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By University Communications
July 5, 2007

Science Foundation Arizona (SFAz) has made approximately $2 million in investments to help eight Arizona-based research programs, including four at The University of Arizona, further develop existing research to the point of technology commercialization as part of its 2007 Small Business Catalytic (SBC) program.

The purpose of this program, which focuses on making seeds investments in innovation that may have high-impact commercial outcomes, is to create a catalyst for technology development, company formation and high-tech job creation in Arizona.

"The research funded by our Small Business Catalytic program has great commercialization potential, a key component in Arizona's efforts to grow an economy rooted in knowledge and innovation," said William C. Harris, president and CEO of SFAz. "These projects will bring new patents to Arizona researchers with the ultimate goal of forming spin-off companies that create new jobs for Arizonans."

"While there are no guarantees, experts deem these projects as having great potential to grow successful technology businesses in Arizona," said Harris.

The selected proposals are wide-ranging, including research in medical technologies, information technologies and renewable energy, among other areas. To be successful for SFAz funding, the proposals had to demonstrate positive impacts to the local institutions and the state. Additionally, all businesses grown from SFAz SBC seed funding are required to remain in the state.

Four UA proposals chosen by the expert review panel from 44 submissions.
- Nasser Peyhgambarian, a professor of optical sciences at the UA, is the recipient of grants for two research programs. The first grant of $299,000 will introduce ultra-low voltage hybrid polymer/sol-gel electro-optic modulators and switches as the next-generation of broadband.

Peyghambarian will also receive $112,000 to commercialize a miniaturized fiber optic sensor used in non-invasive real time monitoring of brain activity. This new technology has the potential to impact the diagnosis of a broad range of brain-related disorders.

- David Lynch, professor of materials science and engineering, will receive $298,000 for technology that will reduce the cost of manufacturing solar-grade silicon while reducing pollution. The research could significantly expand Arizona's solar energy industry profile.

- Dominic McGrath, associate professor of chemistry, will receive $208,000 for development of a new, stable, highly-responsive and disposable infusion pump that will be at the heart of the Medipacs infusion pump technology. This new technology has the potential to provide a significant breakthrough in medical care for pain management IV therapy, drug and fluid delivery and insulin therapy.

Medipacs, a Tucson-based biotech facility, will produce the infusion pump and is anticipated to provide 80 high-paying jobs and yield further economic impacts in Arizona.

The SBC grants represent part of the initial investment strategy from SFAz, which intends to help build a world-class science, engineering and medical research infrastructure in Arizona by investing in highly innovative research and education programs.

In January, SFAz announced grants totaling $4 million for Graduate Research Fellowships at the state's three universities. Another $4.1 million in April, through SFAz's Competitive Advantage Awards, provided bridge financing for promising research expected to receive significant federal funding in the near future. In May, SFAz announced $3.2 million in funding for its K-12 Student & Teacher Discover program, which provides innovative learning experiences in science and math for students, in addition to opportunities for science and math teachers to broaden their knowledge through training and hands-on research. The final SFAz investment to be announced this year will be the Strategic Research Groups program, which funds proposals from research-performing institutions engaged in partnerships with industry.