Pennsylvania DCED: New Investments Accelerate Technology Commercialization, Help Grow Industry Statewide

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 16, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority (BFTDA) approved $3.15 million in funding for five University Research Commercialization Program grants to support energy, advanced materials and nanotechnology research and development activities.    

"The support the commonwealth provides to our universities, researchers and entrepreneurs is often that last piece of the puzzle needed to take new products to market, build new companies, and create high-paying jobs," said Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary C. Alan Walker. "With continued growth in early-stage and established technology firms, Pennsylvania can become a world leader in accelerating and supporting innovation."

The University Research Commercialization Grant Program is a competitive program designed to support energy, advanced material, and nanotechnology-related projects and university research through educational and workforce development, forming public-private partnerships and attracting the most talented undergraduate and graduate students. The program will also focus on commercializing new technologies, expanding and enhancing synergy between existing companies and universities, and coordinating with other technology-based economic development activities.

Applicants eligible for funding include colleges or universities and non-profit organizations partnering with colleges and/or universities. 

The BFTDA is one of the nation's largest and most-replicated state technology development programs, providing a vehicle for investment in economic, community and university-based investments. Nanotechnology measures, manipulates, and/or incorporates materials and features with at dimensions between 1 to 100 nanometers (a nanometer is one-billionth of a meter).

For more information about the BFTDA, or other community and economic development programs, visit www.newPA.com or call 1-866-466-3972.

Editor's Note:  Projects approved March 1 by the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority for a University Research Commercialization Program grant include:

BFTP-SEP Nano Technology Institute (NTI) received $1.2 million to continue to provide services for Technology Commercialization, as well as Enterprise and Cluster Development.  Additionally, funds will be used to leverage the successful programs of both the NTI and Pennsylvania NanoMaterials Commercialization Center.  The joint venture will create a statewide collaboration to facilitate the matching of resources for industry-based developers of nano-innovations with providers and experts of advanced nanotechnology instrumentation.

Lehigh University received $487,950 to assist companies that use nanotechnology in their products or processes by providing technology resources, and by advancing and transferring university technologies to commercial applications. The project will provide: industry access to research and development capabilities and support by universities; fast-tracking of technology development for industry commercialization by developing transition plans and prototypes, and supporting company formation; and teacher training programs.

PA NanoMaterials Commercialization Center (PNMCC) received $638,900 to assist small and startup companies with early stage prototype development projects. The PNMCC plans to develop an interactive networking platform to showcase emerging nanotechnology developments to Pennsylvania companies. The goal is to form a partnership with the companies, to leverage their technical resources and business development expertise, which continues from the initial prototype stage of development to commercialization.

Penn State University's (PSU) Nanofabrication Manufacturing Technology (NMT) Partnership received $659,500 to continue offering the NMT capstone semester which is used by 29 public and private Pennsylvania post-secondary institutions. The capstone semester is an integral/required component of the 53 degree programs in nanotechnology that are offered at these institutions. The NMT Partnership prepares students to work in any industry using micro and nanotechnology.

Penn State University (PSU) received $206,100 to support industry-university research projects and industrial outreach activities to assist Pennsylvania companies develop the next generation of nanotechnology-based products. The project, which is especially beneficial for small and medium-sized businesses, will enhance company's access to PSU's advanced materials and nanotechnology research. Funding will support efforts to acquaint Pennsylvania businesses to Penn State's nanotechnology research facilities, programs and applications.

Media contact: Theresa Elliott, 717-783-1132

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development