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2010 TFAMP / TFSP Final Proposal Evaluation
Third Frontier Advanced Materials ProgramThird Frontier Sensor Program
2010Final Proposal Evaluation
March 2010
2010 TFAMP / TFSP Final Proposal Evaluation
2010 TFAMP / TFSP Final Proposal Evaluation
Copyright 2010 Taratec Corporation. All rights reserved.
This Report written by:
Taratec Corporation1251 Dublin RoadColumbus, Ohio 43215United States of AmericaEdward W. Ungar, President
For more information or to obtain additional copies of this Report, contact Taratec Corporationby phone at (614) 291-2229, or by fax at (614) 291-2867. Taratec Corporation is located on theInternet at http://www.tarateccorp.com
2010 TFAMP / TFSP Final Proposal Evaluation
Ran
kTF
IDA
pplic
ant
Pro
ject
Titl
eC
olla
bora
tors
TFR
DF
$W
CF
$
Tota
l Fu
ndin
gR
eque
sted
Mat
ch
2nd
Rnd
Sco
re
Technical Reach
Resource Limitations
Technology Protection
Path to Market
Corporate Stability
Commercial Infracture
Cluster Formation
Ohio Economics
Business Model
Pro
posa
l Rev
iew
Sum
mar
y
110
-665
Ken
t Dis
play
s In
c.
Adv
ance
d Li
quid
C
ryst
allin
e, C
hira
l and
D
ye M
ater
ials
for
Flex
ible
Liq
uid
Cry
stal
Fi
lms
· Ken
t Sta
te U
nive
rsity
· Akr
on P
olym
er S
yste
ms
$1,0
00,0
00$0
$1,0
00,0
00$1
,000
,885
95.5
SS
MS
SS
SS
S
· Enh
ance
men
t of K
DI’s
Rep
lex
LCD
tech
nolo
gy th
roug
h us
e of
uni
que
chira
l and
po
lym
er m
ater
ials
for u
se in
ele
ctro
nic
skin
s, e
-tabl
ets,
e-c
ards
and
e-m
edia
· KS
U w
ill a
ssis
t in
the
chira
l mat
eria
l dev
elop
men
t, A
PS
will
eng
inee
r the
pol
ymer
m
ater
ials
and
KD
I will
be
the
com
mer
cial
out
let f
or d
ispl
ay p
rodu
cts
· KD
I’s e
cono
mic
impa
cts
are
very
agg
ress
ive
proj
ectin
g $1
00 m
illio
n in
sal
es b
y 20
13 a
nd 5
00 n
ew jo
bs b
y 20
15· D
emon
stra
tion-
leve
l pro
toty
pes
usin
g th
e ne
w m
ater
ials
hav
e no
t bee
n bu
ilt y
et
ther
efor
e th
e ex
pect
ed p
erfo
rman
ce e
nhan
cem
ents
hav
e no
t bee
n pr
oven
210
-603
Mom
entiv
e P
erfo
rman
ce
Mat
eria
ls Q
uartz
, In
c.
Opt
imiz
ed B
oron
N
itrid
e an
d P
rodu
ctio
n E
ffici
ency
for L
ower
C
ost P
olym
er
Com
posi
tes
in L
ED
Lu
min
arie
s
· SA
BIC
Inno
vativ
e P
last
ics
· Uni
vers
ity o
f Akr
on· S
teer
Am
eric
a· P
olym
er O
hio
$918
,000
$0$9
18,0
00$1
,272
,000
85.2
MS
SS
SS
MS
S
· Low
cos
t bor
on n
itrid
e (B
N) p
owde
r for
use
in L
ED
lam
p ho
usin
gs· M
PM
, UA
and
Ste
er w
ill d
evel
op a
low
er c
ost m
anuf
actu
ring
proc
ess
for t
he
pow
der,
the
func
tiona
lized
pol
ymer
s an
d th
e co
mpo
undi
ng p
roce
ss re
spec
tivel
y an
d S
AB
IC w
ill e
valu
ate
the
final
pro
duct
for L
ED
hou
sing
s· T
he p
roje
ct w
ill c
reat
e 5
new
jobs
at M
PM
gro
win
g to
35+
by
2015
with
$45
mill
ion
in s
ales
· LE
D la
mp
entry
into
the
mai
nstre
am li
ghtin
g m
arke
t is
a ke
y to
pro
duct
suc
cess
. B
N p
owde
r is
a m
ajor
por
tion
of th
e ho
sing
cos
t, bu
t the
hou
sing
is a
sm
alle
r par
t of
the
LED
lam
p co
st
310
-653
Mav
eric
k C
orpo
ratio
n
Low
Cos
t Fab
ricat
ion
of H
igh-
Tem
pera
ture
C
ompo
site
s
· Akr
on P
olym
er S
yste
ms
· NA
SA
Gle
nn R
esea
rch
Cen
ter
· Ren
egad
e M
ater
ials
C
orpo
ratio
n
$1,0
00,0
00$0
$1,0
00,0
00$1
,000
,000
77.7
SS
SS
SS
SM
S
· A fa
mily
of h
igh-
tem
pera
ture
pol
yim
ides
resi
ns fo
r aer
ospa
ce a
pplic
atio
ns· M
aver
ick,
AP
S a
nd R
eneg
ade
will
eac
h sc
ale
up c
urre
nt b
atch
resi
n pr
oduc
tion
oper
atio
ns a
nd p
roce
ss th
e ou
tput
resi
ns in
to ro
lls s
uffic
ient
for c
usto
mer
sam
ples
· Pro
duct
sal
es (r
esin
, film
and
pre
preg
s) a
re e
xpec
ted
to b
egin
in 2
011,
and
by
2013
, 22
jobs
cre
ated
gro
win
g to
ove
r 60
by 2
015
410
-601
Alp
ham
irror
, Inc
.M
anuf
actu
ring
of
Pla
stic
Liq
uid
Cry
stal
A
uto
Dim
min
g M
irror
· Alp
haM
icro
n In
c.· E
lbit
Sys
tem
s Lt
d· M
agna
Mirr
ors
Gm
bH$1
,000
,000
$0$1
,000
,000
$1,0
00,0
0074
.5M
SS
SS
SS
MS
· A fa
mily
of h
igh-
tem
pera
ture
pol
yim
ides
resi
ns fo
r aer
ospa
ce a
pplic
atio
ns· M
aver
ick,
AP
S a
nd R
eneg
ade
will
eac
h sc
ale
up c
urre
nt b
atch
resi
n pr
oduc
tion
oper
atio
ns a
nd p
roce
ss th
e ou
tput
resi
ns in
to ro
lls s
uffic
ient
for c
usto
mer
sam
ples
· Pro
duct
sal
es (r
esin
, film
and
pre
preg
s) a
re e
xpec
ted
to b
egin
in 2
011,
and
by
2013
, 22
jobs
cre
ated
gro
win
g to
ove
r 60
by 2
015
510
-679
Lock
heed
Mar
tin
MS
2 In
tegr
ated
D
efen
se
Tech
nolo
gies
Red
uced
-Per
mea
bilit
y,
Hig
h-M
odul
us F
ilm
Pro
ject
for M
ilita
ry
Ligh
ter-
Than
-Air
· Akr
on P
olym
er S
yste
ms
· Che
msu
ltant
s In
tern
atio
nal,
Inc
· Uni
vers
ity o
f Akr
on
$1,0
00,0
00$0
$1,0
00,0
00$1
,000
,000
66.6
MM
SS
SS
SM
S
· Im
prov
e th
e pr
oper
ties
of a
pol
ymer
/nan
o-ba
sed
film
and
adh
esiv
es d
evel
oped
for
light
er-th
an-a
ir ai
rshi
ps· U
A w
ill d
evel
op th
e m
odifi
ed m
ater
ials
-mat
eria
ls a
nd a
dhes
ive
form
ulat
ions
, AP
S
will
pro
duce
the
film
sol
utio
n, C
hem
sulta
nts
will
opt
imiz
e th
e fil
m c
astin
g pr
oces
s an
d LM
con
firm
mat
eria
l and
adh
esiv
e pr
oper
ties
and
prod
uce
sam
ples
for
perfo
rman
ce te
stin
g· T
he L
M jo
b im
pact
s ar
e ba
sed
intro
duct
ion
of th
e H
AA
in 2
013
that
will
sup
port
80
new
jobs
and
gro
w to
200
by
2015
· E
arlie
r TFP
aw
ard
to U
A le
d to
cur
rent
film
, but
wei
ght a
nd p
erm
eabi
lity
need
to b
e re
duce
d to
mee
t ope
ratio
nal s
peci
ficat
ions
for t
he fu
ll-sc
ale
Hig
h A
ltitu
de A
irshi
p de
sign
610
-640
Mat
eria
ls
Res
earc
h In
stitu
te, L
LC
Met
aliz
ed
Nan
omat
eria
ls
· Eng
inee
red
Mat
eria
ls
Sys
tem
s, In
c· W
right
Bro
ther
s In
stitu
te· E
MTE
C
$791
,000
$0$7
91,0
00$8
31,0
0066
.1M
WM
MM
WS
SS
· Con
duct
ive
met
aliz
ed n
anom
ater
ials
for s
igna
l pow
er tr
ansf
er, e
lect
rom
agne
tic
shie
ldin
g, e
lect
rical
gro
undi
ng a
nd e
nerg
y st
orag
e an
d co
nver
sion
· A 3
rd g
ener
atio
n m
etal
ized
car
bon
anod
e m
ater
ial a
nd a
con
duct
ive
ink
prod
uct
are
curr
ently
clo
se to
mee
ting
cust
omer
spe
cific
atio
ns· M
RI i
mpa
cts
are
aggr
essi
ve a
s it
proj
ects
cre
atin
g 40
jobs
by
2013
and
175
by
2015
, but
its
pote
ntia
l ano
de m
ater
ial c
usto
mer
Gra
ndTe
k (T
aiw
an) h
as in
dica
ted
it w
ill e
stab
lish
oper
atio
ns in
Ohi
o· G
rand
Tek
has
com
mitt
ed to
the
cost
sha
re re
quire
men
ts a
nd p
lans
on
furth
er
inve
stm
ents
, but
if th
ese
do n
ot m
ater
ializ
e M
RI w
ill fa
ll ba
ck o
n ex
pect
ed S
BIR
su
ppor
t to
cont
inue
com
mer
cial
izat
ion
TOTA
L$5
,709
,000
Third
Fro
ntie
r Adv
ance
d M
ater
ials
Pro
gram
FY 2
010
Rev
iew
Sum
mar
y an
d R
anki
ngs
Lege
nd:
Str
engt
h (S
) - M
et R
equi
rem
ents
(M) -
Wea
knes
s (W
)
REC
OM
MEN
DED
FO
R F
UN
DIN
G
Tec
hnic
al R
isk
Com
mer
cial
izat
ion
Ris
kM
issi
on Im
pact
Ran
kTF
IDA
pplic
ant
Pro
ject
Titl
eC
olla
bora
tors
TFR
DF
$W
CF
$
Tota
l Fu
ndin
gR
eque
sted
Mat
ch
2nd
Rnd
Sco
re
Technical Reach
Resource Limitations
Technology Protection
Path to Market
Corporate Stability
Commercial Infrastructure
Cluster Formation
Ohio Economics
Business Model
Pro
posa
l Rev
iew
Sum
mar
y
710
-667
Gen
eral
Nan
o,
LLC
Man
ufac
turin
g C
ondu
ctiv
e, S
trong
, Li
ghtw
eigh
t Yar
n fro
m
Long
Car
bon
Nan
otub
es fo
r A
eros
pace
and
D
efen
se A
pplic
atio
ns
· Par
ker H
anni
fin C
orpo
ratio
n· U
nive
rsity
Of C
inci
nnat
i· A
FRL/
RZP
· Atk
ins
& P
earc
e· G
ener
al C
able
$1,0
00,0
00$9
46,9
43$1
,946
,943
$2,5
40,6
5760
.8S
MM
MM
MM
MS
· CN
T-ba
sed
thre
ads
and
yarn
s pr
oduc
ed fr
om lo
ng C
NTs
mad
e w
ith a
pro
prie
tary
te
chni
que
deve
lope
d at
UC
· Gen
eral
Nan
o pr
oduc
es th
e lo
ng C
NTs
(Bla
ck C
otto
n) a
nd is
par
tner
ing
with
Atk
ins
& P
earc
e (C
ovin
gton
, KY
) to
prod
uce
the
yarn
s fo
r col
labo
rato
r app
licat
ion
eval
uatio
ns
· Gen
eral
Nan
o's
impa
ct p
roje
ctio
ns a
re v
ery
aggr
essi
ve a
s it
clai
ms
it w
ill c
reat
e 27
O
hio
jobs
by
2012
and
mor
e th
an 4
0 by
201
5 · T
he s
ite fo
r the
yar
n pr
oduc
tion
is n
ot c
lear
as
the
orig
inal
pla
ns fo
r it t
o be
in K
Y
have
bee
n ch
ange
d to
Ohi
o, b
ut th
e re
sour
ces
need
ed fo
r thi
s to
hap
pen
are
not
expl
aine
d
810
-632
Mom
entu
m
Tech
nolo
gies
inc.
Acc
eler
atin
g th
e C
omm
erci
aliz
atio
n of
a
Nov
el B
io R
esou
rce
Res
in fo
r Agr
icul
tura
l, C
onst
ruct
ion,
and
In
dust
rial A
pplic
atio
ns
· The
Ohi
o S
tate
Uni
vers
ity
Ohi
o A
gric
ultu
ral R
esea
rch
and
Dev
elop
men
t Cen
ter
–OA
RD
C· T
urfC
are
Sup
ply
Cor
pora
tion
· Inn
oven
tor L
LC· P
olym
er O
hio
· Kok
osin
g M
ater
ials
Inc
· Cra
fco
Inc
· Roy
al C
hem
ical
Cor
p
$990
,014
$500
,000
$1,4
90,0
14$1
,492
,880
58.3
MM
WS
MS
SM
M
· Bio
degr
adab
le re
sin
(BR
2) fr
om a
nim
al w
aste
to re
plac
e pe
trole
um-b
ased
asp
halt
· MTi
has
acq
uire
d m
arke
ting
right
s to
BR
2 fo
r fer
tiliz
er c
oatin
g ap
plic
atio
ns a
nd
asph
alt p
avin
g pr
oduc
ts a
nd w
ill w
ork
with
OA
RD
C a
nd O
hio
end-
user
s to
est
ablis
h an
Ohi
o pr
oduc
tion
and
dist
ribut
ion
netw
ork
that
will
spa
n fa
rm c
olle
ctio
n to
end
-us
er d
eliv
ery
· MTi
’s d
irect
eco
nom
ic im
pact
s ar
e m
odes
t with
11
staf
f hire
d by
201
3, g
row
ing
to
18 b
y 20
15, b
ut it
cla
ims
Ohi
o im
pact
s fro
m s
uppl
iers
/end
-use
rs o
f its
pro
duct
s w
ill
be s
igni
fican
tly g
reat
er· M
Ti’s
bus
ines
s is
pro
duct
dis
tribu
tion
and
labo
rato
ry s
ervi
ces
and
the
tech
nolo
gy
owne
rshi
p lie
s w
ith it
s co
llabo
rato
r Inn
oven
tor (
St.
Loui
s, M
O)
910
-647
App
lied
Sci
ence
s, In
c.V
GC
F P
re-p
reg
for
Adv
ance
d C
ompo
site
s· T
echn
ical
Fib
re P
rodu
cts
· Pyr
ogra
f Pro
duct
s, In
c$9
99,9
78$0
$999
,978
$1,1
15,5
0056
.3M
MS
MM
MS
WS
· Con
tinuo
us c
arbo
n fib
er m
at p
rodu
ctio
n fo
r var
ious
mili
tary
, con
sum
er e
lect
roni
cs,
win
d en
ergy
and
ene
rgy
stor
age
appl
icat
ions
· Tec
hnic
al F
iber
Pro
duct
s (N
Y) a
nd A
SI p
lan
a jo
int v
entu
re to
opt
imiz
e an
d sc
ale-
up th
e pr
oduc
tion
proc
ess
to c
reat
e C
NF
mat
on
a co
ntin
uous
roll
basi
s an
d R
eneg
ade
will
impr
egna
te th
e m
at w
ith re
sin
to fo
rm th
e pr
e-pr
eg m
ater
ial
· Pilo
t-lev
el p
rodu
ctio
n at
Pyr
ogra
f is
proj
ecte
d to
cre
ate
$3 m
illio
n in
sal
es b
y 20
13
and
14 jo
bs· S
ampl
e m
ater
ials
are
bei
ng e
valu
ated
by
seve
ral p
oten
tial e
nd-u
sers
, but
resu
lts o
f th
ese
eval
uatio
ns h
ave
not b
een
com
plet
ed
1010
-686
Ken
t Sta
te
Uni
vers
ity
Adv
ance
d Li
quid
C
ryst
al A
lignm
ent
Mat
eria
ls fo
r e-B
ooks
· LX
D, I
nc.
$1,0
29,4
29$1
0,00
0$1
,039
,429
$1,0
53,8
7550
.2M
SM
WS
WM
MM
· An
adva
nced
thin
film
coa
ting
mat
eria
l tha
t im
prov
es L
CD
-bas
ed e
-boo
k pe
rform
ance
· KS
U h
as d
evel
oped
the
mat
eria
ls a
nd a
pro
prie
tary
man
ufac
turin
g ap
proa
ch a
nd
LXD
will
des
ign
and
cons
truct
alp
ha p
roto
type
dis
play
s fo
llow
ed b
y a
dem
onst
ratio
n-le
vel c
ompl
ete
e-B
ook
· LX
D p
roje
cts
the
e-B
ook
will
be
intro
duce
d in
201
3 an
d sa
les
by 2
015
will
reac
h ab
out $
3 m
illio
n cr
eatin
g 20
to 2
5 jo
bs· L
XD
’s H
Q, R
&D
and
Nor
th A
mer
ican
dis
tribu
tion
is in
Cle
vela
nd, b
ut L
CD
and
m
odul
e m
anuf
actu
ring
will
be
at e
xist
ing
faci
litie
s in
Asi
a
1110
-622
Gra
fTec
h In
tern
atio
nal
Hol
ding
s, In
c.
Car
bon
Fibe
rs fr
om
Bio
mas
s fo
r Win
d an
d S
olar
App
licat
ions
· SuG
anit
· Uni
vers
ity o
f Tol
edo
$1,0
00,0
00$0
$1,0
00,0
00$1
,028
,980
47.6
MM
WS
SS
SW
M
· Pilo
t pro
duct
ion
of li
gnin
-bas
ed h
igh
qual
ity c
arbo
n fib
ers
· SuG
anit,
a d
evel
oper
of a
cel
lulo
sic
etha
nol p
roce
ss (u
nder
a T
FP a
war
d) w
ill
prov
ide
ligni
n, a
byp
rodu
ct o
f its
pro
cess
to G
rafT
ech
that
will
con
vert
it to
car
bon
fiber
for p
oten
tial a
pplic
atio
n to
a v
arie
ty o
f pro
duct
s· G
rafT
ech
proj
ects
the
carb
on fi
ber p
rodu
ctio
n w
ould
cre
ate
5 to
20
jobs
by
2015
· A th
ird p
arty
has
pro
duce
d ca
rbon
fibe
rs fr
om a
bio
-bas
ed li
gnin
, but
Gra
fTec
h ha
s no
t yet
test
ed th
e S
uGan
it pr
oduc
ed li
gnin
1210
-644
App
lied
Sci
ence
s, In
c.C
NF
Mat
eria
ls fo
r B
atte
ry A
pplic
atio
ns· P
yrog
raf P
rodu
cts,
Inc
$999
,976
$0$9
99,9
76$1
,245
,000
44.6
WM
MM
MM
MW
M
· Sili
con-
coat
ed c
arbo
n na
nofib
ers
(Si-C
NF)
for L
I-ion
bat
tery
ano
des
· AS
I will
sca
le-u
p to
pilo
t pro
duct
ion
of S
i-CN
F at
Pyr
ogra
f to
prov
ide
suffi
cien
t m
ater
ial f
or c
usto
mer
eva
luat
ions
· The
pilo
t pla
nt p
rodu
ctio
n is
pro
ject
ed to
gen
erat
e m
ater
ial s
ales
of $
4 m
illio
n by
20
13 c
reat
ing
17 jo
bs g
row
ing
to o
ver 7
0 jo
bs b
y 20
15· A
SI w
as a
war
ded
an e
arlie
r TFP
gra
nt th
at p
roje
cted
sim
ilar e
cono
mic
impa
ct
resu
lts a
nd th
ese
have
not
bee
n ac
hiev
ed
Third
Fro
ntie
r Adv
ance
d M
ater
ials
Pro
gram
FY 2
010
Rev
iew
Sum
mar
y an
d R
anki
ngs
Lege
nd:
Str
engt
h (S
) - M
et R
equi
rem
ents
(M) -
Wea
knes
s (W
)
Tec
hnic
al R
isk
Com
mer
cial
izat
ion
Ris
kM
issi
on Im
pact
NO
T R
ECO
MM
END
ED F
OR
FU
ND
ING
Ran
kTF
IDA
pplic
ant
Pro
ject
Titl
eC
olla
bora
tors
TFR
DF
$W
CF
$
Tota
l Fu
ndin
gR
eque
sted
Mat
ch
2nd
Rnd
Sco
re
Technical Reach
Resource Limitations
Technology Protection
Path to Market
Corporate Stability
Commercial Infracture
Cluster Formation
Ohio Economics
Business Model
Pro
posa
l Rev
iew
Sum
mar
y
110
-767
Pre
ssco
Te
chno
logy
, Inc
.
Hig
h P
erfo
rman
ce
Spe
ctro
scop
y S
enso
r A
pplic
atio
ns in
Hig
h S
peed
Pro
duct
Tes
ting
· Mia
mi U
nive
rsity
- M
olec
ular
M
icro
spec
trosc
opy
Labo
rato
ry$4
06,0
00$0
$406
,000
$944
,500
85.8
MS
MS
SS
MS
S
· Rea
l-tim
e, e
lect
ro-o
ptic
al th
ickn
ess
mea
sure
men
t sys
tem
for p
olym
er c
onta
iner
in
spec
tion
durin
g pr
oduc
tion
· Mia
mi U
nive
rsity
(Ohi
o) w
ill u
se s
peci
aliz
ed e
quip
men
t to
prov
ide
guid
ance
for
sens
or d
esig
n an
d P
ress
co w
ill in
tegr
ate
the
new
sen
sor i
nto
a co
mpl
ete
insp
ectio
n sy
stem
.· P
ress
co is
a le
ader
in fo
od &
bev
erag
e pa
ckag
ing
insp
ectio
n sy
stem
s an
d w
ill 5
0 ne
w jo
bs b
y 20
15.
· Pre
ssco
use
s O
hio
supp
liers
, but
this
is it
s in
itial
dev
elop
men
t act
ivity
that
le
vera
ges
the
Ohi
o se
nsor
tech
nolo
gy c
lust
er
210
-750
Nex
Tech
M
ater
ials
, Ltd
.
Hyd
roge
n S
enso
r M
anuf
actu
ring
Tech
nolo
gy· T
herm
-O-D
isc,
Inc.
