Posted: March 14, 2008 |
Governor Rendell announces $9.8 million for targeted nanotechnology projects statewide |
(Nanowerk News) Governor Edward G.
Rendell's drive to make Pennsylvania home to groundbreaking technological
innovation will continue with $10 million in state investments in six
projects that could ensure the commonwealth's place as a global leader in
emerging technologies.
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At a news conference today at Carnegie Mellon University, Governor
Rendell said investments in research and commercialization of
nanotechnology projects will stimulate economic development and boost job
creation.
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"Across the world, the competition to find the next great scientific
advancement continues to grow," Governor Rendell said. "As a competitor in
the global marketplace, it is Pennsylvania's responsibility to give our
universities, companies and partners the best opportunities to be on the
forefront of these advancements."
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The Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority approved six projects
through the Pennsylvania Initiative for Nanotechnology.
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The six projects announced today are:
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Lehigh University will receive $500,000 for the Lehigh Nanophotonics
Technologies for research and transitional technology development for use
in green energy nanophotonics, biomedical nanophotonics and silicon
nanophotonics.
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Lehigh University will also receive $900,000 for the PA Materials
Research Science and Engineering Center which will focus on economic
development, research and education in advanced materials synthesis,
nanocharacterization, Interfacial Kinetic Engineering and Mesoscale
Interface Mapping.
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Penn State University was allocated $2.5 million for the Penn State
Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology Research and Commercialization
Program. The funds will be used for equipment to support nanofabrication
and complex materials manufacturing, commercialization, and matching funds
for research and seed grants.
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In addition, Penn State University will receive $1.4 million for the
Pennsylvania Nanotechnology Manufacturing Technology Partnership for
educational improvements, development of new tools and educators, student
recruitment and industry outreach. The partnership is a statewide
collaboration between institutions of higher learning and industry leaders.
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The Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeast Pennsylvania will
receive $3.5 million for the Nanotechnology Institute (NTI). In conjunction
with regional universities like Drexel University and the University of
Pennsylvania, the funds will be used to accelerate nanotechnology
commercialization and company formation.
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The Pennsylvania NanoMaterials Commercialization Center will receive $1
million to expand the Center's existing commercialization project
activities, as well as begin a new outreach program to commercialize the
nanotechnology research from Pennsylvania's universities with industry
partners.
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The Pennsylvania Initiative for Nanotechnology leverages Pennsylvania's
regional academic, industrial and economic assets to improve research and
technology at the atomic and molecular levels. Nanotechnology is used in
fields such as biopharmaceuticals, therapeutics, advanced materials,
agriculture, chemicals, electronics, energy, defense and transportation.
Pennsylvania currently ranks seventh in the nation in
nanotechnology-focused research and development, access to capital,
commercialization, and company support. Since Governor Rendell took office,
nearly $52 million has been allocated through the program.
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Governor Rendell also discussed how the proven success of our current
technology investment programs lends credibility to the reasoning behind
creating additional programs, such as the Jonas Salk Legacy Fund.
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"Five years ago, I took office with the promise of transforming the
economic direction of the commonwealth and keeping it moving forward for
the future," Governor Rendell said. "In order to do it, we must continue to
invest in and develop those industries that will employ the next generation
of Pennsylvanians."
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As part of his Protecting Our Progress
(http://www.state.pa.us/papower/lib/papower/08-09_budget/fact_sheet_--_pop.
pdf) strategy, the Jonas Salk Legacy Fund would provide $1 billion to
construct new facilities for health-related research across the state and
help energize the research community around exciting new facilities in
Pennsylvania. In the Governor's proposal, commonwealth tobacco settlement
funds will cover 50 percent of development costs.
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Presently, there are more than $750 million in construction projects
that would start this calendar year if the Jonas Salk Legacy Fund is
enacted.
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In addition, Governor Rendell has proposed his $850 million energy
independence strategy; a "Rebuilding Pennsylvania" plan to repair the
state's aging infrastructure; replenishing funding for the business in our
sites program; adding $10 million to the infrastructure development
program; and, extending the keystone opportunity zone program.
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The Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority is dedicated to
fostering technological innovation, strengthening Pennsylvania's economy,
and creating and retaining good-paying jobs that require advanced skills.
It also provides funding for a host of technology initiatives and it
supports four Ben Franklin Technology Partners throughout Pennsylvania that
identify the most promising ventures and provide them with technical
assistance and capital. Since 2003, the authority has invested more than
$242 million for projects across the state.
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For additional information on any of the Ben Franklin Technology
Development Authority programs, visit http://www.newPA.com or call
1-866-466-3972.
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