From outdoor products in Ogden to renewable energy technology in St. George, USTAR TCG projects are focused on innovations that support regional growth initiatives.
USTAR is publishing a new kind of annual report, one that’s in “bite-sized” pieces you might have time to read. We’ll be adding chapters over the next few weeks. Today’s edition covers the USTAR Technology Outreach and Innovation Program.
Technology Commercialization Grants help innovators statewide
Announced in August 2009, the USTAR Technology Commercialization Grant (TCG) program is designed to bring innovative new technologies to market from Utah’s public research universities and regional higher-ed institutions. Using $3 million in federal stimulus funds, the program assists faculty to prototype, test, and commercialize new products in high-growth markets. To date, 44 projects across the state have received TCG funding.
Diverse portfolio of new technologies
USTAR TCGs are helping bring to market breakthroughs in energy, biomedical technology, and other fields, including:
- Large-capacity, sodium-based batteries
- Bone grafts that release their own antibiotics
- An enhanced industrial spray coating process
- A “smart” wireless communication antennae
- Streamlined rail car maintenance
- Nano delivery of gene therapy for eye disease
- Learning design tools for non-technical users
- Improved portable water purification systems
- Satellite-based, internet-accessible farm soil monitoring
The TCG program represents active “seed” projects at USU, Weber State University, Salt Lake Community College, U of U, UVU, SUU, Dixie State College, and Dixie Applied Technology College. Nearly two thirds of the projects represent collaborations between faculty members and local company or entrepreneur co-applicants.
“It’s clear USTAR is delivering on the research front. Equally exciting are the programs, like Technology Commercialization Grants, that are inspiring innovation across all regions of the state.”
- Lane Beattie, Salt Lake Chamber
Lane Beattie
Impact: 44 projects are already in process to create new Utah companies and revenue streams.
USTAR focus areas:
- Diversify Utah’s economy with high quality jobs
- Build Utah’s innovation infrastructure
- Recruit & grow world-class research talent
- Commercialize technology and promote innovative