$1,0
00,0
00$0
$1,0
00,0
00$1
,069
,289
81.4
SS
SS
SM
SM
S
· Low
-cos
t hyd
roge
n se
nsor
ele
men
t for
a b
atte
ry m
onito
ring
syst
em to
be
used
in
data
and
tele
com
cen
ter b
acku
p po
wer
room
s· N
exTe
ch w
ill d
evel
op a
nd p
rodu
ce th
e se
nsor
ele
men
t and
The
rm-O
-Dis
c w
ill
inte
grat
e it
into
a c
ompl
ete
syst
em fo
r sal
e to
Lie
bert
and
othe
rs· B
y 20
13 N
exTe
ch a
nd T
herm
-O-D
isc
will
cre
ate
40 n
ew jo
bs a
nd u
p to
200
by
2015
.· N
exTe
ch h
as re
ceiv
ed m
ultip
le T
FP a
war
ds a
nd h
as g
row
n st
eadi
ly, b
ut v
olum
e-le
vel p
rodu
ctio
n lin
e ha
s no
t yet
bee
n es
tabl
ishe
d
310
-705
YS
I, In
c.A
dvan
ced
Mod
ified
C
arbo
n N
anot
ube
Bas
ed N
utrie
nt S
enso
r
· Rie
hl E
ngin
eerin
g· U
nive
rsity
of C
inci
nnat
i$9
98,6
35$1
29,2
38$1
,127
,873
$1,1
27,8
7380
.2M
SS
SS
SS
MS
· Dire
ct e
lect
ron
sens
or fo
r in-
situ
test
ing
of n
itrat
e po
llutio
n le
vels
in ru
noff
wat
er· R
iehl
will
pro
vide
pro
prie
tary
CN
Ts fo
r sen
sor s
ubst
rate
s, U
C w
ill p
rovi
de
elec
troch
emic
al e
xper
tise
and
YS
I will
inte
grat
e th
e se
nsor
into
a c
ompl
ete
syst
em· Y
SI i
s a
lead
er in
wat
er q
ualit
y se
nsin
g an
d w
ill a
dd 1
0 ne
w jo
bs b
y 20
13 a
nd
anot
her 1
0 by
201
5. R
iehl
will
als
o cr
eate
new
jobs
· In
an e
arlie
r pro
ject
, YS
I atte
mpt
ed to
pro
duce
a m
icro
fluid
ic-b
ased
E-c
oli s
enso
r fo
r wat
er q
ualit
y, b
ut th
is a
ppro
ach
did
not p
rove
out
.
410
-701
INN
OV
A, I
nc.
Sca
labl
e, M
inia
turiz
ed,
Low
Cos
t Sol
id S
tate
La
ser S
yste
m fo
r S
enso
r App
licat
ions
· UD
RI /
IDC
AS
T· U
DR
I / L
OC
I· F
LIR
/ D
-Dio
de$8
48,0
00$0
$848
,000
$848
,000
73.1
SS
SM
MM
SS
S
· A m
inia
turiz
ed d
iode
pum
p la
ser t
hat e
nabl
es s
mal
ler h
igh-
pow
ered
lase
r ill
umin
ator
s an
d ra
ngef
inde
rs· U
DR
I and
IDC
AS
T ar
e pr
ovid
ing
tech
nica
l sup
port,
Inno
va w
ill b
uild
dio
de p
ump
lase
rs a
nd F
LIR
will
inco
rpor
ate
them
into
a w
eapo
n-m
ount
ed ra
ngef
inde
r.· I
nnov
a pr
ojec
ts c
reat
ion
of 9
0 jo
bs b
y 20
14· T
he p
roje
ct w
ill le
ad to
dem
onst
ratio
n-le
vel p
roto
type
for s
peci
fic c
usto
mer
ev
alua
tions
510
-711
Per
sist
ent
Sur
veill
ance
S
yste
ms
Col
oriz
atio
n an
d R
esol
utio
n E
nhan
cem
ent o
f A
irbor
ne W
ide-
Are
a P
ersi
sten
t Sur
veill
ance
S
enso
rs fo
r Law
E
nfor
cem
ent
Ope
ratio
ns
· UD
RI /
IDC
AS
T$9
06,3
15$0
$906
,315
$910
,370
72.2
SM
SM
MM
SS
S
· Wid
e-ar
ea a
irbor
ne s
urve
illan
ce s
ervi
ce (W
AA
S) b
ased
on
inno
vativ
e ca
mer
a an
d im
agin
g te
chni
ques
and
alg
orith
ms
· UD
RI a
nd ID
CA
ST
are
prov
idin
g an
alyt
ical
sof
twar
e an
d im
agin
g al
gorit
hms
to
enha
nce
PS
S’s
cur
rent
WA
AS
sys
tem
s th
at a
re b
ased
on
DO
D-s
uppo
rted
tech
nolo
gy
· PS
S’s
HQ
and
cen
tral p
roce
ssin
g se
rvic
es w
ill b
e in
Ohi
o cr
eatin
g 50
jobs
by
2013
· PS
S h
as c
urre
nt c
usto
mer
s, b
ut is
a re
lativ
ely
new
com
pany
and
has
lim
ited
capi
tal f
or g
row
th
610
-729
L-3
Com
mun
icat
ions
N
ova
Eng
inee
ring
Sen
sor a
nd F
usio
n E
nhan
cem
ent (
SA
FE)
Pro
gram
· UD
RI
· Sci
ence
App
licat
ions
In
tern
atio
nal C
orpo
ratio
n (S
AIC
) – M
onito
ring
Sys
tem
s D
ivis
ion
$689
,550
$0$6
89,5
50$1
,122
,636
71.1
SS
SS
SS
SM
S
· Low
cos
t, gr
ound
-bas
ed s
enso
r sys
tem
for g
athe
ring
info
rmat
ion
from
mul
tiple
se
nsor
s to
enh
ance
targ
et d
etec
tion
and
deci
sion
-mak
ing
· L3
Nov
a tra
nsce
iver
tech
nolo
gy w
ill b
e co
uple
d w
ith S
AIC
(Cal
iforn
ia) s
enso
r fu
sion
sof
twar
e an
d B
eta
prot
otyp
es p
rovi
ded
to D
OD
and
DO
I age
ncie
s fo
r ev
alua
tion
· L3
Nov
a’s
Ohi
o im
pact
pro
ject
ions
are
con
serv
ativ
e an
d ca
ll fo
r 7 n
ew jo
bs a
nd
cum
ulat
ive
reve
nues
of a
bout
$20
mill
ion
by 2
015.
· The
pro
pose
d pr
ojec
t will
lead
to a
dem
onst
ratio
n-le
vel p
roto
type
TOTA
L$4
,977
,738Th
ird F
ront
ier S
enso
r Pro
gram
FY 2
010
Rev
iew
Sum
mar
y an
d R
anki
ngs
Lege
nd:
Str
engt
h (S
) - M
et R
equi
rem
ents
(M) -
Wea
knes
s (W
)
REC
OM
MEN
DED
FO
R F
UN
DIN
G
Tec
hnic
al R
isk
Com
mer
cial
izat
ion
Ris
kM
issi
on Im
pact
Ran
kTF
IDA
pplic
ant
Pro
ject
Titl
eC
olla
bora
tors
TFR
DF
$W
CF
$
Tota
l Fu
ndin
gR
eque
sted
Mat
ch
2nd
Rnd
Sco
re
Technical Reach
Resource Limitations
Technology Protection
Path to Market
Corporate Stability
Commercial Infrastructure
Cluster Formation
Ohio Economics
Business Model
Pro
posa
l Rev
iew
Sum
mar
y
710
-753
Lake
Sho
re
Cry
otro
nics
, Inc
.
Adv
ance
d O
ptic
al
Sen
sors
and
In
stru
men
ts fo
r A
ltern
ate
Ene
rgy,
A
eros
pace
and
Oth
er
Indu
stria
l App
licat
ions
· The
Ohi
o S
tate
Uni
vers
ity$8
53,1
09$1
45,7
95$9
98,9
04$9
99,0
6462
.0M
SS
WS
SM
MS
· Fib
er o
ptic
sen
sor r
eadi
ng te
chno
logy
for h
ydro
gen,
forc
e an
d el
ectri
cal p
rope
rty
mea
sure
men
ts in
har
sh e
nviro
nmen
ts· L
SC
will
dev
elop
and
pro
toty
pe a
hyd
roge
n se
nsin
g sy
stem
for p
oten
tial c
usto
mer
ev
alua
tions
and
OS
U w
ill in
vest
igat
e fo
rce
and
elec
trica
l pro
perty
app
licat
ions
· LS
C fo
reca
sts
an a
ggre
ssiv
e m
arke
t cap
ture
cre
atin
g ov
er 5
0 jo
bs b
y 20
13 a
nd
over
100
by
2015
· The
targ
eted
mar
ket f
or a
hyd
roge
n se
nsin
g sy
stem
may
not
dev
elop
as
fast
as
proj
ecte
d, b
ut th
e ap
plic
atio
ns id
entif
ied
in th
e O
SU
wor
k m
ay fi
nd n
ear-
term
ap
plic
atio
ns
810
-718
Par
ker H
anni
fin
Cor
p., G
as
Turb
ine
Fuel
S
yste
ms
Div
isio
n
Pie
zoel
ectri
c M
ass
Flow
Sen
sor f
or O
nlin
e C
ontro
l of F
uel F
low
S
ched
ule
in A
dvan
ced
Com
mer
cial
and
M
ilita
ry G
as T
urbi
ne
Eng
ines
· Vik
ing
AT,
LLC
$297
,000
$0$2
97,0
00$2
97,0
0860
.7S
SS
SS
SM
MS
· Pro
prie
tary
pla
tform
for l
ow c
ost s
enso
r for
mea
surin
g m
ass
flow
rate
s of
liq
uids
/gas
ses
· Par
ker h
as a
cqui
red
tech
nolo
gy fr
om a
n ou
t-of-s
tate
com
pany
that
it w
ill u
se to
de
velo
p an
d te
st a
new
mas
s flo
w c
ontro
l for
indu
stria
l and
turb
ine
engi
ne
appl
icat
ions
· N
ear-
term
Ohi
o im
pact
s ar
e m
odes
t with
pro
ject
ions
of 7
new
jobs
by
2015
. Ove
r 50
are
pro
ject
ed w
ithin
5 to
7 y
ears
of p
roje
ct c
ompl
etio
n· C
omm
erci
aliz
atio
n fu
ndin
g w
ill b
e so
ught
from
Par
ker c
orpo
rate
and
this
pro
ject
w
ill c
ompe
te w
ith o
ther
Par
ker d
evel
opm
ents
for t
hat s
uppo
rt
910
-734
STA
R D
ynam
ics
Cor
pora
tion
Targ
et D
etec
tion
and
Trac
king
usi
ng
Airb
orne
Wea
ther
R
adar
· Hon
eyw
ell I
nter
natio
nal
· The
Ohi
o S
tate
Uni
vers
ity -
Ele
ctro
Sci
ence
Lab
$1,0
00,0
00$0
$1,0
00,0
00$1
,000
,000
58.3
MS
SS
SS
MM
S
· Mul
tifun
ctio
nal a
irbor
ne ra
dar s
yste
m (M
AR
S) w
ith d
etec
tion
and
track
ing
capa
bilit
ies
for c
omm
erci
al a
nd m
ilita
ry a
ircra
ft· S
TAR
will
mod
ify H
oney
wel
l’s c
urre
nt a
irbor
ne w
eath
er ra
dar s
yste
m (I
ntuV
ue)
usin
g th
e O
SU
Ele
ctro
-sci
ence
Lab
’s te
chni
cal a
ssis
tanc
e an
d su
ppor
t· T
he p
roje
ct w
ill c
reat
e 5
jobs
at S
TAR
with
com
pone
nt s
ales
to H
oney
wel
l pr
ojec
ted
to b
egin
in 2
015
· A la
rger
eco
nom
ic im
pact
pot
entia
l exi
sts
as th
e pr
oduc
t is
certi
fied
for v
ario
us
airc
raft
plat
form
s, b
ut th
e tim
ing
for a
dopt
ion
is li
kely
out
side
TFP
impa
ct o
bjec
tives
1010
-755
Woo
lper
t, In
c.
The
Dev
elop
men
t of
Low
-Cos
t 3D
Mod
els
That
Will
Lea
d to
S
usta
inab
le A
dvan
tage
in
Geo
spat
ial M
arke
ts
· UD
RI /
IDC
AS
T· T
idex
Sys
tem
s, L
td.
· Air
Forc
e R
esea
rch
Labo
rato
ry
$994
,000
$0$9
94,0
00$1
,010
,920
57.0
MW
MW
SS
MM
S
· Sof
twar
e an
d m
odel
ing
mod
ules
that
pro
vide
con
vers
ion
of tw
o-di
men
sion
al (2
-D)
digi
tal v
ideo
cam
era
imag
es to
thre
e-di
men
sion
al (3
-D) i
mag
es· T
idex
will
upg
rade
its
2D to
3D
sof
twar
e to
ope
rate
on
stan
dard
com
pute
r pl
atfo
rms
and
Woo
lper
t, w
ith U
DR
I and
AFR
L te
chni
cal s
uppo
rt, w
ill a
dd a
use
r-fri
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Tec
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k
2010 TFAMP / TFSP Final Proposal Evaluation
v TARATEC CORPORATION
• Edward Ungar, President• Paula Dunnigan, Project Leader• Chuck Meadows• Bill Munk• Reed Slevin
v Six (6) EXTERNAL REVIEWERS
v FIRST ROUND
• Conflict of Interest evaluation for all reviewers• Each proposal read by 3 reviewers• Scored 3 times using instrument based on RFP criteria• All scores entered into database in duplicate• Reviewers comment on areas requiring clarification• Database produces list of proposals ranked by average score• Top scoring proposals make Competitive Range and advance to Round 2
v SECOND ROUND
• Set of customized questions prepared for each proposal• Applicant submits responses• Face-to-face meeting (90 min.) of reviewers and applicants to discuss issues• Preparation of detailed project write-up• Final risk-benefit scoring by entire review team• Scores entered into database• Final recommendations developed• Preparation of materials for Third Frontier Commission
P R O P O S A L R E V I E W T E A M
P R O P O S A L R E V I E W P R O C E S S
2010 TFAMP / TFSP Final Proposal Evaluation
TFAMP TFSP
Proposals Received 32 31
Recommended for 2nd Round 12 12
Lowest Score Recommended 62.0 61.7
Highest Score Not Recommended 60.7 58.3
TFRDF Available $8M $8M
TFWCF Available $2M $2M
Cumulative TFRDF Requested $11.8M $9.8M
Cumulative TFWCF Requested $1.5M $0.4M
TECHNICAL RISK
• Technical Reach• Resource Limitations• Technology Protection
COMMERCIAL RISK
• Path to Market• Corporate Stability• Commercial Infrastructure
MISSION IMPACT
• Cluster Formation• Ohio Economics• Business Model
• Past Performance
S U M M A R Y O F F I R S T R O U N D E VA L U AT I O N S
S E C O N D R O U N D E VA L U A T I O N F A C T O R S
2010 TFAMP / TFSP Final Proposal Evaluation
2010 TARGETS
Technical Commercial MissionRisk Risk Impact
Advanced Materials ................................ 3.5 .................. 2.5 .................. 10Sensors .................................................. 3.5 .................. 1.8 .................. 10
S C O R I N G M E T H O D O L O G Y
2010 TFAMP / TFSP Final Proposal Evaluation
2010 TFAMP / TFSP Final Proposal Evaluation
2010 TFAMPThird Frontier Advanced Materials Program
Summaries of Proposals in Competitive Range
2010 TFAMP / TFSP Final Proposal Evaluation
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2010 TFAMP Evaluation Summary
Mission Impact
Tech
nica
l/Com
mer
cial
Ris
k
High
High
Low
2010 TFAMP Evaluation Summary Page 1 of 2
Advanced Liquid Crystalline, Chiral, and Dye Materials forFlexible Liquid Crystal FilmsKent Displays, Inc.1st Round Score: 67.7 2nd Round Score: 95.1 Rank: 1
Proposal # TFAMP 10-665Collaborators:Akron Polymer SystemsKent State University
TFRDF Request: $1,000,000WCF Request: $0
TOTAL Request: $1,000,000Cost Share: $1,000,885
uct performance specifications and bethe commercial outlet for the productsdeveloped. KSU will focus on thechiral and dye material developmentsand Akron Polymer will engineer thenew monomers and polymers.
Key IssuesKDI's economic projections are ex-tremely aggressive. KDI has a com-mitted investor and the potentialmarkets are huge, but it is not clearthat the growth projections can real-istically be achieved based on thecurrent production capabilities andcompany structure.Commercial prototypes and productsproduced to date use proven materi-als. The enhanced products proposedhave not yet been created and thefeatures expected may not meet cus-tomer specifications on the first it-erations, delaying some of the marketentry plans.KDI's most recent market success isexceeding expectations and it ap-pears the combination of low-costand ease-of-use are compelling mar-ket drivers that will be inherent inall of the products proposed.
Previous Ohio InvestmentKent Display (KDI) has been sup-
ported through TFRDF to develop andset up manufacturing capability for flex-ible liquid crystal films and displays. Itsroll-to-roll LCD manufacturing line isthe first of its kind in the world. Theresult of the efforts to date include com-mercial products such as e-Tablet, elec-tronic device skins and signage displaysthat are manufactured in Ohio and arebased on KDI's Reflex display technol-ogy. Sales of these products are ap-proaching $1 million and KDI hasattracted over $7.5 million in additionalinvestments and grant support.
Project DescriptionKDI proposes to enhance its Re-
flex display technology through theuse of unique chiral materials that willprovide improved temperature andcolor performance, new polymer ma-terials for higher brightness and lowerdrive voltage, and new dye materialsfor contrast and color gamut improve-ment. Four product lines will share thesame basic technology developed inthe project. These are: electronicskins, writing tablets, e-Cards and e-Media. KDI will establish the prod-
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Technical RiskOverall Score = 3.66
Technical ReachKDI has already developed prototypes andin some cases commercial products for eachof the proposed applications using lowerperforming materials. End-users have pro-vided specific feedback and guidance as towhat enhancements are needed that willenable large-scale adoption. Thus, the ad-vances made in this project are close to be-ing "drop-in" solutions to existing productlines. However, some of the material for-mulation advancements proposed presentsignificant technical challenges that, to date,have only been demonstrated at the proof-of-concept level.
Resource LimitationsThe project funding requested is claimedto be sufficient to produce prototypes forcustomer evaluations of each of the fourproducts proposed. KDI and its develop-ment team have the technical capabilityto accomplish the technical objectives andKDI has been successful in introducing anLCD e-Tablet product currently being soldthrough Amazon. However, to fully com-mercialize the proposed products KDIwill require financial input beyond its in-ternal resources. KDI is already in discus-sions with Tier 1 manufacturers ofelectronic components to be strategic part-ners in full product commercialization.
Technology ProtectionKDI has a strong patent portfolio coveringLCD technologies and its Reflex technol-ogy that is the basis for the products pro-posed. KDI and its collaborators haveworked together before and have appropri-ate IP management agreements arranged.
Flexible Optical and Electronic DeviceManufacturing (KSU/KDI collaboration),2003 & 2005, $1.700,000
Web Manufacturing of Flexible LCDS,2006, $350,000
Flexible Liquid Crystal Film ManufacturingAlliance, 2007, $7,922,000
Self-powered LCDs, 2007, CMPND Sub-award $400,000
Electronically Changeable Color Skins forConsumer Electronics, 2009, $4,967,000
TFAMP 10-665
Advanced Liquid Crystalline,Chiral, and Dye Materials forFlexible Liquid Crystal FilmsKent Displays, Inc.
Commercialization RiskOverall Score = 2.90
Path to MarketKDI is currently engaged with five e-Carddisplay customers, five electronic skin cus-tomers and several e-media customers. KDIis directly selling the e-Tablet product(Boogie Board) online through Amazon.These existing customers have defined thefeatures they desire and have all agreed toevaluate prototype devices with plans forproduct purchases.
Corporate StabilityKDI was founded in 1993 with support froma single investment source. This venture firmhas provided over $50 million in supportand has indicated it will continue to investin KDI. KDI has 70 employees and over $6million of production facilities in place forproduction of Reflex-based displays includ-ing its roll-to-roll manufacturing system. Abacklog of orders exists for its e-Tablet andit has plans for a second production line.
Commercial InfrastructureKDI plans to engage existing customers asstrategic partners to reach end-product pur-chasers. These partners have existing salesand service infrastructure in place to pro-vide display products to the ultimate cus-tomers. KDI will need to expand itsmanufacturing capability to meet the mar-ket potentials presented.
Mission ImpactOverall Score = 9.53
Cluster FormationKDI is one of the several companies formedto develop and commercialize LCD tech-nologies conceptualized at the Kent StateLiquid Crystal Institute. It is collaboratingwith KSU and Akron Polymer, both also partof the polymer and LCD material/technol-ogy clusters in NE Ohio. The proposedproject and resultant product helps sustainOhio's leadership in LCD material technol-ogy and in innovative LCD displays.
Ohio EconomicsProduct introductions are expected by theend of 2010 generating 6 jobs at KDI andrevenues of $10 million. Rapid sales growthis projected to lead to sales of $100 millionby 2013 and $500 million by 2015. Theserevenues are projected to create up to 500new jobs at KDI.
Business ModelKDI's business approach for its e-Tabletwill continue to be direct sales in the nearterm. Longer-term sales to OEMs will beintroduced. For e-Cards KDI will marketto smart card producers, in select cases,providing the entire inlay display. Forelectronic skins, KDI will sell direct toOEMs of mobile phones and longer termwill engage other electronic device OEMs.All of these products will be manufacturedat KDI. For the e-Reader, KDI will licensethe technology to established manufactur-ers in Asia that have already made thenecessary large investment in the produc-tion equipment needed.
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Optimized Boron Nitride and Production Efficiency for LowerCost Polymer Composites in LED LuminairesMomentive Performance Materials Quartz, Inc.1st Round Score: 62.3 2nd Round Score: 85.2 Rank: 2
Proposal # TFAMP 10-603Collaborators:PolymerOhioSABIC Innovative Plastics (Exton, PA)
Steer America, Inc.University of Akron
TFRDF Request: $918,000WCF Request: $0
TOTAL Request: $918,000Cost Share: $1,190,000
SABIC plans to purchase the BN pow-ders to make lower cost BN-PC hous-ings for sale to a major LED lampmanufacturer. The end goal is to signifi-cantly increase the sales of BN powderin the emerging LED lamp market.
Key IssuesThe technical and commercial objec-tives of the project present low risksdue to the capabilities of MPM inboth areas. The major commercialrisk will be the adoption of LEDlamps into the mainstream markets.Many factors unconnected to tech-nical issues will be involved in thefull development of LED lighting inthese markets.The cost of the BN powder is a ma-jor cost component of the polymerhousing. However, the housing is aminor cost of the LED lamp. As aresult, the technical success of theteam and this project is not a criticalfactor in the success of the LED lampmarket. Team success will enhancesales of BN powder as BN-PC hous-ings are used in the emerging LEDlamp market.
Previous Ohio InvestmentMomentive Performance Materials
has not received any prior Ohio funding.
