OCAST newsletter, 05/2011

              Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science & Technology - Newsletter1105
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OCAST Newsletter
May 2011
APPROVED NANOTECHNOLOGY APPLICATION FUNDING
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 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) that 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 and 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 – Mike Callaway will lead the project 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
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