To carry out the purposes of this subdivision the department of business and economic affairs shall enter into a grant program with the university of New Hampshire to establish a center for innovation research at the Durham campus. Through the grant program, the center shall provide applied and basic scientific, engineering, and associated marketing research capability and technology transfer in support of New Hampshire’s industrial and business community. The center may pool its funds with those of other entities, either public or private, for the purpose of delivering services to New Hampshire businesses and industries. To be eligible to receive grant-funded services, businesses and industries must have an ongoing business within the state or an announced intention to locate a business in the state. The center may provide services other than grants including but not limited to: training regarding the capture and protection of intellectual property, strategic thinking and strategy development, and writing proposals. Assistance may be provided by the NHIRC director, by small subsidies to assist in the identification and funding of consultants to help the company, or by other creative means.