Project DescriptionThe goal of the proposed project is
to develop and commercialize lower costand optimized boron nitride (BN) pow-der for use in LED lamp housings. BNis an electrically insulating, high ther-mal conductivity, but expensive powderthat increases the heat dissipation of apolymer-based structure. Boron nitridepolymer composites (BN-PCs) are cur-rently used for LED lamp housings, butthey can contribute more than 60% ofthe housing cost. Momentive Perfor-mance Materials (MPM) will develop alower cost production process to reducethe cost of the BN powder. The Univer-sity of Akron will develop thefunctionalization polymers, and SteerAmerica will develop the special com-pounding screw to make highly conduc-tive polymer composites with loweramounts of the expensive BN powder.SABIC, an LED-housing producer, willevaluate and provide feedback on theperformance of the new BN powders.
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Technical RiskOverall Score = 4.12
Technical ReachMPM has an approach to modifying its cur-rent powder-making process that will reducethe high material loss associated with thecurrent process, thereby generating a lowercost powder. The University of Akron willdevelop functionalizing materials for the BNpowder to improve dispersion in the poly-mer matrix and allow lower BN powderloading without sacrificing thermal dissipa-tion performance. Steer America will de-velop a screw that will properly disburse theBN powder during the injection moldingprocess. SABIC will evaluate the lower costpowder in its injection molded housings.While the proposed powder/polymer mate-rial has not yet been produced, all partieshave extensive technical experience in for-mulating similar materials.
Resource LimitationsThe majority of the TFP award will beused by MPM to reduce powder produc-tion costs. MPM projects the TFP awardwill be sufficient to complete its portionsof the project. MPM has extensive expe-rience in commercializing BN powders forspecific new product applications.
Technology ProtectionMPM holds many patents in the productionand use of BN powder and products. Theparties will retain ownership of the intellec-tual property of the assets they provide tothe project. Arrangements for maintainingconfidentiality and downstream cross-li-censing have been addressed.
No prior TFP fundingTFAMP 10-603
Optimized Boron Nitride andProduction Efficiency for LowerCost Polymer Composites inLED LuminairesMomentive Performance MaterialsQuartz, Inc.
Commercialization RiskOverall Score = 2.52
Path to MarketMPM is a major world producer and sellerof BN powders. MPM's current path to theLED lamp market is via collaboratorSABIC, who is currently supplying polymercomposite housings (including LED lamphousings) to a major international manufac-turer of lighting products. SABIC alsoclaims familiarity with other major lightingmanufacturers. MPM is not prevented fromselling powder to other polymer compositecompanies. Lower cost powders will alsoenhance MPM's BN powder sales to non-LED lamp markets.
Corporate StabilityMPM is the world's second largest producerof silicones and silicone derivatives. It is aglobal leader in the development and manu-facturing of products derived from quartzand specialty ceramics. MPM ceramics andquartz operation is an Ohio-based, multi-million dollar division of a $2.6 billion glo-bal organization (based in NY).
Commercial InfrastructureMPM has established relationships for itsBN powder sales. It has manufacturingand sales/marketing infrastructure in placeto serve this market. MPM will have toincrease production capacity if the pro-jected demand for BN powder for LEDlamp housings materializes.
Mission ImpactOverall Score = 8.25
Cluster FormationMPM has been a prominent member of theadvanced materials cluster in Ohio for manyyears. This project uses other Ohio organi-zations for technical support (e.g. Univer-sity of Akron), equipment development(Steer America) and market analysis (Poly-mer Ohio). It also uses an Ohio supplier forits base raw material, boric acid.
Ohio EconomicsBased upon the success of the LED lampmarket, MPM forecasts sales of BN pow-ders to the LED market ramping up to $45million by 2015. MPM also forecasts 5 newjobs at the beginning of the project, withanother 15 jobs in 2012, and 35+ cumula-tive new/retained jobs by 2015.
Business ModelMPM has a successful, on-going businessmodel with its ceramic/quartz division head-quarters and sales/marketing located inStrongsville, Ohio facility and manufactur-ing at three other Ohio locations. The TFPaward will speed MPM's manufacturing costreduction efforts and has the potential toincrease both the size of the BN market andits market share.
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Low Cost Fabrication of High-Temperature CompositesMaverick Corporation
1st Round Score: 72.0 2nd Round Score: 77.7 Rank: 3
Proposal # TFAMP 10-653Collaborators:Akron Polymer SystemsNASA Glenn Research CenterRenegade Materials Corporation
TFRDF Request: $1,000,000WCF Request: $0
TOTAL Request: $1,000,000Cost Share: $1,000,000
process. The NASA/APS resin has dem-onstrated superior properties in com-parison with competitive materials.Renegade plans to scale-up itsbismaleimide resin to larger batches; itwill conduct the film and prepreg pro-cessing for all three resins. The resinswill be processed into 100-foot longrolls that will be sampled or sold to cus-tomers and prospective end-users forevaluation and qualification testing af-ter an internal assessment of their physi-cal and mechanical properties.
Key IssuesAlthough performance properties forall three resins have been demon-strated and are superior to the com-petition, the manufacturing processtechnology has not yet been scaled-up and proven.There are a number of potential com-petitors such as Cytec and HexcelCorp. that already manufacture bis-maleimide and/or polyimide productsfor the aerospace industry. These com-petitors would appear to have accessto larger resources than the Maverickteam, but the latter claims a superiorcost and performance position.The opportunity for new materials tobe incorporated into several militaryand civilian aerospace programs isclosing, and it is important to qualifythese new materials as rapidly aspossible. Any development delayscould significantly limit the marketfor a number of years.
Previous Ohio InvestmentMaverick has been a collaborator on
an $8 million 2007 RCP award to theUniversity of Akron entitled, "Commer-cialization of Functional PolyimideFilms and NanoComposites." The $1.1million of TFP funding Maverick re-ceived was used to develop nano-struc-tured, high-temperature polyimide resinfor three-dimensional load-bearingcomposite parts. Maverick created anew company, Renegade Materials lo-cated in Springboro, Ohio, to manufac-ture nano-enhanced prepreg. Maverickhas reported 18 new jobs and $10 mil-lion in product sales as the result of thisOTF funding.
Project DescriptionThe goal of this project is to develop
and manufacture three high-temperaturepolyimides that can be processed bylow-cost molding technologies. Elimi-nating the cost of traditional autoclaveand compression molding processescurrently used to shape polyimides willsignificantly reduce the cost of parts forcommercial and military aircraft, mis-siles, launch vehicles, and satellites.Maverick will scale-up production of itsMVK-10, a low melt viscosity resinsystem, to production-size lots of resinor powder by upgrading its reactor andmodifying a Twin-screw CompoundingExtruder at UDRI. Akron Polymer Sys-tems will install a new reactor to allowscale-up to larger batches for RTM-370,a high-temperature polyimide resin pre-pared in a NASA-patented solvent-free
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Technical RiskOverall Score = 3.64
Technical ReachAll three companies have produced poly-mer (in quantities of hundreds of pounds)and generated performance data that havemet or exceeded that of competitive mate-rials. Samples have been provided to end-users for evaluation. Process scale-upchallenges remain, but these are expectedto involve engineering expertise rather thanbasic R&D skills.
Resource LimitationsThe equipment that will be purchased forthis project will be sufficient to meet pro-duction requirements for the foreseeablefuture. All three companies are currentlyselling polymer product and receive addi-tional income from SBIR awards. All havedemonstrated an ability to commercializeniche high-performance polymers. Fundingto support business growth is expected tocome from current financial institutions.
Technology ProtectionThe three polymers to be scaled-up in thisproject have varying degrees of IP protec-tion. Maverick is developing MVK-10polyimide resin under a 2001 patent. RTM-370 was developed by NASA under a 2006patent and licensed to APS. RM-3000bismaleimide is a Renegade formulationprotected by trade secret and NDAs.
RCP project on Commercialization ofFunctional Polyimide Films andNanoComposites (collaborator), 2007,$1,100,000 (Maverick's funding)
TFAMP 10-653
Low Cost Fabrication of High-Temperature CompositesMaverick Corporation
Commercialization RiskOverall Score = 3.20
Path to MarketMaverick, APS, and Renegade plan to dem-onstrate and qualify new, low-cost,processible, high-temperature materials by2012. They are working closely with a num-ber of military prime and subcontractorswho have agreed to provide technical sup-port and testing. The Ohio companies aretrying to hit the qualification window for anumber of military and commercial aircraftthat are now in the design stage. While salesare expected to begin in 2011, volumes areprojected to significantly increase by 2014.
Corporate StabilityFounded in 1993, Maverick has 35 em-ployees and annual sales in the range of$10 million. In 2006, Maverick bought theSuperImide molding business (Stow, OH)from Goodrich. The team expects to re-ceive a purchase order for high-tempera-ture, low-cost polymers by 2011. Thisorder is expected to provide the proofneeded by Maverick's bank for additionalfinancing. Maverick has been meetingwith the bank on a quarterly basis to keepthem apprised of financials and the tech-nical and business progress.
Commercial InfrastructureMaverick already sells polymer materials totier one aerospace companies. The lettersof support provide evidence that Maverickhas been in discussions with many militaryprime and subcontractors regarding the de-velopment and qualification of these mate-rials. There appears to be strong market pullfor this concept and a willingness to workwith Maverick.
Mission ImpactOverall Score = 7.33
Cluster FormationThis project builds on Ohio's strengths inpolymer synthesis, manufacturing, andprocessing. While each of the three com-panies has its own polymer synthesis andmanufacturing capabilities, the companiesare working collaboratively on multipleproduct forms that would be attractive toend-users. APS has also forged a strongrelationship with NASA Glenn and willbe commercializing technology licensedfrom NASA.
Ohio EconomicsInitial product sales are expected to beginin 2011. This project is projected to gener-ate $5.6 million in revenues and 22 jobs by2013 from the sale of resin, film, and pre-preg to military and commercial customers.By 2015, revenues are projected to reach$16.7 million with the creation of 66 jobs.
Business ModelAPS has a proprietary position on its mono-mer supply chain that is attractive with re-spect to its raw material cost. Because thesepolymer products are intended for defenseapplications, once the Ohio material suppli-ers and their Ohio manufacturing sites arequalified, it becomes very difficult andcostly to move production. Renegade willconvert these polymers into film and pre-preg that can be cured "out of autoclave."The additional product forms will create amuch larger market opportunity for the threeOhio polymer manufacturers.
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Manufacturing of Plastic Liquid Crystal Auto Dimming MirrorAlphamirror, Inc.
1st Round Score: 74.7 2nd Round Score: 74.5 Rank: 4
Proposal # TFAMP 10-601Collaborators:AlphaMicron, Inc.Elbit Systems (Haifa, Israel)
Magna Mirrors GmbH & Co. KG (Dorfprozelten, Germany)
TFRDF Request: $1,000,000WCF Request: $0
TOTAL Request: $1,000,000Cost Share: $1,000,000
ments, configuring the production equip-ment for high-volume manufacturing andfield-testing commercial prototypes.AlphaMicron will lead the technical de-velopment activities, and AlphaMirrorwill set up the manufacturing system andperform the initial product testing. MagnaMirrors, a leading global supplier of au-tomotive mirrors will support the commer-cial product testing and qualification.
Key IssuesThere are new rules for European carsthat demand curved outside mirrorswhich would eliminate the potential ofusing electrochromic technology, thecurrent technology used by OEMs forauto dimming mirrors. These regula-tions could stimulate demand for liq-uid crystal technology with curvedplastic surfaces, AlphaMirror's pro-posed product. The timing of marketentry is important.The new product development cycleof the automotive OEMs makes itlikely that 2–3 years will be requiredto reach production after initial prod-uct approval is obtained. The mag-nitude of the cost reduction offeredby this product should provide anincentive to the OEMs to minimizethis time.The joint venture that will have re-sponsibility for manufacturing andselling this product is still at the dis-cussion stage. Firm financial com-mitments are not yet in place.
Previous Ohio InvestmentAlphaMicron has received previous
ODOD funding of $6.5 million from 4previous awards, one of which was di-rected to AlphaMirror, a joint a joint ven-ture of Elbit and AlphaMicron, for thedevelopment of an aftermarket auto-dim-ming mirror. This product, introduced inthe fall of 2007, is a clip-on auto dimmingmirror that is battery operated. Orders haveexceeded pilot run production capabilityand have attracted the interest of MagnaMirror and automotive OEMs. AlphaMicron has used the other TFRDF awardsto develop LCD ski goggles and adaptivewindow technology. Adaptive windowtechnology sales have reached nearly $1million, ski goggles sales are over $1 mil-lion and term sheets for over 35,000goggles over the next 3 years are in place.AlphaMicron currently has 39 employeesand has 2009 revenues of over $5 million.During the period since 1997AlphaMicron has generated over $20 mil-lion of additional investment from grantsand the sales of its products.
Project DescriptionThe proposed project is to commer-
cialize an economically competitive autodimming mirror (ADM) for the automo-tive OEM market. The OEM design andperformance requirements are signifi-cantly more stringent than those of thecurrently served ADM after-market. AnOEM-acceptable ADM requires develop-ing a new and inexpensive, but durable,plastic housing, optimizing the mirror andfilm to meet cost and performance require-
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Technical RiskOverall Score = 2.34
Technical ReachAfter two years of selling auto dimming mir-rors in the aftermarket and a year of evalu-ation and testing with Magna Mirrors,AlphaMirror plans to qualify its technologyfor automotive OEM use. This product in-volves liquid crystals on flexible plastic sub-strates. The major challenges involve highvolume production at low cost, exterior mir-ror performance under extreme environmen-tal conditions, and thermoforming of theoutside mirrors. Magna Mirrors has per-formed the initial environmental and opti-cal tests on these devices and obtained goodresults. Initial response from automotiveOEMs appears positive.
Resource LimitationsSince this project is intended to result in a70% cost reduction in outside mirrors and a30% reduction in inside mirrors, resourcesare expected to be available if the project issuccessful. AlphaMirror estimates that $3million in investment will be needed to ini-tiate production of the auto dimming mir-ror in 2–3 years. In addition to the requestedstate funding and cost share ($1 millioneach), Magna Mirrors is expected to con-tribute $2 million of in-kind support. Addi-tional sources of support include customerorders and investments from current share-holders and automotive investors.
Technology ProtectionAlphaMicron claims a solid IP portfolio ofUS and international patents which is aug-mented by trade secret and know-how. Itsspecialty is in liquid crystal films on plas-tic. Magna Mirror has over 200 patents inrear view mirrors and mirror electronic fea-tures. Any IP generated in this program willhave rights that follow the standard U.S.Patent Office guidelines.
Concept Demonstration of Liquid CrystalSki Goggles, 2002, $1,200,000
Digital Mirror Commercialization, 2006,$350,000
Flexible Liquid Crystal Film ManufacturingAlliance, 2007, Sub-grant of $3,000,000
Adaptive Windows: Path to Zero EnergyBuildings, 2009, $5,000,000
TFAMP 10-601
Manufacturing of Plastic LiquidCrystal Auto Dimming MirrorAlphamirror, Inc.
Commercialization RiskOverall Score = 2.52
Path to MarketMagna Mirrors is the largest rear view mirrormanufacturer in the world and the second inauto dimming mirrors. Magna Mirrors plansto invest $2 million in this project, relocate aprogram manager to Ohio, and have Ohiooperations if it is successful. Magna Mirrorsis considering becoming a partner inAlphaMirror but has specified that AMI mustremain in any joint venture formed. AMI willdevelop the new liquid crystal formulation forthis application and will modify the currentformulation to allow production on the roll-to-roll manufacturing line. The new entity willmanufacture and distribute this product.
Corporate StabilityThe proposed joint venture with Magna Mir-rors is yet to be formed, but staffing for thisproject involves all three participants. Al-though it looks likely that Magna Mirrors willbe the joint venture partner of choice, severalother auto parts manufacturers have shown aninterest in teaming with AlphaMirror and arepotential financial sources. AMI has been inbusiness for 10 years with annual revenuesexceeding $5 million, and Elbit has approxi-mately $2 billion in annual revenues.
Commercial InfrastructureMagna Mirrors currently produces over 26million interior mirrors and 28 million ex-terior mirrors annually in its manufacturingfacilities located in North America, Europe,and Asia, and it has more than 40% marketshare. Magna Mirrors provides sales, mar-keting, and technical service to many of theautomotive OEMs located throughout theworld. The proposed joint venture would bethe primary supplier of functional mirrorfilms to Magna Mirrors, and Magna Mir-rors would accelerate the market entry pro-cess and subsequent growth.
Mission ImpactOverall Score = 7.00
Cluster FormationThis project provides synergy between theliquid crystal display work at Kent State, theneeds of the automobile industry for costreduction of components, and Ohio's poly-mer industry. AMI has been producing af-termarket clip-on mirrors and motorcyclemirrors based on liquid crystal technologysince 2007 in Ohio. It purchases custom-ized equipment and supplies from local sup-pliers and will continue to do so.
Ohio EconomicsAlphaMirror anticipates creating 2 addi-tional jobs during this project and AMI willcreate/retain 5 jobs. Product sales will be-gin in 2013 and will generate $500,000.Revenues are projected to increase to $4.5million in 2015creating a total of 9 jobs.
Business ModelAMI formed a joint venture with Elbit, alarge Israeli defense company, resulting inthe establishment of AlphaMirror in Ohioin 2004. AMI intends to follow this samemodel with Magna Mirrors. The plan ap-pears to be to form a joint venture in Ohioinvolving AMI, Elbit, and Magna Mirrorsin 2013 and to produce liquid crystal prod-ucts using the roll-to-roll processing linealready developed.
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Reduced-Permeability, High-Modulus Film Project for MilitaryLighter-Than-AirLockheed Martin MS2 Integrated Defense Technologies1st Round Score: 66.7 2nd Round Score: 66.6 Rank: 5
Proposal # TFAMP 10-679Collaborators:Akron Polymer SystemsChemsultants International Inc.University of Akron
TFRDF Request: $1,000,000WCF Request: $0
TOTAL Request: $1,000,000Cost Share: $1,000,000
permeability and the addition of carbonnanofibers to improve the adhesive'sperformance. UA will develop the modi-fied nanoclay, Akron Polymer Systems(APS) will produce the film solution,LM will confirm the film properties andChemsultants will optimize the filmcasting process. LM and UA will pro-duce the strengthened adhesive samples,evaluate their performance, and deter-mine if existing seaming equipment canuse the new formulation.
Key IssuesThe economic impacts from the pro-posed project are contingent upon themilitary maintaining its HAA imple-mentation schedule. While thisproject has the potential to acceler-ate the schedule for operational unitdemonstration, the purchase and in-troduction into service of multipleunits will depend on budgets and pri-orities that are not controlled by LM.Although the development team hasreferenced R&D showing proof-of-concept for reducing polyamideimide(PAI) film permeability with the useof nanoclays, a fabric has not yet beenproduced and evaluated that meets thestated objectives.LM's goal is to use Ohio suppliers tothe extent possible; the collaboratorsinvolved support that objective.However, LM's overall business ob-jective is to construct LTAs and itwill pursue and utilize all suppliersthat can provide materials and sub-components that meet its perfor-mance and cost requirements.
Previous Ohio InvestmentLockheed Martin M2 Integrated
Defense Technologies (LM) has re-ceived 2 prior TFRDF awards for solidoxide fuel cell development for militarygenerator sets. However, the teamwithin LM conducting these programsis different than the team involved inthe proposed project. This LM team hasreceived funding as a collaborator un-der an RCP awarded to the Universityof Akron (UA) that involved the devel-opment of a high-strength polyimidefilm for potential use in LM's High Al-titude Airship (HAA) application. Whilethe project led to a new film "suitable"for the HAA demonstration vehicle, itwas too heavy for use on the fully op-erational HAA. Reduced permeabilitywas not a target objective in that project.Subsequently the team developed a newmaterial currently being produced by aMassachusetts company, although it ishoped that production capability can betransferred to Chemsultants.
Project DescriptionThe proposed 2-year project is in-
tended to further improve the proper-ties of a polymer/nano-based filmdeveloped under the 2007 UA-led RCP.This film is designed for use as the hullfabric for lighter-than-air airships(LTAs) for the military. Specifically theproposed project is aimed at the Army'sHAA to reduce the permeability of thehull fabric by 50% and increase thestrength of the adhesive that is used tolaminate the film, creating fabric andseaming panels for the HAA hull struc-ture. Technical challenges involve theuse and scaling of nanoclays to reduce
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Technical RiskOverall Score = 5.58
Technical ReachThe PAI film developed under the UA RCPproject is the base material for the reducedpermeability fabric proposed. Literature in-dicates that the addition of nanoclays hasproven to reduce permeability of films inother applications and LM anticipatesachieving the target goal of 50% permeabil-ity reduction relative to the current fabric/adhesive system. The deliverables of theproposed project are large-scale fabricsamples for testing and trials using existingfabric construction systems
Resource LimitationsLM expects the project funds proposed willbe sufficient to produce and evaluate thenew fabric samples. Application of the fab-ric to an operational HAA and flight-test-ing of that vehicle will require continuedfunding from the Army Space and MissileCommand that supports the overall HAAprogram. Funding for the HAA program isin the 2010 budget, but funding has not beenapproved as of this proposal review. TheTFP funding will accelerate the hull fabricdevelopment and will leverage the poten-tial for accelerated HAA support.
Technology ProtectionLM's team traces its experience with lighter-than-air airships back to the originalGoodyear operations and it remains the rec-ognized leader in the field. LM owns back-ground knowledge and IP associated withthe overall LTA technology. This includesseveral patents on fabric materials on LTAhull fabric materials. APS has IP on the newPAI materials and UA has IP on the incor-poration of nanoclays into PAI that are be-ing provided to LM.
Military SOFC Ruggedization, 2010,$1,000,000
Military SOFC Genset Project, 2009,$998,393
Commercialization of Functional PolyimideFilms and Nanocomposites, 2007,$500,000 (Subcontract)
TFAMP 10-679
Reduced-Permeability, High-Modulus Film Project for MilitaryLighter-Than-AirLockheed Martin MS2 IntegratedDefense Technologies
Commercialization RiskOverall Score = 2.86
Path to MarketLM is the prime contractor for LTA produc-tion, including the HAA vehicle. LTAs arean integral component of the Army's plansfor persistent surveillance and other uses inmulti-mission operations. HAA productionis scheduled for 2015, but this schedule issubject to budget and priority issues. Otherapplications for the proposed film-basedfabric exist, but market paths have not yetbeen fully explored.
Corporate StabilityLM's Persistent Surveillance market seg-ment is located in Akron and the LTA op-erations are anchored there by its uniqueairdock. Overall the LM operations in Ak-ron are growing with employment currentlyabout 700.
Commercial InfrastructureLM is an established and qualified USDODsupplier/contractor and, as stated above, itis the prime contractor for LTA vehicles andsupport. LM has top-secret clearance andhas ISO 9001 and 14001 registrations.
Mission ImpactOverall Score = 6.20
Cluster FormationLM is a collaborator in, CMPND, the WrightCenter based at OSU. It has partnered withAPS and UA to develop the hull material/fabric to be used for the Army's HAA andplans on potentially using another Ohiocompany, Chemsultants, for the film cast-ing. Together, these Ohio suppliers coupledwith current Ohio suppliers (e.g. Lubrizol)would increase the content of Ohio prod-ucts in the hull fabric from 1% to 30%. Theconstruction of LTAs in Ohio will result insignificant supply chain opportunities forOhio companies.
