Wright projects at OSU, OU up for 3rd Frontier funding - Business First of Columbus

Wright projects at OSU, OU up for 3rd Frontier funding - Business First of Columbus

High-tech collaborations based at Ohio State University and Ohio University are in line for millions of dollars in funding from a key component of the state’s Third Frontier program.

The Ohio Third Frontier Commission this week recommended about $20 million in funding for several projects throughout the state under its Wright Projects Program. That initiative creates so-called centers of innovation around the state that lead collaborative high-tech projects.

About $9 million of the funding, which requires Controlling Board approval, is headed to Ohio State or Ohio University projects:

• $3 million for a Center of Excellence for Energy Storage Technology at Ohio State. The effort looks at how manufacturers can meet demand for electric, plug-in hybrid and other alternatively fueled vehicles.

• $3 million for a Center for High Performance Power Electronics, also at Ohio State. Researchers, including a GE Aviation unit and Wright-Patterson’s Air Force Research Laboratory, are looking at the commercialization prospects for high-heat semiconductors used in the military and civil aircraft industries.

• $2.97 million for a Center for Algal Engineering Research and Commercialization at Ohio University and featuring a number of partners, including algae-to-biofuels maker Univenture Systems Inc. of Marysville. The project is looking to commercialize algae testing processes.

Read more: Wright projects at OSU, OU up for 3rd Frontier funding - Business First of Columbus