Pennsylvania Awards Five University Commercialization Grants

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Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development approved $3.15 million for five grants to support research and development in nanotechnology and advanced materials. The grants were made through the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority’s University Research Commercialization Program  that aims to build stronger synergies between university-based research and technology transfer.

The Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania (BFTP/SEP) Nano Technology Institute in Philadelphia will receive $1.2 million, more than one-third of the total funds, for technology commercialization, as well as enterprise and cluster development. The institute is expected to create a statewide collaboration to match resources for industry-based developers of nanotechnology-based innovations with providers of advanced nanotechnology instrumentation.

Lehigh University in Bethlehem is slated to receive $488,000 to help companies using nanotechnology in their products or processes by advancing and transferring university technologies to commercial applications. The project is expected to offer industry access to R&D capabilities and support by universities, as well as help in the formation of new companies.

The NanoMaterials Commercialization Center in Pittsburgh will receive $639,000 to help small and start-up companies with early stage prototype development projects. The funds are expected to support a networking platform to showcase emerging nanotechnology developments to Pennsylvania companies.

Penn State’s Nanofabrication Manufacturing Technology Partnership in University Park will receive $659,500 to support the continuation of its Capstone Semester. This Capstone Semester is a key component of 53 degree programs in nanotechnology at 29 public and private Pennsylvania post-secondary institutions. The curriculum consists of six courses granting 18 credits featuring classroom and hands-on labs in the university’s cleanroom facilities.

Penn State will also receive another $206,000 for industry-university research and industrial outreach activities to help Pennsylvania companies develop the next generation of nanotechnology-based products. This project is aimed at small and medium-sized businesses, to provide access to the university’s research in advanced materials and nanotechnology.

Read more:

• University Research Spinoff To Build Manufacturing Plant
• Start Up to Develop Nanotech Therapy for Artery Disease

Photo: Tony Fischer/Flickr

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