Ohio EconomicsBased on LM's projected production sched-ule for HAAs, it will create 120 new jobs inthe LTA group by 2013 adding to the cur-rent staff of 80. These resources will beneeded to construct the 1st HAA vehicle andprepare for multi-unit production. By 2015,another 200 jobs are projected. APS andChemsultants project creating 10 to 15 newjobs during this period in direct supportLM's materials needs. The final fabrics willlikely be woven outside Ohio, as cloth weav-ing is not an Ohio manufacturing strength.
Business ModelLM's potential share of LTA vehicles formilitary and surveillance markets is esti-mated to be greater than $2 billion. LM'sobjective is to maintain its leadership posi-tion in LTAs and to construct the HAA ve-hicles in Akron.
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Metalized NanomaterialsMaterials Research Institute, LLC
1st Round Score: 70.7 2nd Round Score: 66.1 Rank: 6
Proposal # TFAMP 10-640Collaborators:EMTECEngineered Materials Systems, Inc.Wright Brothers Institute
TFRDF Request: $791,000WCF Request: $0
TOTAL Request: $791,000Cost Share: $831,000
Key IssuesGrandTek, a Taiwanese company of300 employees with annual revenuesof $40 million, has raised $30 mil-lion from investors to diversify intothe electric bicycle lithium-ion bat-tery market in China. This electricbicycle market has lower battery per-formance requirements than thelithium-ion batteries for the automo-tive market. GrandTek's market en-try strategy appears to be quick entrywith a product that is better than cur-rent technology and can meet theneeds of the bicycle market.The MNM anode material pro-duced by MRI has been tested byan independent third party in but-ton cell configurations. It appearsthat earlier versions of the producthave come close to meeting perfor-mance requirements but have notyet attained that goal. Product im-provements are continuing.The possibility of attracting foreigninvestment from GrandTek to con-struct a manufacturing facility forthis material in Dayton is attractive.Early site identification work hasbeen initiated.
Previous Ohio InvestmentMaterials Research Institute has not
received any prior Ohio funding.
Project DescriptionMaterials Research Institute (MRI)
proposes producing and optimizing aunique class of conductive metalizednanomaterials (MNMs) for signalpower transfer, electromagnetic shield-ing, electrical grounding, energy stor-age and conversion and conductivemetal cladding. MNMs utilize silver,copper or nickel cladding on substratematerials such as carbon nanotubes, car-bon fibers and nanoclays. In this project,MRI collaborators and product end-us-ers will test the MNMs for three spe-cific applications—conductive coatingsfor PV panels and electronics, surgicalgloves with embedded printed circuitsand lithium-ion battery anodes. Theproject budget includes funding for thepurchase and installation of equipmentfor material pretreatment, productionand post-treatment. GrandTek, a Tai-wanese battery company, wants to in-vest in an Ohio production facility, ifproduct performance requirements aremet. EMS, a Delaware, Ohio producerof conductive coatings and adhesives,plans to use MNMs to reduce theamount of silver in its products. The AirForce is interested in using MNMs forshielding in the War Fighter program.
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Technical RiskOverall Score = 6.86
Technical ReachThe Industrial Technology Research Insti-tute (ITRI) in Taiwan has already indepen-dently tested two rounds of product for thelithium-ion battery anode application withinitial efficiency retention of 80% through50 cycles. A third round of product has beenshipped to ITRI that is intended to reach thetarget of 85–95%, but some product devel-opment challenges still remain for lithium-ion battery anodes and other end-useapplications before manufacturing scale-upis realistic.
Resource LimitationsMRI has relied on primarily on SBIR fund-ing and has had revenues of approximately$300,000 annually for the past three years.MRI anticipates receiving an SBIR PhaseII award from the Army entitled "A ViableMethod for Nano-Coating of GraphiteMicrofibers" for an infrared obscurant andwill use this as cost share. If this award isnot received, GrandTek has wired sufficientfunding to cover the cost share for thisproject. MRI appears to be dependent on asingle key individual, so project manage-ment is at risk if he is not involved.
Technology ProtectionMRI's processing technology is based ontrade secrets and not U.S. or internationalpatents. For this reason, MRI would risklosing its IP if a manufacturing plant wereset-up in Taiwan or China. The plan is tomanufacture the lithium-ion battery anodematerial in Ohio and ship it to GrandTek inTaiwan for incorporation into the bicyclebattery. MRI intends to file patent applica-tions on the technology in the near future.
No prior Ohio investmentsTFAMP 10-640
Metalized NanomaterialsMaterials Research Institute, LLC
Commercialization RiskOverall Score = 6.22
Path to MarketMRI has established relationships with cred-ible end-users that would facilitate entry intothe target markets. In addition to GrandTekfor lithium-ion batteries, MRI is workingwith EMS, a Delaware, Ohio company with$11 million of annual sales of adhesives,encapsulants, and conductive inks. MRI alsohas a relationship with interested end-userNational Polymer Laboratories, a 65-personorganization in Chagrin Falls, Ohio thatdevelops specialized polymer formulations.
Corporate StabilityMRI was founded in 1998 to conductsponsored research and product develop-ment in materials science. The companycan manufacture functional nanomaterialsat the pilot scale. It is dependent on SBIRfunding and the sale of products such assilver-metalized carbon nanofibers forlightning strike protection and copper-metalized carbon nanofiber for chargecollection in lithium-ion batteries.
Commercial InfrastructureMRI plans to hire marketing and sales per-sonnel to develop new customers beyond thecollaborators in this project. Wright Broth-ers Institute will provide commercializationassistance. It is a not-for-profit organizationthat facilitates collaborative efforts betweenAFRL and local technology companies andoperates the TecEdge Innovation and Col-laboration Center and the TecEdge RapidPrototyping Laboratory. EMTEC will iden-tify potential customers in the photovoltaic,energy storage, and ICE supply chains.
Mission ImpactOverall Score = 7.83
Cluster FormationThis project addresses one of the targetedadvanced materials technologies. It has thepotential to create new manufacturing ca-pability in Ohio for lithium-ion battery an-odes and to provide a more cost effectiveadditive for an existing Ohio manufacturerof conductive inks and adhesives. The ap-plicant plans to obtain support from twoOhio non-profit organizations.
Ohio EconomicsMRI is projecting $8 million in product salesby 2013 and $35 million by 2015. Employ-ment projections are based on revenues mi-nus the cost of raw materials and total 40 in2013 and 175 by 2015. These numbers ap-pear optimistic based upon the historicalgrowth of other materials companies.
Business ModelGrandTek plans to finance the building ofan MRI facility in Dayton,Ohio to producethe lithium-ion battery anode material.This material will be shipped to GrandTekfor battery fabrication. These batterieswill be used to power bicycles in Asia. Thesilver coated nanoparticulates will be sup-plied to EMS for use in conductive inksand adhesives. This product will allowEMS to reduce the silver content of itscurrent product line while maintainingconductivity and reducing cost.
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Manufacturing Conductive, Strong, Lightweight Yarn from LongCarbon Nanotubes for Aerospace and Defense ApplicationsGeneral Nano, LLC1st Round Score: 74.3 2nd Round Score: 60.8 Rank: 7
Proposal # TFAMP 10-667Collaborators:Air Force Research Laboratory Energy/Power/Thermal Division (AFRL/RZP)Atkins & Pearce (Covington, KY)
General Cable (Highland Heights, KY)
Parker Hannifin Corporation Fluid Connectors GroupUniversity of Cincinnati Chemical and Materials Engineering— NanoWorld Lab
TFRDF Request: $1,000,000WCF Request: $946,943
TOTAL Request: $1,946,943Cost Share: $2,540,657
This proposal is seeking $946,943 inWCF to purchase a CVD reactor,Raman spectrometer, confocal mi-croscope, optical microscope, andplasma reactor for UC. A&P willcontribute $500K in cash cost sharethat will be used to purchase an E-beam machine for substrate prepa-ration and a CVD reactor.GN originally proposed that the pi-lot-level production of "Black Cot-ton"-based yarn would be done atA&P at its existing Covington, KYfacilities, and the E-beam and CVDreactor were to be installed there. Itappears that this plan was revised toplace the equipment being purchasedwith A&P project cost share at GN'snewly acquired facilities in an incu-bator in Cincinnati, and pilot produc-tion would occur there. However, itis not clear that A&P has committedto this revised approach, nor is itclear if the needed clean room space,raw material handling systems, ven-tilation, and air filtration systems willbe available at the incubator.The work plan indicates that the teamintends to use computer models, dy-namic simulations and theoreticalcalculations to design the braidingand spinning equipment that can beused to test the theories of fiber for-mation and create functional proto-types. A&P will provide much of theprocessing and testing expertise, butthe staff and equipment to supportthis activity are located in KY.
Previous Ohio InvestmentGeneral Nano has not received any
prior Ohio funding.
Project DescriptionThe goal of the project is to make
long, high quality carbon nanotubes(CNTs) and spin them into threads (oryarns) that are as electrically conductiveas aluminum wire, weigh less than 50%of copper wire, and are an order-of-mag-nitude stronger than conductive metalwires. General Nano (GN) currentlymakes long CNTs (trademarked BlackCottonTM) and has produced lab-scale con-ductive yarns. The three project objectivesare: to improve the synthesis process tomake longer and stronger high qualitymultifunctional CNTs; to optimize thespinning process for forming CNTs intothreads and yarns; and to create a pilot-level manufacturing platform to provideCNT yarns to early end-use adopters.Atkins & Pierce (A&P) will make braidsfrom CNT yarns. The Air Force will char-acterize and test the yarns. Parker HannifinFluid Connectors Group will manufactureproprietary products using CNT wovenstructures from A&P. General Cable willidentify and sell the proposed product toits customers in the aerospace/defense,energy, and communications markets.GN's overall goal is to be the first com-mercial source of CNT yarns that are scal-able and price competitive with existingconductive yarn materials.
Key IssuesGN is a very early stage-company,and continued SBIR support will beneeded until product revenues canbring it to a self-supporting level.
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Technical RiskOverall Score = 5.46
Technical ReachUsing UC-developed technology for creatinglong CNTs, lab-scale yarns from CNT arrayshave been produced and characterized byAFRL, with encouraging results. GN, with UCsupport, will improve the process to improvethe quality of these longer CNTs and increasethe size of the process array. The yarn-spin-ning activities for this project will use hard-ware from another project. Several technicalhurdles relating to scaling-up production ofthe CNT yarn materials will be addressed inthe proposed program.
Resource LimitationsGN believes that the budget for the 2-yearproject is sufficient to move the technologyinto the market entry phase for two specificapplications. GN expects an NSF Phase IISBIR at the end of the first project year, andan Air Force SBIR Phase III toward the endof the second project year. These will assistin commercialization of products beyond theinitial applications.
Technology ProtectionGN has exclusive rights to UC's pendingpatent for making long CNTs. The UC CNTproduction process leaves a detectable re-sidual in the CNT that will aid in the en-forcement of the patent. In addition, GN andUC have jointly submitted a dozen inven-tion disclosures to the UC IP office. GN isreviewing IP for protecting the spinningtechnology to make electrically and ther-mally conductive yarns from the long CNTs.GN indicates it will ultimately make the yarnin-house to control non-patentable tradesecrets. A competitive company in NewHampshire also makes CNT yarn, but by adifferent process and that yarn is not cur-rently at a commercial production level.
No prior Ohio investmentsTFAMP 10-667
Manufacturing Conductive, Strong,Lightweight Yarn from Long CarbonNanotubes for Aerospace andDefense ApplicationsGeneral Nano, LLC
Commercialization RiskOverall Score = 6.08
Path to MarketThe goal is to be first to market with a supe-rior CNT yarn. The team will make yarnsamples and use the sales/marketing capa-bilities of its collaborators. GN is alreadyselling lab-produced CNT arrays for non-yarn, thermal management applications.A&P will convert yarns into braids, and sup-ply braids to General Cable and ParkerHannifin for evaluations. GN has alsopartnered with an Ohio producer of protec-tive garments. It has an SBIR submissionwith Goodrich (Uniontown, OH) to fundearly stage research for aircraft de-icingsystems. Yarn samples will also be preparedfor evaluation by WPAFB/AFRL for itsUAV program.
Corporate StabilityGN was spun off from UC in 2007 to com-mercialize conductive yarns made from longCNTs. It is supported by three current SBIRs,a purchase order for sample materials fromGeneral Cable, a proof-of-concept subcontracton a proprietary Honeywell USDOD projectand the proposed investment from Atkins &Pearce. The additional SBIRs mentionedabove are also being sought.
Commercial InfrastructureInitial samples are being produced by GNand UC at UC's lab facilities, and sent toend-users through the project collaborators.Parker, Honeywell, Goodrich and others arealso receiving samples. Initial productionwill come from the pilot facility. If justified,full production (not part of this project) willcome from the planned full-scale facility inOhio. GN will need to develop its business,marketing, and management infrastructureto drive revenues and create market share.
Mission ImpactOverall Score = 6.15
Cluster FormationGeneral Nano is a spin-off of UC and theNanoWorld Lab. GN claims to produce thelongest CNTs in the world. This project ex-pands the manufacturing technology and ca-pacity for long CNT production. Productsfrom GN will go to several Ohio-based manu-facturing companies for commercial and mili-tary markets. This project has the potential tostrengthen the Ohio CNT cluster leveragingtechnology developed at UC.
Ohio EconomicsGN projects it will hire at least 27 new,"Ohio-based" employees by 2012 and gen-erate product sales of $4 million. GN fore-casts $7.7 million in sales in 2013, andramping up to $ 24.3 million by 2015. GNestimates more than forty high-skilled andhigh-paying jobs will be created in threeyears. These projections appear to be veryaggressive based on the current business andmarket development status.
Business ModelGN will increase production capacity at UC,and through the project funding, will set-upa pilot-level production facility to supply itscollaborators and partners. They will in turnproduce end-use products and through theirexisting infrastructures, sell and servicethem. GN will need to staff-up its businessdevelopment, marketing, and managementoperations. Long-range plans are to build afull-scale production facility in Ohio, but ata later and unspecified date.
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Accelerating the Commercialization of a Novel Bio Resource Resin(BR2) for Agricultural, Construction and Industrial ApplicationsMomentum Technologies, Inc.1st Round Score: 62.0 2nd Round Score: 58.3 Rank: 8
Proposal # TFAMP 10-632Collaborators:Crafco, Inc. (Chandler, AZ)
Innoventor, LLC (St. Louis, MO)
Kokosing Materials, Inc.Ohio State University Ohio Agricultural Research & Development Center (OARDC)PolymerOhioRoyal Chemical CorporationTurfCare Supply Corporation
TFRDF Request: $990,014WCF Request: $500,000
TOTAL Request: $1,490,014Cost Share: $1,492,880
Key IssuesMTi has acquired exclusive mar-keting rights for the sale of BR2
into the fertilizer coating applica-tion and rights along with the tech-nology developer Innoventor, aMissouri-based company, to sellBR2 into asphalt paving and spe-cialty markets. MTi's IP will beassociated with applications.Initial processing demonstrationshave shown promising results insome of the applications proposed,but further technical challenges re-main and long-term demonstrationof end-use performance will be re-quired. The support for continuedcommercialization activity is notfully established and will comefrom product sales and federalgrant support.
Previous Ohio InvestmentMomentum Technologies has not
received any prior Ohio funding.
Project DescriptionThe project goal for Momentum
Technologies, inc. (MTi) is to produceand sell a biodegradable resin (brandname BR2) derived from animal wastethat is a lower cost replacement forpetroleum-based asphalt. InnoventorLLC will construct the processingequipment that will be placed at theanimal farm site to convert the animalwastes into a resin. The resin will beprocessed into a coated lawn fertilizerby Royal Chemical Corporation. Theother collaborators will test the resinfor suitability in their respective prod-ucts. The Ohio State University willreceive Wright Capital funds for ani-mal waste processing equipment forits development and testing contribu-tions. The plan is to place processingequipment on swine farms in Ohio andother states to produce large commer-cial quantities of BR2 resin for sale.
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Technical RiskOverall Score = 5.70
Technical ReachInnoventor has constructed two generationsof truck-based processing equipment for aswine farm in Missouri and has produced BR2
resin. MTi has processed lab quantities of resinfor lab-scale test applications. The next stepis to make a 3rd generation processor and placeit on an Ohio swine farm and begin producingscaled up quantities of resin for evaluationsby the collaborators. Innoventor has sched-uled a paving demonstration project for thespring of 2010 in Missouri using BR2 as a re-placement for asphalt.Resource LimitationsMTi has assembled a strong project team thatincludes the technology developer (Innoventor),Ohio R&D support (OARDC) and several end-users willing to evaluate the product for their spe-cific applications. MTi is an establisheddistribution and laboratory services companyproviding specialty chemicals used to modifyasphalt and will rely on its collaborators for tech-nical development. The project leads to a pre-commercial processing system and early productsales revenues are expected to support follow-oncommercial activity, although federal grant fund-ing will also be sought.Technology ProtectionMTi has executed a comprehensive marketingand supply agreement with Innoventor that pro-vides for exclusive market rights along withInnoventor for the development and sale of BR2
into asphalt roofing, paving and specialty mar-kets. MTi has the sole and exclusive rights to sellBR2 into fertilizer coating applications worldwide.Most of MTi's intellectual property is in the formof patent applications, though some key innova-tions are kept as trade secrets. MTi believes thatthe patents will provide MTi, its customers, andtechnology collaborators with sufficient protec-tion to assure its position as the leader in spe-cialty applications of BR2.
No prior Ohio investmentsTFAMP 10-632
Accelerating the Commercializationof a Novel Bio Resource Resin(BR2) for Agricultural, Constructionand Industrial ApplicationsMomentum Technologies, Inc.
Commercialization RiskOverall Score = 4.34
Path to MarketMTi has Ohio-based end-users and a largenational end-user that have committed totesting and evaluation of its processed prod-uct. MTi has an existing domestic sales anddistribution organization with additionalinternational channels. Product sales to thecollaborators and others will depend on suc-cessful demonstrations in the ultimate prod-uct end-uses (e.g. fertilizer, roofingproducts, pavement crack filler).
Corporate StabilityMTi was founded in 1996 and is a subsid-iary of Deli-Universal, a Dutch conglomer-ate. MTi currently has 12 employees, andannual sales of about $2 million. MTi of-fers a range of laboratory services (for as-phalt roofing and paving industries) andpolymer distribution services for the NorthAmerican Market. MTi's executives wereformerly with Firestone.
Commercial InfrastructureMTi has assembled a team with productionand processing capabilities, testing capabili-ties, and it will provide the sales/marketing/distribution capabilities. The key processtechnology supplier is not an Ohio company,but has indicated it will open an Ohio officefor servicing the R&D and sourcing localcomponents associated with setting up BR2
production in Ohio.
Mission ImpactOverall Score = 5.33
Cluster FormationMTi will use Ohio swine farms for raw ma-terials, an Ohio company for resin process-ing and production, and Ohio-basedend-users and distributors of the resin andproducts made from the resin. It haspartnered with OARDC for additional tech-nical support and production equipment op-timization and OBIC to assist in obtainingfederal grant support.
Ohio EconomicsMTi forecasts its direct sales and Ohio jobcreation to reach $500K and 11respectivelyby 2013, growing to $1 million and 18 by2015. It projects significantly more eco-nomic impacts from the supply chain andend-use product companies. Revenues forthese companies are projected to approach$250 million by 2015 with over 50% goingto Ohio suppliers.
Business ModelMTi plans to set up a manure collection,processing and processed product distribu-tion system based on the Ohio swine farm-ing network. It plans to replicate theoperations in other swine production statesand hopes that Ohio will serve as a regionalcenter for service operations and equipmentcomponent supplies.
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VGCF Pre-preg for Advanced CompositesApplied Sciences, Inc.
1st Round Score: 68.3 2nd Round Score: 56.3 Rank: 9
Proposal # TFAMP 10-647Collaborators:Pyrograf Products, Inc.Technical Fibre Products (Newburgh, NY)
TFRDF Request: $999,978WCF Request: $0
TOTAL Request: $999,978Cost Share: $1,115,500
the mat with resin to create pre-preg ma-terial. The mat and the pre-preg materialwill be supplied to end-users for testingand evaluation in end-user applicationssuch as radar cross-section reduction inaerospace vehicles, unmanned aerial ve-hicles, and naval ships; EMI adsorptionin consumer electronics and windmillblades; and lithium-ion batteries.
Key IssuesPyrograf has scaled up manufactur-ing capability for volume productionof carbon nanofibers. Currently thiscapacity is underutilized as 2009sales were mainly sample quantities.Sales have declined each year since2006. ASI attributes this decline tothe difficulty that end-users have hadin uniformly dispersing thenanofibers and to the termination ofoffshore distribution agreements.There are a number of unresolved bud-get issues associated with this proposalregarding the equipment to be pur-chased, the nature of the cost share, andthe subcontracts. This information wasnot provided in the proposal or in re-sponse to the reviewers' questions.An interested end-user tested a pre-preg sample (nanofibers manuallyapplied onto a chopped PAN fiberveil which was subsequently impreg-nated with resin) and reported thatmost of the individual samples takenfrom multiple locations throughoutthe sheet exceeded the requirementsfor a particular end-use application.Nanomat samples have been pro-vided to ten end-users. Thesesamples are still in the initial stagesof evaluation, so it is unclear if theywill meet the end-user requirements.
Previous Ohio InvestmentIn 2005, ASI received a $175K
ORCGP award to commercialize low-cost carbon nanofibers (CNF). PyrografProducts, Inc. was spun-off to manufac-ture CNF, and the award has led to thecreation of 4 jobs and $5.2 million inproduct sales. The ODOD databaseshows that total leverage from thisaward has been $8.6 million.
ASI received an OTFAEP award of$1 million in 2008 for converting theCNF into anodes for lithium-ion batter-ies that has retained 2 jobs and attracted$170K in federal funding. The projectwas expected to lead to a JV with anOhio company that would produce30,000 pounds of coated CNF by 2010generating $2 million in revenue andcreating 10 new jobs. However, therewas a disagreement between the twocompanies over IP ownership and theother company did not participate in thisOTFAEP project. In another 2010 pro-posal, ASI is applying for additionalstate funding to continue the lithium-ionbattery application. There is no evidencethat the planned production capacity forcoated CNF has progressed.
Project DescriptionTechnical Fiber Products, a carbon
fiber veil producer, and ASI, a CNF pro-ducer, have developed a continuous car-bon fiber mat. In this project, productionof the mat will be scaled-up and optimizedto achieve performance specifications ofvarious end-users. The proposed JV willpurchase capital equipment for a reel-to-reel CNF mat production process to pro-duce 64" wide CNF mat on a continuousbasis. A key challenge will be to obtainhomogeneous deposition of the CNF ontothe carrier veil. Renegade will impregnate
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Technical RiskOverall Score = 4.98
Technical ReachThere is risk in scaling-up the manufactur-ing process prior to demonstrating that theproduct meets end-user requirements. Whilemanufacturing scale-up is likely to reducecost and improve product uniformity, scale-up of the Pyrograf process for producingvapor grown CNF appears to have occurredbefore end-users had addressed materialhandling and performance issues.
