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TechHelp leaders ask for small state support for Studio Blue director as program shifts from grant funding
Summary
Boise State’s TechHelp described work with small and medium manufacturers and requested modest state support to sustain its Studio Blue new‑product development director position after federal grant funding declined.
TechHelp at Boise State told the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee Wednesday that its Studio Blue new‑product development program serves small and medium‑sized manufacturers statewide and requested a modest state appropriation to secure a center director position after key federal grant funding declined.
Kevin Campbell, Legislative Services Office analyst, said TechHelp is authorized 3.44 FTP and its appropriation has been about $450,000 in recent years, with personnel accounting for nearly all of TechHelp’s spending. The program has added small enhancements in recent years to support Studio Blue leadership.
Brad McDonald, TechHelp executive director, said Studio Blue provides design, prototyping and product launch support and that impact is measured through national Manufacturing Extension Partnership metrics including new and retained jobs, sales, cost savings, investment and client counts. McDonald said TechHelp’s client surveys are conducted by an independent third party and that the program has strong net promoter results in recent quarters.
TechHelp asked for a small FY2026 personnel enhancement to help retain a Studio Blue center director as federal grant support declined in the prior year; the request in committee testimony was for $5,000 toward the director’s salary in the legislative budget request. McDonald said the center has performed projects across much of the state and provides students with significant hands‑on experience.
Committee members asked how TechHelp measures outcomes and requested the program’s impact metrics and recent quarterly reports; McDonald agreed to provide the documentation.
No formal action was taken. TechHelp officials said they will supply the committee with detailed impact metrics and clarify the makeup of the funding that previously supported Studio Blue leadership.
