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Boise State’s TechHelp asks for modest state support as Studio Blue grant funding wanes
Summary
TechHelp leaders said their Studio Blue new‑product‑development program has matured and the primary federal grant supporting a center director expired; the center requested a small personnel enhancement and said it will provide impact metrics used nationally to measure outcomes for Idaho manufacturers.
Kevin Campbell presented a summary of TechHelp’s budget at Boise State University and described the organization’s work with small and medium manufacturers in Idaho, including research, design, prototyping and market support. TechHelp is housed at Boise State and partners with other state universities and industry organizations, the analyst said.
Executive Director Brad McDonald told the committee Studio Blue — TechHelp’s new-product-development arm — has three pillars (design, create, launch) and has served clients across the state. McDonald said national impact metrics track outcomes such as new and retained jobs, sales and cost savings attributed to projects; the metrics rely on third-party surveys of client firms.
TechHelp requested a small personnel enhancement (about $5,000 this cycle) tied to the Studio Blue center director to replace grant funding that expired in the prior year and to maintain continuity. McDonald said the Studio Blue director position has been partially grant-funded and the main federal grant that supported that position expired in September 2024. He said TechHelp is balancing multiple funding sources — client revenue, state appropriation and grants — and that predictable state support would enable more stable student training and client impact.
Committee members asked for the impact metrics and quarterly reports McDonald referenced; he said TechHelp’s net promoter and impact metrics are strong and agreed to provide recent reports.
Why it matters: TechHelp provides applied research and workforce experiences for students while assisting Idaho manufacturers. Committee members asked for the program’s impact metrics and required information to assess whether a small ongoing state investment could stabilize the Studio Blue position as federal grants decline.
