Five projects have been approved by the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority (BFTDA) for a University Research Commercialization Program grant to promote nanotechnology, advanced materials and energy research and development activities.
BFTDA, a state technology development program, offers an investment vehicle to make university, community and economic-based investments. BFTDA awarded a fund worth $3.15 million for the five research projects.
BFTP-SEP Nano Technology Institute (NTI) has been awarded a $1.2 million grant for its ongoing services for technology commercialization and enterprise and cluster development. Moreover, the grant will be utilized to support the proven programs of the Pennsylvania NanoMaterials Commercialization Center and NTI.
Lehigh University received a grant worth $487,950 to help nanotechnology companies by offering technology resources and university technologies. The project will allow industries to access the research and development capabilities and services of universities; accelerate technology development by advancing prototypes and transition plans for industry commercialization and company formation; and offer teacher training programs.
Penn State University was awarded $206,100 to promote industrial outreach activities and industry-academic research projects to help Pennsylvania companies produce future-generation products based on nanotechnology.
BFTDA awarded $659,500 to Penn State University's Nanofabrication Manufacturing Technology (NMT) Partnership to keep on offering the NMT capstone semester that has been utilized by 29 private and public post-secondary institutions in Pennsylvania. The capstone semester is an essential part of the 53 nanotechnology degree programs offered by these institutions. The NMT Partnership equips students to pursue their career in any industry utilizing micro and nanotechnology.
PA Nanomaterials Commercialization Center was awarded $638,900 to offer early stage prototype advancement projects for the development of small and start-up companies. The center plans to form an interactive networking platform to display up-and-coming nanotechnology developments to companies in Pennsylvania.
Source: http://www.newpa.com/