Resource LimitationsTeam members have demonstrated the abil-ity to produce both CNF and a manual ver-sion of the CNF/carbon veil product. ASIestimates that this project will require a ten-fold increase of annual production capacityby the end of 2017. Details as to how this10X expansion would be accommodatedwere not provided.
Technology ProtectionTechnical Fiber Products received a patentin 2007 covering a method of incorporatingCNF into a paper made from pitch or PANcarbon fibers. In 2009, ASI filed two patentapplications—one for a method of produc-ing a carbon-carbon material having highelectrical and thermal conductivity with theuse of CNF/carbon fiber paper and one foran improved method for creating CNF/car-bon fiber paper with enhanced uniformity.
Low-cost Carbon Nanofiber Production,2005, $174,657
Development of Specialty Carbons for En-ergy Storage, 2008, $999,999
TFAMP 10-647
VGCF Pre-preg for AdvancedCompositesApplied Sciences, Inc.
Commercialization RiskOverall Score = 5.40
Path to MarketWhile ASI has received grants totaling $10million from NIST and the Air Force to ex-plore the use of Pyrograf's CNF in automo-tive and defense applications, the onlyend-uses for CNF that have been identifiedwere in sporting goods and direct digitalmanufacturing. Many additional companiesare in the process of evaluating both thenanofibers and the mats, but none has pro-gressed to the point where it shows evidenceof carrying the technology to the market.
Corporate StabilityThe planned JV between ASI and Techni-cal Fiber Products to commercialize theCNF mat will be called Technical NanofibreProducts. Its staff will consist of current stafffrom ASI, Pyrograf, and Technical FiberProducts. Formation of the JV is contingentupon ASI's receiving this award as is theavailability of the $1 million in cost-sharefrom Technical Fiber Products. Scale-up ofthe pilot line is expected to require an addi-tional $10 million to be funded by opera-tions, additional rounds of investment by JVpartners, or new alliances with customers.
Commercial InfrastructureTechnical Fiber Products is headquartered inthe UK and has manufacturing operations inboth the UK and in the US. Technical FiberProducts purchased Diamond Fiber Compos-ites in Cincinnati in 2007 where it producesnickel-coated carbon fiber intended for thesame end-uses as this project. It has world-wide annual sales of $30 million for its high-end nonwoven products. Technical FiberProducts is currently selling carbon veils, butnot nanoveils. A significant portion of its busi-ness is military, so it is likely to have the salesand marketing infrastructure that could sup-port this product.
Mission ImpactOverall Score = 5.18
Cluster FormationBoth ASI and Technical Fiber Products haveexisting manufacturing operations in Ohio.The yet-to-be-formed JV will also work withRenegade (Springboro, OH) to fabricate thepre-preg mats. This project will involvenanomaterials and polymers, both advancedmaterials areas of interest to Ohio.
Ohio EconomicsThe JV is projected to generate $3 millionin sales of CNF mats and to create 14 jobsby 2013. Projections for 2015 were not pro-vided, but it is assumed that they will re-flect somewhat higher production rates onthe existing pilot line. A major scale-up incapacity is not planned until 2018.
Business ModelThis project will fund the creation of a pilotline to produce CNF mats for customerevaluation. This line will be located in thePyrograf manufacturing facility inCedarville, OH. The mats will be sent toRenegade and to Cytec for polymer impreg-nation, and then on to military and indus-trial parts fabricators. When processscale-up is required, it is likely to involveboth CNF and mat production.
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Advanced Liquid Crystal Alignment Materials for e-BooksKent State University
1st Round Score: 65.7 2nd Round Score: 50.2 Rank: 10
Proposal # TFAMP 10-686Collaborators:LXD, Inc.
TFRDF Request: $1,029,429WCF Request: $10,000
TOTAL Request: $1,039,429Cost Share: $1,053,875
refresh rate, the variable refresh rateresults in lower power requirements.Power requirements for current e-Books limit video display and colorimagining capability. KSU will leadthe development effort for the low-power LCD e-Book and LXD will de-velop the module manufacturing,evaluate prototype products. LXD willbe the commercializing partner for theresulting e-Book product.
Key IssuesLXD's commercialization plan is to useexisting LCD and module manufactur-ing capability outside the U.S. This isbecause volume production of LCDmodules requires very large equipmentinvestments that are already in placeelsewhere. LXD's role at its Ohio head-quarters will be for continued R&Dand North American distribution.The technology is at a relatively earlystage in terms of a commercial prod-uct and product introduction is notexpected until 4 to 5 years fromproject initiation. Coupled with theplan for volume manufacturing out-side Ohio, the near-term Ohio eco-nomic impacts are moderate and "onthe edge" of the TFP target.
Previous Ohio InvestmentKent State University (KSU) has
been the lead on two TFRDF awards,both related to the development of Liq-uid Crystal Display (LCD) materialsand manufacturing technologies and acollaborator in numerous other TFRDFsupported projects. KSU is a recognizedworld leader in LCD technologies andserves as the core resource for the LCDtechnology cluster in NE Ohio. Severalcompanies, such as LXC, AlphaMicronand Kent Displays trace their roots toKSU and its Liquid Crystal Institute.
The ORSGP brought ProfessorHiroshi Yokoyama to KSU and his back-ground in alignment layer materials hasaccelerated the proposed technology aswell as stimulating research projectsapproaching $3 million in 2009.
Project DescriptionKent State University (KSU) pro-
poses developing an advanced thinfilm coating alignment material thatimproves LCD-based eBooks' perfor-mance by allowing a reduced and vari-able display refresh rate. A variablerefresh rate allows high-speed updat-ing for browsing or scanning and low-speed updating for page reading. Sincepower consumption is proportional to
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2010 TFAEP Evaluation Summary Page 2 of 2
Technical RiskOverall Score = 5.82
Technical ReachKSU has demonstrated the basic conceptproposed for the advanced alignment layerand the details of the approach have beendisclosed and accepted for publication.However, a better understanding of thehow the alignment layer materials func-tion in mitigating ion movement, the keyto low power performance, and the designof the alignment layer deposition methodneed to be investigated. After the mate-rial and deposition challenges are met,LXD will design and construct alpha pro-totypes followed by a complete LCD E-book prototype for demonstration.
Resource LimitationsKSU and LXD have the technical capabili-ties to accomplish the project goals and ex-pect that the project budget proposed willlead to a complete e-Book prototype sys-tem with color and video display capabili-ties. KSU will seek additional R&D supportfor the general technology area from fed-eral agencies and LXD will seek $1 millionin support from industry organizations andprivate investors to complete the commer-cialization of the new eBook. Intel has sup-ported early development at KSU and maybe a source of continued support.
Technology ProtectionLXD is currently negotiating with KSU forunrestricted use of the IP developed in bothprior and future joint KSU projects relatedto proposed technology. KSU and LXD haveagreements in place to handle IP developedin the proposed project.
Research Cluster in Advanced Materials,2009, $15,300,000
Wright Center on Flexible OptoElectronicDevice Manufacturing, 2003 & 2005,$1,700,000
TFAMP 10-686
Advanced Liquid CrystalAlignment Materials for e-BooksKent State University
Commercialization RiskOverall Score = 6.0
Path to MarketLXD plans to build its sales channels afterthe prototype unit is demonstration-ready.Its business strategy is confidential, but itexpects to seek marketing/sales supportfrom larger electronics distributors such asAmazon and Apple. Intel is also expectedto assist in these efforts.
Corporate StabilityLXD is the commercializing partner for theproposed product. It has been in businessfor over 35 years and trace its roots back tothe inventors of twisted nematic LCDs. Ithas 30 employees and annual sales between$5 and $10 million. It is a leader in supply-ing custom LCDs for outdoor signage andhas capability for limited production.
Commercial InfrastructureLXD has its main sales office in Clevelandand branch offices in Asia. It uses indepen-dent representatives for North Americansales. As stated earlier, its business plan forthe eBook is not yet finalized, but it expectedto follow the approach used by the KindleeReader that uses Amazon as its sales out-let. Discussions related to such an arrange-ment have not yet been initiated.
Mission ImpactOverall Score = 4.68
Cluster FormationKSU and its Liquid Crystal Institute are thecornerstones of the NE Ohio's LCD tech-nology cluster. LXD was the first LCDmanufacturer in the world although this ca-pability has since moved almost entirely toAsia. The LCD technology proposed offersinnovation that is not available elsewherein the world and provides IP that will becontrolled by an Ohio company. End-usersand suppliers of like products have re-quested the capabilities/features projectedfor the eBook proposed.
Ohio EconomicsLXD projects introducing the proposedeBook in 4 years from the start of theproject. By 2013, sales will be for dem-onstration-level products with revenues ofabout $600k derived mainly from addi-tional investments. By 2015 sales willreach $3 million and LXD will add from20 to 25 employees to support sales ofabout $8 million in 2016.
Business ModelLXD plans to remain an R&D center forLCD technology with continued technicalsupport from KSU. It will provide low vol-ume/trial manufacturing for alignment lay-ering and LCD processing. Volumemanufacturing for LCD modules will bedone in China using the facilities of LXD'scurrent JV partner there. Contract manufac-turers located in China and Mexico will dothe eBook assembly. LXD will serve as thedistribution center for North America andprovide technical support for products.
2010 TFAMP Evaluation Summary
Mission Impact
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2010 TFAMP Evaluation Summary Page 1 of 2
Carbon Fibers from Biomass for Wind and Solar ApplicationsGrafTech International Holdings Inc.
1st Round Score: 62.7 2nd Round Score: 47.6 Rank: 11
Proposal # TFAMP 10-622Collaborators:SuGanit Systems Inc.University of Toledo (UT)
TFRDF Request: $1,000,000WCF Request: $0
TOTAL Request: $1,000,000Cost Share: $1,028,980
ternal use in its current insulation prod-ucts and in other advanced compositessuch as wind turbine blades.
Key IssuesThe technical and economic param-eters associated with Suganit's processare still being studied. There is a riskthat if Suganit's process does not proveto be commercially viable, there willnot be sufficient lignin by-productavailable to supply GrafTech. The costof producing carbon fiber from ligninwill not be evaluated until the finalquarter of this project further raisingthe risk, but GrafTech believes that lig-nin-based fibers will be its most cost-effective feedstock option.If the cost reduction projections for thelignin-based material are robustenough to justify proceeding, it is un-clear why GrafTech's management hasnot funded the basic proof-of-conceptwork for this project. This might in-clude characterizing the carbon fibersproduced from Suganit's lignin, show-ing that the carbon fibers come closeto meeting the performance require-ments of GrafTech's products, andbuilding a basic business case.GrafTech purchases several hundredtons per year of carbon fibers from Asiafor its carbon product lines and wantsto vertically integrate using fibers pro-duced from non-petroleum or non-coal-based feedstocks. If the project issuccessful, GrafTech plans to scale-upcarbon fiber production at the locationthat best meets its needs. Its Lakewood,OH plant is one option that will beconsidered. GrafTech currently pro-duces its high-temperature insulationat Clarksburg, WV, Lakewood, OH,and Parma, OH.
Previous Ohio InvestmentGrafTech has received a total of $3.4
million in Ohio investment through 4 ear-lier fuel cell awards and has been the leador collaborator in 2 additional RCPprojects totaling $16 million. Three of the4 fuel cell awards have been completed.For the 4 fuel cell projects, GrafTech hasidentified 7 jobs that were created or re-tained in Ohio and has generated a totalof $2.6 million in leverage which includedboth product sales and grants. For the $8million RCP project led by GrafTech, theteam claimed to have created 17.65 jobsand generated $5.5 million in leveragewith 1 new company created or relocated.
Ohio has also invested a total of $1.25million in Suganit and the University ofToledo (UT) for cellulosic ethanol. Theseawards included a grant of $250,000 in2008 for "A Novel Cellulosic BiomassFermentation Process for Ethanol Produc-tion" and a grant of $999,900 in January2009 for "Scale-up of Cellulosic EthanolProcess Based on Novel Biomass Pretreat-ment and Efficient Co-fermentation." Al-though both of these grants are still inprogress, they have resulted in the creationor retention of 6.2 jobs and have gener-ated $800,000 in leverage.
Project DescriptionThe goal of the 2-year project is to
demonstrate that low cost, high qualitycarbon fibers can be produced in a pilot-scale facility using a low cost feedstockfrom a biomass source. SuGanit will pro-duce the high quality lignin from localbiomass in a previously funded AdvancedEnergy project. GrafTech will install apilot-scale fiber spinning facility to makesuitable isotropic and anisotropic fibersfrom the SuGanit-generated lignin.GrafTech will evaluate the fibers for in-
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2010 TFAEP Evaluation Summary Page 2 of 2
Technical RiskOverall Score = 6.54Technical ReachGrafTech has not made carbon fibers fromSuGanit lignin. Proof-of-concept was demon-strated by a third party using material from adifferent lignin production process. SuGanitis currently developing a pilot-scale produc-tion facility to produce high quality lignin.Although small quantities are available today,Suganit will have the ability to produce kg-quantities/day in the summer of 2010 and hun-dreds of kg-quantities/day by 2011. GrafTechwill purchase carbon fiber spinning equipmentto set up a pilot-scale process for making car-bon fibers from the lignin feedstock. GrafTechrecognizes the lignin generation and fiber pro-duction processes will likely require modifi-cations to produce the quality of carbon fibersneeded for the current GrafTech product lines.Many years ago, GrafTech sold its technol-ogy to make petroleum- or coal-based carbonfibers, but still has internal memory of the tech-nology to make carbon fibers.Resource LimitationsHalf of the requested funds will go to SuGanitand UT for their work on the lignin productionand purification, but it is not clear that team has aclear path to overcoming the remaining technicalhurdles. GrafTech will use the other half of theaward to fund equipment, supplies, and its time.GrafTech is a $1+ billion company, but this projectis being driven by R&D and has not yet shownsupport from a business unit. GrafTech has nofinancial investment in the SuGanit facility.Technology ProtectionGrafTech holds several patents on carbon-basedproducts and has vigorously defended them.However, the first task in the work plan involvesdoing a literature and a patent search on the pro-duction of carbon fibers from biomass sources toestablish the current state of the art. UT licensedto SuGanit a series of patents relating to the con-version of biomass to cellulosic ethanol in a pro-cess that creates high-purity lignin as a by-product.
Volume Manufacturing for Commercialization ofFlow Field Plates for PEMFCs, 2004, $1,044,226Commercialization of PEMLITE® Systems: FuelCell Analysis Tool, 2004, $781,787Commercialization of Unique Natural GraphiteGas Diffusion Layer, 2005, $602,044Commercialization of Functional Polyimide Filmsand Nanocomposites (collaborator to Universityof Akron), 2007, $8,000,000Development and Commercialization of GraphiteNanocomposites for the Next Generation ofElectronic Devices, 2007, $7,945,465Commercialization of GRAFCELL® Bipolar Platesfor Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell Systems, 2008$973,154
TFAMP 10-622
Carbon Fibers from Biomass forWind and Solar ApplicationsGrafTech International Holdings Inc.
Commercialization RiskOverall Score = 2.54Path to MarketGrafTech has an existing sales and marketingforce that is currently selling carbon-relatedproducts to domestic and foreign markets.GrafTech intends to use the lignin-based car-bon fibers for its graphite rigid insulation prod-uct line that provides high temperatureinsulation for growing single crystal and poly-silicon production for solar panels. GrafTechcan also sell lignin-based carbon fibers intoother market applications.Corporate StabilityGrafTech International Ltd. (formerly the Car-bon Products Division of Union Carbide) is a1.2 billion dollar manufacturer of carbon prod-ucts and world leader in graphite material sci-ence with more than 120 years of experiencein the carbon and graphite industry. Suganit isa 3-person start-up R&D company that is inthe process of scaling-up a new process forproducing cellulosic ethanol.Commercial InfrastructureGrafTech is an Ohio-headquartered com-pany with domestic and international pro-duction, sales, and marketing capabilities.The main goal of this project is to build aninternal capability at the pilot-scale to manu-facture suitable, low cost carbon fibers fromSuGanit's lignin. If the fibers are suitableand larger quantities are needed, GrafTechwill scale-up carbon fiber production at ei-ther its Lakewood Ohio plant or at someother location that best serves its needs.
Mission ImpactOverall Score = 3.96Cluster FormationGrafTech, an Ohio-based company, cur-rently purchases all of its carbon fibers onthe open market. GrafTech plans to set-up apilot-scale carbon fiber spinning facility andwill obtain the high-quality lignin feedstockfrom SuGanit's Ohio-based cellulosic etha-nol production facility. If GrafTech is ableto use Suganit's by-product lignin, it is likelynot only to improve the economics ofSuganit's process but also to lowerGrafTech's cost of carbon fiber.Ohio EconomicsGrafTech has not provided a clear forecastof sales and jobs created by this project.GrafTech projects that 5–20 jobs created by2015 and verbally estimated that sales wouldreach $40 million by 2015. Since this projectwill result in substitution of an internallyproduced carbon fiber for purchased carbonfiber, job creation would appear to be lim-ited primarily to fiber manufacturing opera-tions. No new product sales forecasts forother applications such as wind turbineswere provided. If the project is successfuland if GrafTech needs a large-scale carbonfiber production facility, substantial invest-ment would be required.Business ModelThe precursor to the current GrafTech or-ganization sold the carbon fiber-makingtechnology to another organization.GrafTech is currently manufacturing andselling carbon products using imported car-bon fibers. GrafTech is interested in mak-ing production quantities of low cost, highquality, lignin-based carbon fibers for itsexisting products and other potential appli-cations. If this project is successful,GrafTech anticipates scaling-up carbon fi-ber production at one of its existing facili-ties but did not make commitmentsregarding funding and location.
2010 TFAMP Evaluation Summary
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2010 TFAMP Evaluation Summary Page 1 of 2
CNF Materials for Battery ApplicationsApplied Sciences, Inc.
1st Round Score: 66.3 2nd Round Score: 44.6 Rank: 12
Proposal # TFAMP 10-644Collaborators:Pyrograf Products, Inc.
TFRDF Request: $999,976WCF Request: $0
TOTAL Request: $999,976Cost Share: $1,245,000
designed fluidized bed reactor at PPI to coatCNF's with silicon in large production quan-tities for further evaluations and character-ization. Production of Si-CNF powder willbegin in Year 2 of the 3-year project and isintended to lead to fabrication of large for-mat batteries.
Key IssuesASI currently has 2 reactors—a horizon-tal coating reactor that processes at thelaboratory scale and a fluidized bed reac-tor with a capacity of 2,000 pounds peryear that was designed and built as partof the 2008 project. Both reactors pro-duce Si-CNF powder with similar elec-trode performance. ASI plans to purchasea fluidized bed reactor ($250k) with a ca-pacity of 15,000 pounds per year to studythe quality of the silicon coating that isproduced in that equipment.The silicon coating will be evaluatedusing scanning electron microscopy,energy dispersive x-ray, high-resolu-tion transmission electron spectros-copy, and photoelectron spectroscopyto study the structure-composition andsurface chemistry of Si-CNF powderbefore fabricating the material intoanodes for electrical testing. This typeof analytical work is indicative of fun-damental R&D that is being done togain an understanding of how Si-coat-ing affects electrical performance.It appears that ASI is simultaneouslypursuing both a Si-CNF powder and aSi-CNF mat for incorporation intolithium-ion battery anodes. ASI re-ceived TF funding in 2008 to developSi-CNF powder for this end-use appli-cation, and this project would repre-sent a continuation of that effort. ASIhas submitted another funding requestin this competition to develop CNFmat. Both 2010 proposals refer to Si-CNF mat and ASI's intent to use themat for lithium-ion battery anodes.
Previous Ohio InvestmentIn 2005 Applied Sciences, Inc. (ASI)
received a $175K ORCGP award to com-mercialize low-cost carbon nanofibers(CNF). Pyrograf Products, Inc. (PPI) wasspun-off to manufacture CNF, and the awardhas led to the creation of 4 jobs and $5.2million in cumulative product sales. TheODOD database shows that total leveragefrom this award has been $8.6 million.
In 2008, ASI received an OTFAEPaward of $1 million to convert the CNF andnanographene platelets into anodes forlithium-ion batteries by coating them withsilicon using a fluidized bed system. This2008 project was intended to prepare samplesfor evaluation at GM and A123 and was ex-pected to lead to a JV with an Ohio com-pany that would produce 30,000 pounds ofcoated material by 2010 generating $2 mil-lion in revenue and creating 10 new jobs.However, there was a disagreement betweenthe two companies and the other company ispursuing its own technology to incorporatesilicon. To date the 2008 project has retained2 jobs and attracted $170K in federal fund-ing. This proposal is seeking additional TFfunding for scale-up of the silicon coatingprocess to 15,000 pounds.
Project DescriptionASI has demonstrated that the use of
anodes made from silicon-coatednanomaterials will increase the performanceand life of lithium-ion batteries. However,the data presented show that the material hasnot yet attained GM's performance require-ments for cycle efficiency retention in small-scale testing and does not meet therequirements for automotive use. The goalof the project is to reduce the cost of thematerial by scaling-up production of silicon-coated carbon nanofibers (Si-CNF's). Thematerial will be provided to various lithiumion battery manufacturers to make and testanodes made from Si-CNF's and to generatedata on battery performance using the Si-CNF anodes. ASI plans to set-up a custom-
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2010 TFAEP Evaluation Summary Page 2 of 2
Technical RiskOverall Score = 6.46
Technical ReachThe work plan for this project emphasizes thepurchase and installation of new processingequipment for producing Si-CNF powder. ASIhas not yet identified the key technical issuesthat must be resolved in order to attain theanode performance needed for automotiveapplications. Cycling instability has been ob-served during testing in small button cells,prismatic pouch cells, and wound cells. Pro-totypes still need to be fabricated to provecapability in real world conditions. ASI hascreated a plan to move into larger format bat-teries with high power and high-energy re-quirements but has not presented a clear pathto overcoming the technical challenges.
Resource LimitationsThe 2008 project produced some improve-ment in anode performance at a cost of $1.5million. ASI claims to have secured approxi-mately $1 million in federal funding for thistechnology and $230K of in-kind fundingsince the first TFP award. It projects that anaddition $1-2 million will be needed to scale-up the silicon coating process to produce30,000 pounds of silicon-coated carbon peryear. This funding is expected to come frompartners, investors, and venture capitalists.
Technology ProtectionASI has licensed 11 patents from GeneralMotors on carbon nanofibers and one fromAircraft Braking Systems. The applicant holdsmany other related patents, and possesses abody of trade secrets. However, there are sev-eral companies and research organizationsworking on silicon coatings for Li-ion batteryanodes, including two previous ASI collabo-rators, and although the licensed Aircraft Brak-ing patent addresses the technology, others arealso tendering patents.
Low-cost Carbon Nanofiber Production,2005, $174,657
Development of Specialty Carbons for En-ergy Storage, 2008, $999,999
TFAMP 10-644
CNF Materials for BatteryApplicationsApplied Sciences, Inc.
