BELLINGHAM, Washington, USA -- Photonics technologies enabling targeted drug delivery in tissue transplant procedures, highly efficient solar energy modules, and other important quality-of-life advances are among projects receiving $22 million in funding from the Technology Innovation Program (TIP) at the U.S. Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The grant awards were announced 15 December.

"The list of projects receiving the TIP awards provides a small reflection of how pervasive photonics is in all aspects of society," said SPIE CEO Eugene Arthurs. "These projects represent the many solutions provided by photonics technologies for major challenges such as developing sustainable energy sources, finding effective treatments for disease, and improving public safety across the globe.

"And wherever photonics innovation is fostered, the local economy receives the benefits of being home to a highly skilled workforce as well."

This latest round of TIP awards are for advanced manufacturing research in electronics, biotechnology and nanotechnology, and target innovative technologies in fields ranging from biopharmaceuticals and electronics to renewable energy sources and energy storage. The nine projects announced this week were selected from 110 proposals.

The awards will be matched by other funding sources and are expected to result in an estimated $46 million in new advanced manufacturing research over the next three years.

"Keeping our nation's high-tech industries at the forefront of innovation is a key component to maintaining and improving U.S. industrial competitiveness in an increasingly competitive world," U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said. "Through these TIP awards, we will help advance cutting-edge research in major growth sectors of 21st century manufacturing, including renewable energy and advanced pharmaceuticals."

More information and the complete list of projects in this round of funding are at nist.gov/tip/tip_121510.cfm.

SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, was founded in 1955 to advance light-based technologies. Serving more than 180,000 constituents from 168 countries, the Society advances emerging technologies through interdisciplinary information exchange, continuing education, publications, patent precedent and career and professional growth. SPIE annually organizes and sponsors approximately 25 major technical forums, exhibitions and education programs in North America, Europe, Asia and the South Pacific, and supports scholarships, grants and other education programs around the world.

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