NexTech, SCI land Third Frontier cash

Source: Business First

A pair of local technology companies have been approved for grants as part of the state’s Third Frontier program.

The Ohio Third Frontier Commission said $19.58 million in awards will be directed to technology companies and researchers across the state. The commission directed its Dec. 17 awards to fuel cell, advanced energy and photovoltaic development firms.

The awards are part of the state’s 10-year, $1.6 billion initiative to advance the Ohio’s technology economy.

Locally, two companies are getting funding:

• Lewis Center-based NexTech Materials Ltd. will receive $1.49 million to improve manufacturing readiness for solid oxide fuel cells. The project is expected to attract more than $50 million in follow-on investment and create 156 jobs by 2016. The company is working with Ohio State University and Hocking Technical College on the project.

• Columbus-based SCI Engineered Materials Inc., which is attempting to commercialize advanced technology for solar cell manufacturing, will get $775,400. It is working on its project with Robinson Fin Machines Inc., a heat transfer fin manufacturer in Kenton, about 65 miles northwest of Columbus.