Commercialization RiskOverall Score = 5.78
Path to MarketASI plans to work directly with GM toqualify its materials for use in lithium-ionbatteries that will be used in electric vehiclesand hybrids. If ASI is able to deliver supe-rior battery performance that extends therange of the electric vehicle, GM is likelyto pull this technology into the market. How-ever, ASI's sales will depend when GM de-cides to commercialize an electric vehicleand if GM decides to specify ASI's materialto its battery supplier.
Corporate StabilityASI was founded in 1984 and currently has16 employees. The majority of its annualrevenue of less than $3 million comes fromgovernment contracts. ASI is planning torely on new contracts from the military andDOE to fund product development through2014. It estimates that an investment of $10-12 million would be needed to support scale-up to meet the volumes of the automotiveindustry and anticipates that GM will bemotivated to fund plant expansion once theanode's performance has been demonstrated.ASI's spin-off, PPI, is one of three large-scale producers of carbon nanofibers. ASIwas able to attract $8 million to fund PPI in2000, and production began in 2002.
Commercial InfrastructureASI is a contract research and development or-ganization. Product is produced and sold throughPPI. PPI sells directly to customers in NorthAmerica and has distribution agreements withfirms in Europe and Asia. Plans will have to bedeveloped to expand manufacturing capabilitiesand to provide the needed sales, marketing prod-uct support infrastructure to support scale-up ofthis product.
Mission ImpactOverall Score = 4.00
Cluster FormationASI is teaming with its spin-off companyPPI in this project. It is funding an individualto run tests at GM's facility in Michigan. ASIbelieves that its anode material will be agood complement to BASF's expansion ofits production facilities in Elyria, OH wherecathodes for lithium-ion batteries will beproduced. However, the project work plandoes not include any technology develop-ment involving BASF.
Ohio EconomicsThe proposal projects that this project willgenerate $4 million in annual sales and 17jobs by 2013. By 2015, sales will increaseto $8 million with 73 jobs created. The ear-lier 2008 proposal projected that the JVwould produce $16 million and 64 new jobsby 2015 by selling silicon-coated materialsfor battery applications.
Business ModelPPI will manufacture the silicon-coated CNFat its facility in Cedarville, OH. As demandincreases, ASI will plan for expansion of theCedarville facility. ASI is projecting that amajor expansion will occur in 2018 when thedemand for carbon will exceed 2 millionpounds annually for use in lithium batteriesfor automotive applications.
2010 TFAMP / TFSP Final Proposal Evaluation
2010 TFSPThird Frontier Sensor Program
Summaries of Proposals in Competitive Range
2010 TFAMP / TFSP Final Proposal Evaluation
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2010 TFAMP / TFSP Final Proposal Evaluation
2010 T
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2010 TFSP Evaluation Summary
Mission Impact
Tech
nica
l/Com
mer
cial
Ris
k
High
High
Low
2010 TFSP Evaluation Summary Page 1 of 2
High Performance Spectroscopy Sensor Applications in HighSpeed Product TestingPressco Technology, Inc.1st Round Score: 73.3 2nd Round Score: 85.8 Rank: 1
Proposal # TFSP 10-767Collaborators:Miami University—Molecular Microspectroscopy Laboratory
TFRDF Request: $406,000WCF Request: $0
TOTAL Request: $406,000Cost Share: $944,500
ments to determine the optimal spectralregion for the sensor. Pressco will use thisinformation to continue the developmentand produce a final system. The proposedsensor system will not only help Presscocontinue its leadership position in thismarket, but the technology will also openthe door to inspection systems for widermarket applications.
Key IssuesPressco has admittedly worked some-what independently from others in theOhio sensor technology cluster. Theyhave reached out to Miami Universityfor assistance and while the work thereis important to the project success,Miami's role is modest.The economic benefits claimed areconservative and based on Pressco'sexperience in moving new technologyinto a very conservative industry.
Previous Ohio InvestmentPressco has not received any prior
Ohio funding.
Project DescriptionThe goal of the project is to develop
a real-time, high speed, reliable, electro-optical, non-destructive, complete inspec-tion system for measuring the thicknessof polymer bottles as they move down thebottle production line. This next genera-tion inspection system for the manufac-turers of food and beverage containers willimprove their ability to control the pro-duction process, reduce product scrapping,and improve the quality and reliability ofthe bottle integrity. Pressco, a manufac-turer of electro-optical inspection systemsfor this industry, is the lead applicant andsystem integrator. The Miami UniversityMolecular Microspectroscopy Laboratory(MML) will use their specialized instru-
Stage of Development
Mission Impact
Tech
nica
l/Com
mer
cial
Ris
k
High
High
Low
2010 TFSP Evaluation Summary Page 2 of 2
Technical RiskOverall Score = 3.74
Technical ReachUsing equipment and supplies purchasedwith the TFP funding, Pressco will modifyexisting instruments at the Miami Univer-sity to determine the optimal spectral regionsfor the proposed high-speed inspection sys-tem. The appropriate additional componentswill be purchased and assembled for an in-house prototype, and system integration.The end result will be a prototype systemfor customer evaluation. Pressco has exten-sive electro-optical sensing and system in-tegration experience and a history ofintroducing new products and technologyinto their market.
Resource LimitationsPressco has extensive technical expertisewith the design, manufacturing, and servic-ing of optical inspection systems for highvolume container production systems. TheTFP funding is expected to be sufficient toreach the project goal. Pressco will providethe funding and resources necessary to con-duct the market entry and future commer-cialization activity.
Technology ProtectionPressco owns over 30 related patents, has9 patents pending, and will file for addi-tional patents as they identify the patent-able features of the proposed product. Theproposed product technology will offerunique features related improved insensi-tivity to external factors (e.g. process heat,vapors) and an output that provides a pre-dictive thickness capability.
No prior Ohio investmentsTFSP 10-767
High PerformanceSpectroscopy SensorApplications in High SpeedProduct TestingPressco Technology, Inc.
Commercialization RiskOverall Score = 2.08
Path to MarketPressco is a leading manufacturer of electro-optic inspection systems for the domestic andinternational food and beverage container in-dustry, and has direct contacts within that in-dustry. Existing customers have provided inputon the capabilities desired and have expressedserious interest in evaluating and using the pro-posed sensor system. The proposed systemwill be retrofitted on existing inspection sys-tems, and will be sold as the next generationtechnology for new systems.
Corporate StabilityPressco is a family owned manufacturingcompany formed in Ohio in 1966, and be-gan manufacturing thickness-measuring sys-tems in 1983. Pressco annual revenues arebetween $20 and $50 million and it currentlyemploys more than 80 people, most in Ohio.
Commercial InfrastructurePressco is the dominant supplier of pack-ing system inspection equipment with asignificant market share. Pressco hasworldwide sales and service offices sell-ing directly to end-users of its electro-optical inspection systems. Most of itsproducts are shipped out of Ohio and theU.S. It reinvests a substantial amount ofits revenue into new product R&D tomaintain its leadership inspection systemsfor the domestic and international foodand beverage container industry.
Mission ImpactOverall Score = 8.25
Cluster FormationPressco has successfully operated somewhatindependently of the Ohio food equipmentmanufacturer cluster. Pressco has reachedout to the Miami University to leverage itsinternal R&D capabilities and plans on ex-panding its relationships with other Ohioinstitutions with expertise in electro-opticsensors and food packaging technology (e.g.OSU). Pressco utilizes Ohio labor and theOhio supply chain for its current productlines and will continue to do so for its pro-posed next generation product.
Ohio EconomicsThe 2-year project proposed will lead to salesof the new system beginning in early 2013.Pressco forecasts sales of $15 million in 2013,ramping up to $35 million in year five (2015),creating approximately 50 new jobs by yearfive (2015). Two-thirds of the Pressco bill ofmaterials is from Ohio suppliers.
Business ModelPressco maintains its headquarters, productdevelopment, production, technical service,and sales/marketing in the Solon, Ohiofacility. Its overall business model reliesupon product innovation to maintain itsleading presence and success in the food andbeverage container industry. The proposedsystem will be sold as a retrofit on existingcustomer inspection systems, and will besold as the next generation technology fornew systems.
2010 TFSP Evaluation Summary
Mission Impact
Tech
nica
l/Com
mer
cial
Ris
k
High
High
Low
2010 TFSP Evaluation Summary Page 1 of 2
Hydrogen Sensor Manufacturing TechnologyNexTech Materials, Ltd.
1st Round Score: 87.0 2nd Round Score: 81.4 Rank: 2
Proposal # TFSP 10-750Collaborators:Therm-O-Disc, Inc.
TFRDF Request: $1,000,000WCF Request: $0
TOTAL Request: $1,000,000Cost Share: $1,069,289
device into its turnkey battery backuproom design and perform field-testingand evaluation at one of its own sites.Completion of the project will positionNexTech and Therm-O-Disc to enter theMarket Entry phase of the hydrogen-sensing product.
Key IssuesThe current tubular hydrogen sensordesign is now being introduced intothe marketplace. The applicationstargeted favor this design, but theplanar design promises a lower costmanufacturing approach and mayeventually displace the tubular de-sign in some of the larger potentialmarkets originally targeted for thetubular design.In the fuel cell area, NexTech has metits proposed technical objectives ineach of the TFP projects, but as acomponent supplier, the slow devel-opment of fuel cell markets have hin-dered NexTech's ability to meetprojected Ohio economic develop-ment objectives, including those forthe hydrogen sensor for the SOFCapplication. Commercialization ofthe hydrogen sensor for other appli-cations is scheduled to begin in 2010and initial marketing activities arecurrently underway. However, salesprojections for 2010 have been re-vised downward from $1.6 millionto $200K.
Previous Ohio InvestmentNexTech has received 5 TFFCP
awards, 1 TFAEP, and 4 ORCGP awardstotaling $5.6 million and has collaboratedon a number of additional projects. Oneof the TFFCP projects and the TFAEPproject ($799K of State funding) involveddevelopment of hydrogen sensor technol-ogy. These projects have led to a tubulardesign sensor design that is being intro-duced into the market in 2010. Overall, asof June 2009, TFP support has resulted ina total of 16 new jobs at NexTech. Thecompany has been successful in leverag-ing the state investment into $23 millionof product revenues, grants, and additionalinvestments. NexTech is conducting de-velopment and manufacturing activities inits 56,000 sq. ft. facility and operates fourcommercial divisions: fuel cell stacks,sensors, fuel cell materials and compo-nents, and commercial services.
Project DescriptionThe goal of the project is to develop
a low cost, planar-design hydrogen sen-sor element for data and telecom centerbattery backup rooms. NexTech is thelead and will modify its current tubularsensor element design into a planar de-sign and develop the volume manufac-turing process for this element.Therm-O-Disc, an Emerson company,will assemble the sensor element into acommercial monitoring device. LiebertPower and Cooling, the committed enduser, will incorporate the monitoring Stage of Development
Mission Impact
Tech
nica
l/Com
mer
cial
Ris
k
High
High
Low
2010 TFSP Evaluation Summary Page 2 of 2
Technical RiskOverall Score = 4.12
Technical ReachNexTech's original proof-of-concept hydrogensensor element was actually performed usinga planar design, but it was transitioned to atubular design to better suit the fuel cell appli-cation it was targeting. However, to achievethe cost targets needed for the battery moni-toring application the manufacturing costsneed to be lowered and a planar sensor designlends itself to higher volume and lower costmanufacturing. The planar sensor developedwill be adapted for use in the current Liebertsensor network interface. NexTech will makethe sensor element and Therm-O-Disc willassemble the sensor into a finished monitor-ing system. Initial field-testing will be per-formed at Liebert Power and Cooling and otherlocations. The NexTech/Therm-O-Disc teamhas the expertise to address and resolve thetechnical challenges in the proposed project.
Resource LimitationsThe funds requested are projected to be suffi-cient to set up pilot level manufacturing andto test and qualify commercial prototypes ofthe planar hydrogen sensor system. NexTechexpects to support increased manufacturingcapacity through SBA loans and bank financ-ing and Therm-O-Disc will seek Emerson sup-port for the investments needed for marketentry-level production of the monitoring sys-tems. Both Therm-O-Disc and NexTech haveexperience in commercializing new products.
Technology ProtectionNexTech has one issued patent and three pend-ing related to sensor technology proposed.Specific patent protection (worldwide) for thehydrogen sensor technology was filed in 2005and issuance is expected this year. The teamhas experience with patent handling and willhave a joint development agreement in placecovering foreground and background IP.
H2 Sensor for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Sys-tems, 2007, $250,000
Market Readiness of Hydrogen Sensor forAdvanced Energy Applications, 2008,$549,000
TFSP 10-750
Hydrogen SensorManufacturing TechnologyNexTech Materials, Ltd.
Commercialization RiskOverall Score = 2.46
Path to MarketTherm-O-Disc provides a strong, immediatepath for applications in uninterruptable powersystem (UPS) rooms for datacenters viaLiebert Power and Cooling, as well as accessto other Emerson affiliates. Liebert has com-mitted to evaluate the monitoring system andis a likely candidate for initial commercialsales. Other markets and end-users are identi-fied, and the team has sales and marketingcapabilities to penetrate these opportunities.
Corporate StabilityNexTech was founded in 1994 and currentlyhas approximately 35 employees. The com-pany manufactures ceramic materials andcatalysts, and is developing sensors, fuelcells and fuel cell stacks. It has total annualrevenues of approximately $5 million.Roughly 70% of these revenues representcommercial sales and industrial develop-ment contracts. The remainder consists ofgovernment grants. Collaborator Therm-O-Disc has current sales of approximately $50million and about 300 employees. Therm-O-Disc and end user Liebert Power & Cool-ing are divisions of Emerson.
Commercial InfrastructureNexTech has established four commercial di-visions, has a five-year plan in place, and isrecruiting key individuals to implement it.While NexTech has internal sales and mar-keting capabilities to support its current busi-ness, for this project NexTech will rely uponTherm-O-Disc for market entry, initially toLiebert. Both team members will develop orexpand their manufacturing capabilities fortheir respective portions of the project.
Mission ImpactOverall Score = 7.79
Cluster FormationNexTech is solidly involved in the Ohio fuelcell cluster and has leveraged that involve-ment to identify the need for and developits hydrogen sensor technology. NexTechhas partnered with an established Ohio-based sensor system manufacturer, Therm-O-Disc. It has also enlisted an Ohio-basedsystem integrator, Liebert, to evaluate thefinal commercial product that also repre-sents a first customer for its own internaluses and for incorporation into its estab-lished commercial product line.
Ohio EconomicsNexTech projects sensor element sales willgenerate over $1.5 million in 2013, grow-ing to over $10 million in 2015. Thermo-O-Disc sales of complete monitoringsystems will be approximately double thosefigures. Based on these revenues, total jobgrowth for the two companies will be over40 in 2013 and over 200 by 2015.
Business ModelBoth team members are located in Ohio andhave structured the business plan for penetrat-ing an existing industrial market, with plansto penetrate other related industrial markets.NexTech has sufficient space at its facility inLewis Center, Ohio to accommodate productdevelopment, manufacturing, sales, and mar-keting activities to support its current businessand the growth that it is anticipating. Therm-O-Disc also has sufficient space and market-ing infrastructure to support the new productmarket entry and growth.
2010 TFSP Evaluation Summary
Mission Impact
Tech
nica
l/Com
mer
cial
Ris
k
High
High
Low
2010 TFSP Evaluation Summary Page 1 of 2
Scalable, Miniaturized, Low Cost Solid State Laser Systemsfor Sensor ApplicationsINNOVA, Inc.1st Round Score: 64.7 2nd Round Score: 80.2 Rank: 3
Proposal # TFSP 10-701Collaborators:FLIR/D-Diode, LLCInstitute for Development and Commercialization of Advanced Sensor Technology (IDCAST)Ladar and Optical Communication Institute (LOCI)University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI)
TFRDF Request: $848,000WCF Request: $0
TOTAL Request: $848,000Cost Share: $856,467
marketing. The team will generate threeprototype systems: one for UDRI/IDCAST to perform real life testing, onefor FLIR to incorporate into a weapon-mounted rangefinder, and one forINNOVA's life testing and market/rev-enue related activities.
Key IssuesINNOVA has unique capabilities tomake high power lasers at one-tenththe size and weight of competitivelaser systems. This opens up newopportunities for use as illuminatorsand rangefinders in UAVs as well asground troop hand-held systems(rifles).The miniature, high power diodelaser has been demonstrated in alaboratory setting, but a specificapplication design is only envi-sioned at this point. The projectproposed will create a demonstra-tion-level device that is expectedto attract sufficient end-user inter-est and support commercial-levelproduct prototypes.
Previous Ohio InvestmentINNOVA has not received any prior
Ohio funding.
Project DescriptionThe goal of the proposed project is
to reduce the size, weight, and cost of adiode pump laser that will enable theproduction of smaller size and lighterweight high-powered lasers for use in awider range of military applications.The smaller laser system will be usedas an illuminator and/or range finder forhand held systems and inside smallerunmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) fortactical and surveillance purposes.INNOVA, as the project lead, will con-vert the current laboratory demonstra-tion design into a demonstration-levelprototype. UDRI's LOCI will provideservices of their laser scientists, imageprocessing engineers, and integrationengineering capabilities. UDRI'sIDCAST will provide engineering ser-vices for integrating the laser illumina-tor with suitable camera. FLIR/D-Diodewill provide components and assist in
Stage of Development
Mission Impact
Tech
nica
l/Com
mer
cial
Ris
k
High
High
Low
2010 TFSP Evaluation Summary Page 2 of 2
Technical RiskOverall Score = 3.68
Technical ReachThe keys to miniaturization are INNOVA'snovel thermal management techniques. Byminiaturizing the size and weight of thehigh-powered laser by a factor of ten, theproposed laser system will be useable inmore military applications that require sig-nificantly smaller platforms. The applicanthas made a bench-top version of the minia-turized diode pumped laser, and is in theprocess of making a working demonstrationversion that is expected to be ready by Juneof 2010. INNOVA has strong technical ex-perience with designing, building, and main-taining lasers for military applications.
Resource LimitationsThe applicant has extensive technical ex-perience with lasers for military and com-mercial applications, has an existing laserrepair business for military laser systems,has formed a joint venture with FLIR (D-Diode to market high-power laser systems,has a working agreement with Zeiss, and hasrecently received an SBIR award from theNavy to continue development of miniaturelasers for small UAV's. The project budgetis projected to be sufficient for producingthe demonstration prototypes and revenuesfrom first adopter purchases and private in-vestors full product commercialization willsupport sales and marketing staff expansion.
Technology ProtectionINNOVA holds several patents in the field,including one for the novel thermal man-agement techniques enabling laser miniatur-ization. INNOVA and each collaboratingparty will be responsible for licensing theirown IP/technology. All collaborations willbe covered by NDA's.
No prior Ohio investmentsTFSP 10-701
Scalable, Miniaturized, LowCost Solid State Laser Systemsfor Sensor ApplicationsINNOVA, Inc.
Commercialization RiskOverall Score = 3.46
Path to MarketINNOVA is a JV partner with FLIR, theworld leader in thermal imaging infraredcameras and has a working agreementZeiss Optical, a manufacturer of highquality rangefinders. INNOVA will focuson the technical aspects of developmentand production, will provide products toZeiss and FLIR, and rely upon Zeiss andFLIR's extensive military business andcontacts for sales into military applica-tions. In a few years, INNOVA will inves-tigate other marketing channels forcommercial applications.
Corporate StabilityINNOVA, Inc. is the current name of an or-ganization that was established in the Day-ton area in 1981. INNOVA has designed,developed and commercialized high techproducts for the military, NASA, commer-cial and industrial applications. In late 2008INNOVA received a $500K loan from theDayton Development Coalition Entrepre-neurial Signature Program. In 2008 FLIRand INNOVA formed the joint venture D-Diode LLC with 51%-49% respective own-ership. INNOVA currently employsapproximately 15 people with current prod-uct sales of approximately $3M.
Commercial InfrastructureINNOVA has facilities for R&D, prototypeproduction, small volume manufacturing,laser repair, and a lab for MIL certification.Current sales are through the JV with FLIRand existing arrangements with Zeiss.INNOVA has sufficient existing manufac-turing capacity for the near-term forecastedsales, but will need to expand its marketingand sales staff as the markets develop.
Mission ImpactOverall Score = 7.83
Cluster FormationINNOVA has its roots in the University ofDayton, continues close working relation-ships with UDRI and the local military sen-sor/instrument cluster. INNOVA currentlyuses the Ohio supply chain for a variety ofsubcomponents. Zeiss closed other laserrepair facilities and shifted its repair workto the INNOVA facility, which furtherstrengthens the local cluster, as does the for-mation of D-Diode LLC in the Dayton area.
Ohio EconomicsINNOVA predicts sales of the proposedproduct will begin in 2010, ramping up to$8 million in 2012 and $21M in 2014.INNOVA also predicts the creation of ap-proximately 90 jobs by 2014, all in theDayton area.
Business ModelINNOVA has its headquarters, R&D facil-ity, manufacturing facility, and qualificationlab in its Centerville, Ohio facility. INNOVAhas product development and supply agree-ments with FLIR, and agreements with Zeissto manufacture and repair products for theirmilitary customers. After a few years,INNOVA plans to investigate the expansionof a sales and marketing force for commer-cial applications.
2010 TFSP Evaluation Summary
Mission Impact
Tech
nica
l/Com
mer
cial
Ris
k
High
High
Low
2010 TFSP Evaluation Summary Page 1 of 2
Advanced Modified Carbon Nanotube Based Nutrient SensorYSI, Incorporated
1st Round Score: 61.7 2nd Round Score: 73.1 Rank: 4
Proposal # TFSP 10-705Collaborators:Riehl Engineering Ltd.University of Cincinnati
TFRDF Request: $998,635WCF Request: $129,238
TOTAL Request: $1,127,873Cost Share: $1,127,873
is an enzyme-based electrode made fromcarbon nanotubes (CNTs). Riehl Engi-neering will provide electrochemicalengineering expertise and proprietarycatalyst-free CNTs for the sensor sub-strate. The University of Cincinnati(UC) will provide electrochemistryknowledge, electrochemical sensor de-sign expertise, and testing capabilitiesand requests funding for the purchaseof a specialized spectroscope that willallow electrode surface analysis. Spe-cific project objectives involve optimi-zation of the CNT electrode productionand enzyme application processes. YSIwill incorporate the DET sensor produc-tion into an existing production processresulting in a unique, second generationwastewater sensor product line. Thisnew technology appears to open thepotential for YSI to create sensors forother pollutants.
Key IssuesThe keys to YSI's proposed productare the CNTs produced by Riehl En-gineering. Although Riehl has suc-cessfully produced product for othercustomers, the specific enzymeloaded electrode has not been pro-duced at a manufacturing level andcost and consistency objectives haveyet to demonstrated. Riehl is a rela-tively new company adding risk tothe project success.The overall project is at relativelyearly Incubation Phase of the Com-mercialization Framework, but indi-cations are that the sensor sensitivityand specificity requirements areachievable. Productizing of the sen-sor is well within YSI's capabilities.
