Science Foundation Arizona (SFAz) has selected eight Arizona-based research programs to receive a total of $2 million in grants.

The grants were awarded through SFAz's Small Business Catalytic (SBC) program, which focuses on making seed investments in innovation that may have high-impact commercial outcomes. The purpose of these investments is to create a catalyst for technology development, company formation, and high-tech job creation in Arizona.

Proposals were reviewed by a panel of experts and selected based on technical merit and business potential. Grant recipients included:

• Nasser Peyghambarian, professor in the College of Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona, who will receive $299,000 to introduce ultra-low-voltage hybrid polymer/sol-gel electro-optic modulators and switches as the next-generation of broadband. Peyghambarian will also receive $112,000 to commercialize a miniaturized fiber optic sensor used in noninvasive real time monitoring of brain activity.
• David Lynch, professor in the department of materials science and engineering at UA, who will receive $298,000 for technology that will reduce the cost of manufacturing solar-grade silicon while reducing pollution.
• Dominic McGrath, professor in the department of chemistry at UA, who will receive $208,000 for development of a new, stable, highly responsive, disposable infusion pump.
• Qiang Hu, professor in the department of applied biological sciences at Arizona State University, who will receive $313,000 to further develop research to increase the productivity, and reduce production costs, of Astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant for humans and a color additive in foods like meat and fish.
• John Kouvetakis, professor in the department of chemistry and biochemistry at ASU, who will receive $270,000 to find an improved, cost-effective, and sustainable method for producing high-brightness and energy-efficient lighting and solar applications.
• Wayne Frasch, a professor in the School of Life Sciences at ASU, who will receive $280,000 to introduce a molecular detection technology that rapidly tests and diagnoses pathogens such as anthrax, E. coli, cancer, and avian flu.
• Trevor Thornton, director of ASU's Center for Solid State Electronics Research, who will receive $215,000 to introduce a new, cost-effective option for companies that require high-voltage, high-speed integrated circuits.

"The research funded by our Small Business Catalytic program has great commercialization potential, a key component in Arizona's efforts to grow an economy rooted in knowledge and innovation," said William Harris, president and CEO of SFAz. "These projects will bring new patents to Arizona researchers with the ultimate goal of forming spin-off companies that create new jobs for Arizonans."

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For more information:

SFAz press release, 07/02/2007