Three Oklahoma firms win approval under OCAST Oklahoma Nanotechnology Applications Project

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Three firms with successful applications for the OCAST Oklahoma Nanotechnology Applications Project (ONAP) have been approved for $720,000 in funding for the next two years. Two of the firms represent accelerated research projects and one represents a proof-of-concept project. All will be completed within two years.

OCAST, the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology, administers ONAP which was created by the Oklahoma legislature to initiate a statewide project to accomplish the following:

1. Provide funding and technical support for the application of nanotechnology and assist later stage development of nanotechnology
2. Provide education about nanotechnology to the state’s economic development network, researchers, manufacturers and businesses
3. Sustain the Oklahoma Nanotechnology Initiative (ONI) which began in 2005

OCAST uses independent peer review with a preference for likelihood of commercial success to determine successful applicants. Program requirements call for collaboration with an Oklahoma firm. OCAST partners with the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, CareerTech and universities and colleges to market ONAP.

Nanotechnology, the science and manipulation of materials at the molecular level, promises to change the way we interact with the world, providing society with a vast spectrum of unique benefits, including:

• Improved healthcare – longer, higher quality of life and extended human physical capabilities
• Safer, more efficient transportation – lighter, faster and safer vehicles and more durable, reliable and cost-effective roads, bridges and rail systems
• Increased sustainability & cleaner environment – improved agricultural yields, more economical water filtration and desalination, highly efficient solar energy conversion and less pollution
• Smaller, more powerful technology – global integrated circuits, powerful semiconductors and ultra-miniature components

Winners include:

SouthWest Nanotechnologies Inc., Norman – John-David Rocha, “SWCNT inks for printing thin film transistors.” Both SouthWest Nanotechnologies and Panasonic will match funds to commercialize semiconducting inks for use in printed electronics applications. Research sectors include semiconductors and advanced materials. A total of 14 jobs and gross sales of $7.4 million are anticipated after two years. Total award: $500,000 for two years

Amethyst Research Inc, Ardmore – Ryan Cottier will lead a project titled “Novel Applications for Hydrogen-Induced Nanostructuring of Ion-Implanted Silicon.” The Office of Naval Research will assist with the matching funds. While most revenues are expected from royalties and licensing fees, the process technology depends critically upon Amethyst’s intellectual property associated with its hydrogenation process, the method by which hydrogen is inter-diffused into semiconductors. The process will have applications in astronomy, fire fighting, environmental thermal mapping and border security. Total Award: $90,000 for two years

CalTech Global LLC, Sapulpa – Mike Callaway will lead the projected titled “Nanometric Granular H2S Sorbent as a Replacement for Liquid Scavenger.” CalTech will develop a hydrogen sulfide granular scavenging product which will enable greater H2S absorption. The product is intended for use in the oil and gas industry; however, it can also be used for filtering of landfill and sewer gas. Total Award: $130,000 for two years