Previous Ohio InvestmentYSI received Technology Action
Fund (TAF) in 2003 to develop amicrofluidic-based instrument to per-form a complete immunoassay of watersupplies. The objective of that project,the proof of concept of the instrument,was successfully reached and YSI lever-aged that effort to gain a $929KUSDOD Plus-up grant (with UDRI) tofocus the technology on specific appli-cations. Further federal support led to atwo-stage device that included anImmunomagnetic Affinity Separatorand a microfluidic analyzer that wastested and favorably reviewed by theArmy. Testing continues at the USEPAand it remains under review for com-mercial introduction. However, theUSEPA has recently has changed thecontamination indicator requirementsfor drinking water, effectively diminish-ing the utility and commercial viabilityof this device as well as other E-colisensing methods. YSI has reassessed itsmicrofluidic approach and determinedthat the technical hurdles now beingfaced and the limited market potentialfor that technology dictate a new sens-ing approach is required. Although notleading to a commercial product, theTAF project led to the creation of about10 jobs and leveraged over $2 millionin federal funds.
Project DescriptionThe goal of the project is to develop
and commercialize a direct electrontransfer (DET) based sensor for accu-rate, on-line, in situ testing of nitratepollutant levels in wastewaters and ag-ricultural runoffs. The proposed sensor
Stage of Development
Mission Impact
Tech
nica
l/Com
mer
cial
Ris
k
High
High
Low
2010 TFSP Evaluation Summary Page 2 of 2
Technical RiskOverall Score = 3.90
Technical ReachRiehl Engineering has developed a uniqueprocess for producing ultra-small, cata-lyst-free CNTs that serve as the basis forthe proposed electrochemical sensor. YSIand Riehl have a developed method forapplying a proprietary enzyme to the CNTelectrode that specifically senses nitratecontent. Three generations of prototypesensor/electrode designs have been cre-ated and initial testing in typical "tap"water has shown a wide range of nitratesensitivity. Optimizing the CNT produc-tion process to lower cost and increaseproduct consistency and optimizing theenzyme deposition and coating processesis required as well as long-term testing.
Resource LimitationsThe project funding is expected to be suffi-cient for demonstrating a functional proto-type system against currently acceptednitrate sensing technologies. YSI will useinternal funding to bring the product to acommercial product. YSI is a leader in thefield of water contaminant sensing and hasexperience in commercializing innovativetechnologies. The UC's ElectrochemicalSensor Laboratory brings over $2 millionin equipment to support the technical efforts.
Technology ProtectionRiehl has a patent pending on its catalyst-free CNT production process and YSI haswell-established patent protection for itsline of multi-parameter sondes into whichthe nitrate sensor will be integrated. YSIwill own and have control of the IP asso-ciated with the several forms of the finalsensor product.
Rapid Detection of Bioterrorism Agents inWater Supplies, 2003, $904,141
TFSP 10-705
Advanced Modified CarbonNanotube Based NutrientSensorYSI, Incorporated
Commercialization RiskOverall Score = 1.80
Path to MarketYSI is a market leader in in-situ water qual-ity monitoring instrumentation and also hassales into the biomedical and food and bev-erage markets. Its current customer base hasvalidated the need for an inexpensive,fieldable and easy-to-use nitrate-sensingdevice. The USEPA has also verified thatsuch a device fills an unmet need for waterquality monitoring. The proposed devicecurrently has no competitive rival and YSIexpects that position will be maintained fornext several years.
Corporate StabilityYSI is a 60-year old, Ohio-based companywith its headquarters and the majority of itsoperations here. It employs about 350people with over 200 in Ohio. Annual salesare in the range of $50 to $100 million. YSIcontinues to show consistent organic growthand uses strategic acquisitions and internalR&D to maintain its business position.
Commercial InfrastructureYSI has a global sales, marketing, serviceand distribution network serving the waterquality, biomedical and food and beverageindustries. About 45% of its sales are out-side the U.S. YSI currently expends about60% of its purchasing with Ohio-based sup-pliers. A key supplier for the sensor pro-posed is Riehl, an Ohio based company thathas Ohio manufacturing partners.
Mission ImpactOverall Score = 6.67
Cluster FormationYSI is collaborating with Riehl, an Ohio-based company to develop the technologyproposed. UC is a key collaborator in theproposed project. Over many years, YSI hashad very close ties to the UC, routinely us-ing its electrochemical facilities and exper-tise. YSI is also a collaborator and activeparticipant in IDCAST.
Ohio EconomicsYSI expects to introduce the nitrate sen-sor into the market, generate over $2 mil-lion in sales and hire 6 new employees in2012. Sales are projected to grow to over$8 million by 2013 creating 10 additionaljobs and to $18 million by 2015 creatinganother additional 10 jobs. Riehl will alsocreate new jobs and revenues within Ohiofrom the sales to YSI. Ohio supply chainpurchases are expected to be comparableto current YSI levels.
Business ModelYSI will manufacture the water quality sen-sors and sonde systems in Ohio using itsexisting facilities and will continue to baseits sales and service operations here.
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Colorization and Resolution Enhancement of Airborne Wide-AreaPersistent Surveillance Sensors for Law Enforcement OperationsPersistent Surveillance Systems1st Round Score: 71.3 2nd Round Score: 72.2 Rank: 5
Proposal # TFSP 10-711Collaborators:Institute for Development and Commercialization of Advanced Sensor Technology (IDCAST)Univeristy of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI)University of Dayton
TFRDF Request: $906,315WCF Request: $0
TOTAL Request: $906,315Cost Share: $910,370
Key IssuesPSS is a small, relatively new companyand its technology base relies on thecompany principals. The economicprojections stated in the proposal ap-pear to be limited by a reliance on cus-tomer revenues for growth. Firm plansfor obtaining customer additions arenot fully developed.PSS has achieved success with itsinitial customers that are municipalor other government-related entities.Use of surveillance services by thesecustomers is driven by the availabil-ity of some form of nonlocal govern-ment support (e.g. federal). Unlesssuch support becomes more com-monplace, customer developmentmay be limited.PSS success rate in crime prevention/solving for its current customersmake a compelling value propositionfor its service and analysis offerings.
Previous Ohio InvestmentPersistent Surveillance Systems (PSS)
has not received any prior Ohio funding.
Project DescriptionPSS will develop an improved, sec-
ond generation version of its currentwide-area airborne surveillance(WAAS) system used by non-militarylaw enforcement agencies in their ef-forts to generate proof of violent crimesand other incriminating evidence thatleads to arrests and convictions. Theimprovements to the WAAS system in-clude the addition of color, increasingimage resolution, and widening the areaof coverage. PSS has previously definedthe system upgrade requirements utiliz-ing off-the-shelf components. PSS willprovide the main systems engineeringexpertise, develop the subsystems inter-faces, integrate and test all subsystems,and flight test the entire system.IDCAST will assist with componentengineering and software development.
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Technical ReachPersistent Surveillance Systems (PSS) hasan existing aerial surveillance service busi-ness generating revenues from an existing,proven WAAS system. As the result of lawenforcement agency feedback, the goal ofthe project is to increase the resolution (us-ing a commercially-available-off-the-shelfhigher resolution camera), increase the areaof coverage, add color to the aerial system,and improve on-board data processing anddata compression. These appear to beachievable improvements to a product cur-rently in use and generating revenue, andare well with in the capabilities of the team.
Resource LimitationsThe management team of PSS possesses thekey technology background in persistentsurveillance systems gained from their par-ticipation in major DOD programs in thatarea. PSS is small and capital limited re-sulting in a lack of resources for systemimprovement and business expansion. Thisproject supports the upgrades customershave requested.
Technology ProtectionPSS uses copyright protection for its pro-prietary software and trade secret knowhowon design and use of the camera array andinterface hardware. In particular, its elec-tronic stabilization algorithm, developed inpartnership with UD, is unique and advancesthe state of the art. Although, there are sev-eral companies developing aerial surveil-lance systems, most are focusing onUSDOD systems that have higher cost tol-erance. PSS appears to be first to offer com-mercial services and this is in line with itsgoal is to get into the market quickly to es-tablish a strong foothold.
No prior Ohio investmentsTFSP 10-711
Colorization and ResolutionEnhancement of Airborne Wide-Area Persistent SurveillanceSensors for Law EnforcementOperationsPersistent Surveillance Systems
Commercialization RiskOverall Score = 4.66
Path to MarketPSS has an existing customer base that issatisfied with its services and has requestedspecific feature enhancements. PSS will le-verage its success with current customersto gain additional clients that are interestedin its surveillance services and will be at-tracted by the new features. For the projectproposed, PSS has end-users willing toevaluate the upgraded service capabilities,but no end-user resources are being appliedto the project.
Corporate StabilityPSS was started in January 2007. Its salesof services and products are expected togenerate revenue of $1 million to $2 mil-lion in 2010. PSS employs and employs 10full time personnel. All profits are reinvestedinto the company to support its operations.PSS also has several DOD planned and pro-posed flight testing evaluations of its WAASsensor systems including those involved inthe Air Force SAFEGUARD Program ofRecord that provides PSS with nearly $5million over several years.
Commercial InfrastructurePSS has an existing service business basedout of a rented facility at Green County(Ohio) airport. The planes are leased, andthe hardware, software, and ground basedsupport equipment are owned by PSS. Allemployees are focused on current opera-tions, and no separate sales/marketing in-frastructure exists. PSS has an existingproven product, has supporting assets, andhas an existing customer base.
Mission ImpactOverall Score = 7.30
Cluster FormationPSS is closely connected to the AFRL sen-sor directorate at WPAFB and has part-nerships with several other Ohiocompanies that support that activity. PSScurrently uses Dayton-area suppliers forhardware and software components andUD and ICAST to assist in developmentefforts. PSS headquarters will be in Ohioand the hardware/software technologyproposed will be developed here. Currentservices are being used by organizationsoutside Ohio, but the service proposed isapplicable anywhere and PSS will marketits service throughout North America.
Ohio EconomicsPSS will be headquartered in Ohio and pro-vide centralized information and analyticalservices from here. The surveillance servicebusiness is expected to grow to $9 millionin revenues by 2013 and over $15 millionby 2015. Job creation in Ohio is tied to thenumber of surveillance systems placed inservice. PSS projects over 50 Ohio jobs by2013. By 2015 surveillance service sales areprojected to support up to 90 Ohio jobs.
Business ModelPSS provides surveillance services thatwill use the upgraded sensor system. PSSwill assemble the airborne and groundsupport equipment required for each cus-tomer and provide aerial surveillance ser-vices anywhere in North America. Baseoperations and supporting services willremain in Ohio. PSS will generate thewide area images for direct clients use andwill also offer post-surveillance analysisservices from its Ohio base.
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Sensor And Fusion Enhancement (SAFE) ProgramL-3 Communications Nova Engineering
1st Round Score: 68.3 2nd Round Score: 71.1 Rank: 6
Proposal # TFSP 10-729Collaborators:Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) (San Diego, CA)
University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI)
TFRDF Request: $689,550WCF Request: $0
TOTAL Request: $689,550Cost Share: $1,122,636
gedized product for military use, imple-ment SAIC's sensor fusion algorithmwithin Nova's imager to allow inputfrom a sensor network and transitionboth to a stand-alone sensor system fortarget detection. After successfully in-tegrating the team's technologies, Betatesting by current Nova customers willbe performed with the project's end-de-liverable being delivery of the first pre-production products to customers.
Key IssuesNova's economic impact projectionsresulting from the proposed productappear very conservative based onthe potential markets described.Nova indicates that the conservativeestimates are due to internal account-ing constraints built into its businessplanning process.While the proposed product is basedon the integration of demonstratedtechnologies, a prototype of the inte-grated product has yet to be built andvalidated—the objective of the project.Nova has made excellent technicalprogress on the handheld RF detectiondevice supported by Ohio funding, butthe commercialization progress is be-hind schedule and the projected eco-nomic impacts are accordingly lagging.
Previous Ohio InvestmentL3 Communications Nova Engi-
neering (Nova) is the lead on an OhioResearch and Commercialization GrantProgram project that is creating ahandheld radio frequency detector ini-tially for use by the military. The detec-tor has been prototyped and the Armyis currently evaluating 4 units. Pilot pro-duction, DOD qualification, militaryexercises and initial marketing activi-ties are 60% to 80% complete. Due todelays in the project's start and extendedmilitary qualification, the economicdevelopment projections are behindschedule by about 1 year. Three jobshave been created at Nova to date, butsales have not yet begun.
Project DescriptionThe goal of the Sensor and Fusion
Enhancement Program is to develop andcommercialize a low-cost, ground-basedsensor system that extracts detectioninformation from multiple, individualsensors (geophones and magnetometers)and combines the data to produce asingle, highly reliable target detectiondecision. The device proposed combinesproven radio and camera technologyfrom Nova with sensors and softwarefrom SAIC. Specifically the projectgoals are to integrate SAIC's sensorswith Nova's transceivers to form a rug-
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Technical RiskOverall Score = 3.16
Technical ReachSAIC's sensors (e.g. geophones and magne-tometers) and associated software and Nova'stransceiver are existing components with dem-onstrated capabilities. The integration of thesensor fusion software and graphic user inter-face development represent the major techni-cal challenges for the project. The activitiesproposed in the project tasks appear to be ad-equate for resolving the challenges and creat-ing a complete prototype device forperformance validation.
Resource LimitationsThe technology proposed is derived fromindividual, similar products that Nova andSAIC already provide the military. TFSPfunding and cost share are sufficient to ac-complish the project goals and the projectteam has strong, proven technical, commer-cial and management credentials. Both com-panies have experience in new productintroduction for military applications. SAICand Nova will support full product commer-cialization using internal resources and con-tinued military funding.
Technology ProtectionSAIC wholly owns the sensor processingtechnology and related software and hasagreed in principle to an IP arrangementallowing Nova field-of-use exclusivity.Nova wholly owns the transceiver and tar-get detection algorithm IP. Both compa-nies protect their IP as trade secrets, anapproach that experience has shown to bea more effective method for protecting IPthan patents in this area.
Handheld Emissions Detector Commercial-ization, 2008, $350,000
TFSP 10-729
Sensor And FusionEnhancement (SAFE) ProgramL-3 Communications NovaEngineering
Commercialization RiskOverall Score = 2.06
Path to MarketNova and SAIC have well-established sales/marketing networks to military, law enforce-ment agencies, and certain industrial mar-kets. The U.S. DOE, Homeland Security andU.S. Border Patrol have expressed interestin the product proposed and have agreed toparticipate in validation testing of proto-types developed in this project.
Corporate StabilityNova was founded in 1989 and became partof L3 Communications, a $1 billion/yeardefense contactor, in 2006. Nova has 3 busi-ness units, the largest being the AdvancedTechnology Unit that generates about $25million of Nova's $40 million/year revenues.Nova is profitable, and has approximately170 employees, the majority in Ohio.
Commercial InfrastructureNova has proven product development ex-perience, an effective existing sales, ser-vice and marketing arm, existing Ohiomanufacturing facility, and experiencednetwork of component and service sup-pliers. Nova has traditionally used Ohiosuppliers for materials and services whenpossible. In 2009, nearly $3 million wasexpended on Ohio suppliers.
Mission ImpactOverall Score = 6.43
Cluster FormationNova is closely tied to the instrument, con-trol and electronics cluster centeredaround WPAFB. It collaborates with UDand IDCAST and has engaged UDRI/IDCAST to assist in project proposed.Nova uses the Ohio based supply chain,and will continue to use the Ohio supplychain for this project. Nova is in discus-sion with an Ohio company to support in-theater repair and servicing.
Ohio EconomicsNova has established operations in Ohioand recently hired 35 new employees. Thepotential market for the proposed prod-uct is over $100 million per year, butNova's business plan is purposely de-signed to be very conservative in its nearterm revenue forecasts. Nova projects thatinitial sales for the proposed product willbegin in 2011 and generate $19 million incumulative sales by 2015, creating at least7 new Nova jobs and several more in thesupply chain. Specific proposed productrevenue forecasts for 2012 through 2014are about $5 million annually.
Business ModelNova has current manufacturing capabilityfor product at the "thousands-level". Whenthis capacity is exceeded, it will seek out-side manufacturing contractors and will at-tempt to source this with Ohio companies.In all cases, product flow will be out ofNova's Ohio facility and Nova will marketand support its products as it does with itsexisting products.
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Advanced Optical Sensors and Instruments for AlternativeEnergy Aerospace and Other Industrial ApplicationsLake Shore Cryotronics, Inc.1st Round Score: 66.3 2nd Round Score: 62.0 Rank: 7
Proposal # TFSP 10-753Collaborators:The Ohio State University (OSU)
TFRDF Request: $853,109WCF Request: $145,795
TOTAL Request: $998,904Cost Share: $999,064
Key IssuesWhile strong interest from produc-ers/integrators of fuel cell powergeneration systems has been re-ceived, the market projections forsensor sales to these potential cus-tomers will be dependent on theirbusiness projections. The market forthe power generation systems hasbeen slow to develop and thoughexpectations are that the growth is"beginning to turn the corner", theprojections suggested still have to beconsidered high risk. LSC under-stands the potential for hydrogen sen-sor application related to vehicles isfurther out and it carries even ahigher risk for potential market tim-ing. Research applications appear tobe strongest near-term market.Successful developments stemmingfrom the OSU sensor work mayprove to provide more attractivenear-term markets, but the size of andrequirements for these markets arenot fully defined at this point andthus the economic impact potentialis less developed.The project appears to be in a rela-tively early stage of the IncubatingPhase of the CommercializationFramework with several technicalchallenges likely to be faced.
Previous Ohio InvestmentLake Shore Cryotronics has not re-
ceived any prior Ohio funding.
Project DescriptionThe goal of the project is to further
develop a fiber optic sensor reading tech-nology capable of measuring hydrogen,force, and electrical properties in harshenvironments. Building on a proprietarydetector technology Lake ShoreCryotronics (LSC) has licensed, LSC willinitially produce a fiber optic-based hy-drogen sensor. In parallel, LSC's collabo-rator, OSU will focus on force related(pressure, torque, strain, acceleration) andelectrical related (electrical and magneticfield) sensors. Specific project objectivesinclude creating the first complete instru-ment prototype for hydrogen sensing andconducting lab-scale performance tests atLSC; creating force sensors at OSU and apressure sensor with an end-user partner.LSC will purchase and install amicromachining computerized numericalcontrol center for sensor construction andeventual manufacturing. OSU requestsfunding to purchase and install opticalinstrumentation and two tunable lasers tosupport its efforts. Hydrogen sensors readyfor beta release will be produced and pro-totype force sensors will be the end-de-liverable of the 2-year project.
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Technical RiskOverall Score = 5.26
Technical ReachOver the last five years, LSC has been de-veloping a fiber optic temperature sensorusing similar technology and expects thatproduct to be introduced early this year.A proof-of concept hydrogen sensor wasmade and characterized in 2007 and us-ing licensed technology from that workand applying proprietary technology li-censed from Palo Alto Research Corpo-ration (a Xerox Company), LSC will buildthe proposed first prototype hydrogensensing system and the platform for a mul-tiple sensor reading system.
Resource LimitationsThe applicant has received an award fromthe NSF for a STTR Phase 2, and has beena participant in past SBIR and STTR pro-grams and it appears work on the hydrogensensor was put on hold when that fundingended. LSC has strong technical capabili-ties, and expertise in commercializing prod-ucts into their core markets. It indicates theTFP funding will be sufficient to accomplishthe project objectives and will internallyfund the follow-on commercialization ac-tivity. If needed strategic partners or ven-ture capital support will be sought.
Technology ProtectionBoth patents and trade secrets protect LSC'scurrent product lines. For the sensor productproposed, LSC has two technology licensescovering the critical portions of the proposedfiber optic sensors and sensor system. Six pat-ents cover the licensed technology. LSC hasreviewed the patent literature and believe thatno patents block its technology.
No prior Ohio investmentsTFSP 10-753
Advanced Optical Sensors andInstruments for AlternativeEnergy Aerospace and OtherIndustrial ApplicationsLake Shore Cryotronics, Inc.
Commercialization RiskOverall Score = 4.02
Path to MarketLSC has an established sales/marketingforce (domestic and international) servingrelated application markets, has receivedinterest from potential customers and hasidentified some specific market opportuni-ties for the proposed hydrogen sensor/sys-tem. Customers have indicated theirwillingness to evaluate prototype sensingsystems. However, there are no end-usersactively involved in the project. Lower costand ability to safely operate in flammablegas and harsh environments are claimed asthe technology’s unique features.
Corporate StabilityLSC is a privately held company formed in1968. LSC is profitable, has annual sales ofover $20 million and currently employ ap-proximately 100 personnel. The introduc-tion of fiber optic-based sensor products ispart of the company's overall strategic plans.LSC augments sales and corporate stabilitywith strategic technology acquisition anddivestiture. LSC has a history of success-fully obtaining USDOD grants and currentlyhas an STTR Phase 2 award from NSF (withthe University of Pittsburgh) related to fi-ber optic sensors. USDOD has given LSC a95% technology commercialization rating.
Commercial InfrastructureThe applicant has an established domesticand international sales/marketing/supportdepartment, and established manufacturingand R&D departments for scientific instru-ments, sensors, and materials characteriza-tion systems. LSC currently uses a base ofOhio component and material suppliers andplans on continuing to use this Ohio supplychain to support the sensor system proposed.
Mission ImpactOverall Score = 5.73
Cluster FormationThe applicant has been in Ohio and in the sen-sor business for 40 years, uses Ohio employ-ees, and supports the Ohio supply chain. Thisproject will utilize The Ohio State Universityfor extending the sensor development in theareas of force and electrical measurement. TheIP comes from outside Ohio, and some of thepieces of the specialized equipment requiredwill come from non-Ohio suppliers. A localpressure and load cell company is expected tobe a near-term direct end-user of the LSC prod-uct, but the major end-users for the hydrogensensor will likely be outside Ohio.
Ohio EconomicsLSC forecasts sales of $200K beginning in2010 creating 4 new jobs. By 2013 salesare projected to reach $11 million creatingover 50 new jobs and ramping up to over$25 million by 2015 creating over 100 jobs.The cumulative sales estimate for the six-year period is approximately $64 million.However, the sales forecast relies on thegrowth of hydrogen power generation mar-kets over the next 5 years and other hydro-gen related markets. Thus, LSC's forecastsfor economic impact have a higher risk levelas hydrogen-based systems have a historyof delayed implementation.
Business ModelLSC has sufficient manufacturing space atits current facilities to handle the produc-tion of the proposed sensors and systems.While LSC has targeted fiber optic sensorsas a strategic growth area, the sensor sys-tem capability for other than hydrogen mea-surements may prove to be more attractive.If the business projections for the proposedtechnology are reduced, LSC's businessplans could be affected.
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Piezoelectric Mass Flow Sensor for Online Control of FuelFlow Schedule in Advanced Commercial and Military GasTurbine EnginesParker Hannifin Corporation, Gas Turbine Fuel Systems Division1st Round Score: 77.0 2nd Round Score: 60.7 Rank: 8
Proposal # TFSP 10-718Collaborators:Viking AT, LLC (Sarasota, FL)
TFRDF Request: $297,000WCF Request: $0
TOTAL Request: $297,000Cost Share: $297,008
for military gas turbine engines. Theproposed sensor will be designed forand sold into both industrial and mili-tary mass flow control applications.
Key IssuesEconomic impacts resulting from theproject are conservative, but longerrange than targeted by the TFP. Thisis mainly due to the longer accep-tance time required for a sensor sys-tem that will be integral to a criticalsystem such as a turbine engine.The sensor technology proposed ispotentially a disruptive approach tomass flow measurement that couldfind additional markets not yet ex-plored and currently not served byParker GTFSD.Funding to support continued commer-cialization activities is expected fromParker Hannifin. This product willneed to complete with other ParkerHannifin investment opportunities.
