonstrate a commitment to significant capital investments, notable job retention or creation, or long-term lease agreements.

Grant opportunities are available for:

• Building modernization,
• Tenant improvement,
• Permit fee waivers, and
• Job creation.

Each application is evaluated to ensure alignment with Richardson's goals of fostering economic growth and enhancing the community's competitiveness.

About the RAMP Program
The Richardson Research Award Match Program (RAMP) is a pilot initiative launched by the City of Richardson to strengthen innovation, research, and business growth in the community. Designed to complement federal SBIR and STTR grant programs, RAMP provides matching funds for eligible small businesses engaged in research and development, with a focus on supporting the commercialization of emerging technologies. The program is especially aimed at advancing activity in the Richardson Innovation Quarter (The IQ^®), fostering collaboration between startups, research institutions, and the City to build Richardson's role as a premier hub for technology and economic opportunity.

https://www.richardsoneconomicdevelopment.com/site-selection/incentives/RAMP

About The IQ^®
The Richardson Innovation Quarter, known simply as the Richardson IQ^® or The IQ^®, is a 1,200-acre, amenity-rich, urban tech hub in the heart of the booming DFW Metroplex. Its legacy of serving as a home to technology-focused industries and entrepreneurship stretches back to the early days of the Space Race in the 1950s. Today, The IQ^® continues to evolve and boasts innovators across a wide range of industries, including advanced additive manufacturing, biotechnology, finance, software development, and R&D, as well as hosting incubators for entrepreneurial start-ups. With more than 1,100 businesses and 20,000 workers, The IQ^® spurs the creativity and collaboration that drive innovation and growth, like that between the City and The University of Texas at Dallas, which jointly share The IQ^® Headquarters. The IQ^® acts as a living laboratory for big ideas and groundbreaking technology.

https://www.RichardsonIQ.com

About the City of Richardson
Located just north of Dallas, Richardson is a culturally diverse community offering a blend of urban amenities with exceptional suburban service. Richardson benefits from being home to The University of Texas at Dallas, a research powerhouse. UT Dallas' influence is felt in the presence of dynamic businesses in sectors such as advanced additive manufacturing, biotechnology, finance, software development, and R&D, as well as hosting incubators for entrepreneurial start-ups. Richardson's thriving, innovation-focused economy creates numerous opportunities while also supporting a historically stable local government capable of delivering high quality-of-life and exemplary services for a diverse array of neighborhoods and multi-modal transportation options, enabling easy access to the entire DFW Metroplex. The community is regularly recognized in third-party rankings as one of the best places in the nation to live, raise a family, start a career, go to school, buy a home, and retire.

https://www.RichardsonEconomicDevelopment.com