Previous Ohio InvestmentParker Hannifin Corporation’s Gas
Turbine Fuel Systems Division has notreceived any prior Ohio funding.
Project DescriptionThe goal of the project is to develop
and commercialize a novel, high-perfor-mance, low-cost sensor for measuringmass flow rates of liquids and gassesusing a proprietary piezoelectric plat-form. The Gas Turbine Fuel SystemsDivision (Parker GTFSD) of ParkerHannifin will lead the development ef-fort. Viking AT brings expertise in thearea of piezoelectric technologies andthe specific product proposed and iscollaborating on the project to providetechnical guidance on manufacturingand characterization of the piezoelec-tric device, analysis of test results, de-velopment of electronic drive circuits,and design improvements. ParkerGTFSD will initially develop and testsensors for industrial applications, thenoffer the product for monitoring fuels
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Technical RiskOverall Score = 4.00
Technical ReachParker GTFSD has demonstrated proof-of-concept and generated performance data forthe piezoelectric actuator design. This criti-cal piezoelectric component has alreadybeen commercialized. Technical challengesremain to incorporate the piezoelectric ac-tuator and design the sensor system for massflow sensing in specific applications and theproject will lead to the first fully functionalprototype system. The applicant's team hasthe background knowledge and expertise toresolve the technical challenges.
Resource LimitationsParker GTFSD has expertise in developingnew products for gas engines used in mili-tary and aerospace applications and alsoindustrial processing applications, and theproposal team has the background and ex-perience to conduct the proposed project.Parker Hannifin invests significant dollarsinto its R&D division infrastructure. IfParker GTFSD's project team demonstratessuccess in meeting the development objec-tives of the proposed project, the parentcompany may invest $2 million to advancethe project to the next level.
Technology ProtectionParker GTFSD has a significant portfolioof patents for a wide range of sensor andcontrol technologies, including those cov-ering the IP related to the proposed sensortechnology. Additional patents are pendingthat are expected to give Parker GTFSD fullcontrol of the core technology.
No prior Ohio investmentsTFSP 10-718
Piezoelectric Mass Flow Sensor forOnline Control of Fuel FlowSchedule in Advanced Commercialand Military Gas Turbine EnginesParker Hannifin Corporation
Commercialization RiskOverall Score = 2.46
Path to MarketThe proposed mass flow sensor is a support-ing component for the gas turbine fuelnozzles, which are the primary products forParker GTFSD. The path to market for themass flow sensor is through Parker Hannifinand its established marketing, sales and ser-vice organization. Full commercial successof the mass flow sensor depends upon adop-tion into the military aerospace engine fuelnozzle business, but industrial applicationsoffer a smaller, but near-term market andthe Parker GTFSD will test the initial massflow sensor in a confidential, non-militaryindustrial application. Entry into the indus-trial market will require Parker GTFSD tobecome more familiar with the industrialapplications and requirements via the com-mercial arm of the parent company.
Corporate StabilityParker GFTSD is headquartered in Ohiowith 120 employees currently located here.Parker Hannifin has recently invested $4million into a new GTFSD and R&D facil-ity in Mentor, OH. Overall Parker GTFSDemploys over 600 people in five locationsin the U.S, Europe and Asia. Parker GTFSDis a major supplier of fuel nozzles for mili-tary and commercial jet engines.
Commercial InfrastructureThe proposed product is intended for use withParker GTFSD's main product line at the Ohiofacility, where the sales, marketing, and manu-facturing activities have been previously es-tablished. The critical piezoelectric componentfor the proposed sensor will be manufacturedby a sister division outside Ohio and shippedto the Ohio facility for final assembly, sales,and distribution.
Mission ImpactOverall Score = 5.15
Cluster FormationParker Hannifin products cross several ofOhio key technology clusters, including sen-sors and control systems. Parker routinelyis involved with Ohio initiatives related tothese clusters. Parker GTFSD uses Ohio-based "approved" companies for machining,quality systems and the majority of systembalance of materials. It plans on expandingits Ohio supplier base to include electron-ics, although the actuator component of thesystem will come from a sister companyoutside Ohio.
Ohio EconomicsAt the end of the 3-year project, and basedupon acceptance by a military sub-market,the applicant forecasts $1 million in salesby 2015, ramping up to $25 million by 2020.The project will create 2 new jobs immedi-ately, 2 more in 2014 and 3 more in 2015.Job creation in excess of 50 is expectedwithin 5 to 7 years after project completion.
Business ModelParker GTFSD's business model is to intro-duce the initial product for specific indus-trial applications (e.g. boilers) that do notrequire the extensive testing and certifica-tion requirements associated with the tur-bine engine application. Using performancefeedback from these applications, ParkerGTFSD will be in a stronger position to in-troduce its sensor system for application inmilitary and commercial turbines. With cus-tomer acceptance, the applicant plans toexpand the manufacturing operation for theproposed product.
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Target Detection and Tracking Using Airborne Weather RadarSTAR Dynamics Corporation
1st Round Score: 72.0 2nd Round Score: 58.3 Rank: 9
Proposal # TFSP 10-734Collaborators:Honeywell International (Phoenix, AZ)
The Ohio State University (OSU)— Electro Science Lab
TFRDF Request: $1,000,000WCF Request: $0
TOTAL Request: $1,000,000Cost Share: $1,000,000
and consulting. The resulting MARSproduct will enable the flight deck con-trol panel to transition easily betweenweather detection and target detectionwith a single on-board system.
Key IssuesThe economic impacts projectedfrom the project appear based on re-alistic sales projections forHoneywell systems, but represent alower than average return for Ohio'sinvestment. While a much larger po-tential exists as this product isadopted into various aircraft plat-forms, the magnitude and timing forresultant impacts are only specula-tive at his time and likely to occurfarther in the future than that desiredby the TFP.The capabilities offered by the pro-posed STAR enhancements wouldappear to position Honeywell's prod-uct in a superior position to anycompetitor's product. Honeywell'sresource investment seems moderateat best for gaining such a uniqueproduct capability.
Previous Ohio InvestmentSTAR Dynamics has not received
any prior Ohio funding.
Project DescriptionThe project goal is to develop and
certify a multifunctional airborne radarsystem (MARS) for commercial andmilitary aircraft. The project will takeHoneywell's current airborne weatherradar system (IntuVue) and add detec-tion and tracking capabilities that willfacilitate its use for search & rescueoperations. Star will later add aerialavoidance capabilities to prevent colli-sions with other aircraft or slow objects(birds, balloons, etc), and ground colli-sion avoidance capabilities to preventrunway accidents. In this project, STARDynamics (STAR) will evaluate the cur-rent Honeywell system to identify thenecessary hardware/software changesneeded for adding the desired features,design and build the add-on electron-ics/software, and test and certify the newsystem. Honeywell will provide the cur-rently deployed IntuVue radar systemand act as technical consultant. TheOhio State University Electro ScienceLab will provide technical assistance
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Technical RiskOverall Score = 4.54
Technical ReachSTAR is confident it can develop the hard-ware and software solution required to pro-vide the proposed tracking and detectionfeatures, but laboratory-scale versions ofthese add-ons have not yet been produced.STAR believes the addition of tracking anddetection functions does not present signifi-cant challenges and it proposes having aprototype ready for flight-testing within 18months. STAR has previous experience withdeveloping digital radar systems and com-ponents, including products for militarystealth applications.
Resource LimitationsSTAR has a strong technical team andclaims the project funding is adequate toachieve the proposed project objectives. Ithas previously commercialized similar hard-ware and software products for the aviationindustry. Honeywell and STAR resourceswill be used to complete the commercial-ization of the enhanced IntuVue product.
Technology ProtectionSTAR and Honeywell have nondisclosureagreements that prohibit divulging or in-dependent use of the other party's propri-etary information for 10 years. STAR willdevelop and own the IP from the targetdetection and tracking portion of theproject for its sole use.
No prior Ohio investmentsTFSP 10-734
Target Detection and TrackingUsing Airborne Weather RadarSTAR Dynamics Corporation
Commercialization RiskOverall Score = 2.66
Path to MarketHoneywell, with established presence in thecommercial and military aviation markets,is the current, sole path to market for theSTAR software and add-on electronics.STAR will produce a unique product withprice and performance advantages for a cer-tain market segment currently served byHoneywell. The dual capability (weatherradar and target detection/tracking) in asmall, lightweight system will open addi-tional market segments to Honeywell. In-terest has been expressed by someend-users, but none are providing resourcesfor the project.
Corporate StabilitySTAR Dynamics was started in 2008 andis headquartered in Hilliard, OH, but it isthe descendant organization of a companyfounded in Powell, Ohio in 1988 (Lintek).It was acquired and sold by Aeroflex. Inc.in 1995 and is now owned by a privateequity interest. Current annual sales areabout $20 million with projections fordoubling revenues by 2012. It employsabout 100 personnel. STAR has extensiveexperience in the development and pro-duction of digital radar systems for mili-tary and commercial applications.
Commercial InfrastructureSTAR has well-established sales/marketing,product development, and low volume, cus-tom manufacturing operations based at theHilliard facility supporting its digital radarsystem product lines. STAR has severalOhio suppliers on its approved supplier listand Aeroflex and two Honeywell subsidiar-ies in Ohio are potential suppliers for theenhanced IntuVue product.
Mission ImpactOverall Score = 4.90
Cluster FormationSTAR is a part of the existing radar tech-nology cluster in Ohio that stems from theOSU-ESL, a collaborator in the project.STAR takes advantage of the trainedworkforce from OSU and indicates one ofits goals is to build relationships with Ohiosensor technology suppliers. With respectto final product sales, the end-user isHoneywell and its customers are major air-craft producers that are not located in Ohio.
Ohio EconomicsIn its proposal and question responses,STAR projected sales of the components itwill produce for Honeywell will begin in2015 and generate revenues of $1.25 mil-lion annually through 2017. Two new jobswill be created at the beginning of the pro-gram and will ramp up to 5 jobs by 2014.Longer-term revenues from STAR compo-nents to Honeywell level out at $2.5 mil-lion annually. A much larger potential forthe product exists, but the timing for itsadoption is not clear.
Business ModelHoneywell will be the sole market for theproduct developed in this project.Honeywell and STAR have agreed on alicensing arrangement for sharing the in-cremental value from the add-on capabil-ity. A sale of STAR to Honeywell is notcontemplated or planned, but is a possi-bility. STAR intends to condition any suchsale on the operations and workforce re-maining in Ohio.
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The Development of Low-Cost 3D Models That Will Lead toSustainable Advantage in Geospatial MarketsWoolpert, Inc.1st Round Score: 66.7 2nd Round Score: 57.0 Rank: 10
Proposal # TFSP 10-755Collaborators:Air Force Research LaboratoriesTidex Systems (Ramat Gan, Israel)
University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI)
TFRDF Request: $994,000WCF Request: $0
TOTAL Request: $994,000Cost Share: $1,010,920
rain and interior room modeling mod-ules. The 3D images will be used bycommercial architectural/engineeringfirms, municipal and commercial orga-nizations, and security/defense/intelli-gence agencies. Tidex, a 4-personsoftware contractor to the Israeli mili-tary, will update the software algorithmsof its existing 3D software to be suit-able for current computer platforms.Woolpert will develop and add the userinterface software to the Tidex software.The University of Dayton Research In-stitute and the Air Force Research Labo-ratory will provide engineering, testingand consulting support.
Key IssuesThe Air Force is providing valuablesupport for the project, but its in-terest appears to be the longer-termpotential for the technology to pro-vide real-time 3D imaging. Targetcustomers are not participating inthe project.The Woolpert, Tidex, IDCAST JV -i23D, was created to market 3D im-aging services to U.S. clients. It doesnot appear to have a role in thisproject. The market responsibilitieswould seem to overlap withWoolpert's service business.As a software-based business, theproject, other than for technical sup-port, does not leverage any signifi-cant Ohio supply chain opportunitiesand near-term Ohio economic ben-efits are moderate.
Previous Ohio InvestmentAlthough Woolpert has not received
a prior TFRDF award, this grant pro-posal for the development of low-cost3D models builds on UDRI's WrightProject (WP) program known as theCenter for UAV exploitation (CUE) andUD's Wright Center of InnovationIDCAST. UDRI has experienced greatsuccess with Ohio Third Frontier Pro-grams. The University has been the re-cipient of five Wright Project (WP)awards and one Fuel Cell Demonstra-tion Award. In addition, UD has been alarge collaborator on two other WrightCenters of Innovation Centers, OhioCenter of Advanced Propulsion (OCAP)and Center for Multifunctional Poly-mers and Nano Devices (CMPND), andis a lead institution on an Ohio ResearchScholars Award. Lastly, UD is the leadinstitution of the Wright Center of In-novation known as IDCAST. IDCASTplays an integral role in the operationof the CUE and is important to theprogram's success.
Project DescriptionThe goal of the project is to create
fast, accurate, cost-effective 3D mod-els from the output of standard, com-mercially available, two-dimensional(2D) digital video cameras. Woolpertwill capture ground based and aerialvideo camera images of terrains, build-ing exteriors, and building interiors, anduse the proposed software to process theimages into 3D models. Specifically theend-users tools proposed are urban ter-
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Technical RiskOverall Score = 6.86
Technical ReachTidex will update and upgrade its existing3D algorithms for use on current platformsfrom its 4-man operation in Israel. Woolpertwill develop and add the user interface soft-ware, and test the system. While the con-cept was demonstrated with a simple versionof the proposed system, there are signifi-cant programming and data processinghurdles to overcome by Tidex. The usermust provide manual decisions concerningcomplex surface features in order for theprogram to complete its processing. Thisincreases the post-processing time for gen-erating the 3D image. The proposed prod-uct heavily depends upon the Tidex work,which will be performed outside the USA.
Resource LimitationsWoolpert's history dates back to 1911 andit currently has over 600 employees and 20offices nationwide. Approximately 350 ofits technical staff focus on geospatial work.Woolpert has estimated the time and invest-ments needed to bring the proposed soft-ware products to market and the fundingrequested in the project proposed is ex-pected to be sufficient for producing a com-mercial prototype for testing in 18 months.Woolpert will rely on Tidex, a small, butwell-funded Israeli company for the basetechnology software development.
Technology ProtectionThe project will utilize existing IP ownedand controlled by each the collaborators. Anon-disclosure agreement is in place be-tween all of the collaborators as is an IPhandling arrangement for IP developed inthe project. The algorithms to be upgradedare based on over $10 million in develop-ment support by Israeli military agencies.
No prior Ohio investmentsTFSP 10-755
The Development of Low-Cost3D Models That Will Lead toSustainable Advantage inGeospatial MarketsWoolpert, Inc.
Commercialization RiskOverall Score = 3.98
Path to MarketThe proposed services/products will be tar-geted at a small group of existing Woolpertand IDCAST clients. The USAF is provid-ing cost share to the project and has com-mitted to test the software on variousformats including UAV video files. Otherthan the USAF, no end-users are participat-ing in the project, but Woolpert believes thatit will be able to better approach the tar-geted customers after the product is devel-oped and tested by the USAF. At that pointit will and offer them 3D video imaging ser-vices. Technology licensing and/or softwaresales will be considered later after the ser-vice business is established.
Corporate StabilityWoolpert is an established geospatial de-sign, engineering firm providing servicesand technologies to federal, local/state, andprivate sector clients. The applicant wasfounded in 1911, and has a solid D&B fi-nancial rating (3A3).
Commercial InfrastructureWoolpert has an established sales networkfor reaching customers in the military, fed-eral and local government, and law en-forcement agencies. i23D, a JV of Tidex,Woolpert and IDCAST, was formed inOhio to provide 3D imaging products andservices based on the current Tidex tech-nology. It is not clear what role i23D has,if any, in the commercial infrastructure forthe proposed technology.
Mission ImpactOverall Score = 5.45
Cluster FormationWoolpert is a well-established Ohio com-pany with a long history of geospatial re-lated sensor technology. Woolpert is apartner in a JV that has brought an imag-ing technology company to Ohio and isconnected to the geospatial technologycluster forming around IDCAST and theCUE. In this project, Woolpert is relyingupon Tidex, the non-Ohio partner in theJV, for the critical core software relatedto the proposed project.
Ohio EconomicsThe forecasted sales for the proposed ser-vices/products are projected to be approxi-mately $1 million beginning in 2012/2013,and approximately $7 million by 2015. Tennew jobs are projected for 2012/2013 andup to 35 by 2015.
Business ModelWoolpert's core business approach is thatof a service provider. Therefore, its ini-tial business plan is to provide services/products based on the 3D modules pro-duced in this project and it will target ex-isting Woolpert and IDCAST mapping andarchitect/engineering clients. A long-termbusiness plan, yet to be developed, willaddress the approach for possible salesand support of software.
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Real-time E. coli Detector Using COntaminant SensorNETwork (COSNET)UES, Inc.1st Round Score: 66.0 2nd Round Score: 50.4 Rank: 11
Proposal # TFSP 10-752Collaborators:EDAptive Computing, Inc.The Ohio State University (OSU)— Meant Sciences Laboratory
TFRDF Request: $999,916WCF Request: $0
TOTAL Request: $999,916Cost Share: $1,000,000
quent tasks include validating the decisionsupport system, field testing, and assemblingtwo commercial-level products—a hand-held device for water quality testing and asensor network for meat processing plants.Woolpert, the distribution partner for watersensing applications, will make the productavailable to its customer base in water appli-cations. The Ohio State University MeatSciences Laboratory will assist in testing theproposed product in the meat processing in-dustry at Bob Evans in Ohio. UES plans tobegin manufacturing both products within 5years of project initiation.
Key IssuesIn 2003, Ohio funded another applicant’sdevelopment of a strain-specific detectorfor E. coli. That applicant also licensedbinding technology from the Universityof Cincinnati, but development of a vi-able product took longer and requiredmore resources than originally antici-pated. Although that project claimed tech-nical success, the decision was made notto commercialize the product. During thecourse of its development, EPA changedits regulatory approach to E. coli and de-cided to pursue a different regulatory strat-egy measuring total fecal coliform or totalE. coli as indicator organisms. This hasreduced the need for a strain-specific de-tector for E. coli in surface waters. Thisinformation was subsequently confirmedby senior personnel at USGS, the organi-zation responsible for surface water moni-toring.The market for this product would be sig-nificantly larger if there were a standardfor E. coli O157:H7 and a requirement totest for it in surface waters and sewagetreatment plants. Changing federal waterstandards to specifically address E. coliO157:H7 is likely to consume significantamounts of time and resources. UES isplanning to hold discussions with EPA inthe near future.
Previous Ohio InvestmentUES received a 2008 ORCGP grant of
$339,588 to commercialize Titan Coat, asurface treatment coating that was being ap-plied to die core pins at Honda to triple theirlife. UES reqested the ORCGP funding tohire a business development person and toscale-up its commercialization effort. UEShas only expended $54,000 of the ORCGPfunding and has requested an extension forthis project because production slow-downsin the automotive industry have made it dif-ficult to conduct field trials. UES is using amanufacturing consulting company as itssales arm. Sales of this product were nearly$800,000 in the 2 years prior to the ORCGPaward, and another $800,000 of product hasbeen sold since in the 2 years since the award.One FTE job has been created (0.5 FTE inR&D and 0.5 FTE in Production). Projec-tions at the time of the award were $2 mil-lion in annual sales with the creation of 7new jobs by 2010 and $5 million in annualsales with a total of 12 jobs by 2013.
Project DescriptionThe goal is to develop a real-time, pas-
sive, commercially viable sensor system thatdetects and distinguishes between harmfuland non-harmful strains of E. coli in foodand water. UES is trying to develop a bio-sensor that can detect E. coli O157:H7, Shigatoxin 1 and Shiga toxin 2 in less than 5 min-utes. UES is the lead and will coordinate thedevelopment of the sensor platform and thecomputer network that assesses the type ofE. coli strain. The sensor platform utilizes apatented bio-molecule that has been licensedfrom the University of Cincinnati. EDAptiveInc. will develop the hardware and softwarefor the computer network, and UES will havethe exclusive license from EDAptive Inc. forits patented system. The work plan for thisproject includes optimizing the technicalparameters for EDAptive's BioSwitch sens-ing platform to reliably and accurately de-tect the quantity of specific strains of E. coli.present in water and meat samples. Subse-
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Technical RiskOverall Score = 5.74
Technical ReachUES has produced an initial sensor proto-type that responds to the desired strain ofE. coli. Full characterization of the sensorresponse is still to be completed, and thekey technical challenges remain to be iden-tified. Concurrently, UES will begin workon an NSF Phase I SBIR that will fund theinitial assembly and testing of the sensorwith lab-created and real world samples.EDAptive has developed and commercial-ized a software framework called Syscapefor analysis and optimization of systems andprocesses. Syscape will be leveraged fordecision support and user interface with theE.coli sensor.
Resource LimitationsUES plans to seek additional support for thisproject from EPA, FDA, and USDA SBIRfunding that will sustain it through 2014.UES indicates that it anticipates that thesesources will provide additional financialsupport for field-testing, field implementa-tion, manufacturing, and customer adapta-tion. If these monies do not materialize, UESplans to commit its own resources.
Technology ProtectionThe University of Cincinnati has a patenton the strain-specific binding agent and hasagreed to exclusively license it to UES. UESdescribed plans to submit a preliminarypatent application for the sensor in January2010 and a full patent application a yearlater. EDAptive holds the patent on the soft-ware. Both companies will contribute IP tothe Joint Venture to be formed. The indi-vidual institutions will own the IP, and roy-alties will be paid for resulting licenses.
Wear-Resistant Coatings for the Automo-tive Industry, 2008, $339,588
TFSP 10-752
Real-time E. coli Detector UsingCOntaminant Sensor NETwork(COSNET)UES, Inc.
Commercialization RiskOverall Score = 6.88
Path to MarketUES plans to apply this sensor first to sur-face run-off water, then to NPDES dis-charge water, and finally to meatprocessing facilities. UES will rely uponWoolpert, an A&E firm with expertise insewage treatment plants, to bring the prod-uct to its customers, and will rely uponBob Evans to field test the proposed de-vice in meat processing plants.
Corporate StabilityUES is a privately owned research and tech-nology development company establishedin 1973 that currently has 140 employees.The majority of its revenues have come fromover 190 SBIR and STTR awards. UES hascommercialized 2 software products thatwere subsequently sold off and a COTS "fullmil spec" ruggedized computer that gener-ated $65 million in annual sales before be-ing sold. UES is currently commercializinga coating for die casting (earlier ORCGPaward) and automated 3-D microstructurecharacterization equipment.
Commercial InfrastructureUES and EDAptive have entered into anMOU stating that once the E. coli sensortechnology is mature, a joint venture willbe created to market and sell this product.They estimate that $1 million will be re-quired to test and set-up the business devel-opment staff and manufacturing facilities.The joint venture will have access to the lightmanufacturing space at UES headquartersand to the UES finance, accounting, con-tracts and human resource functions. Salesand marketing staff should be in place by2012. Additional funding is being soughtfrom SBIRs, the Mentor-Protégé program,and congressional monies.
Mission ImpactOverall Score = 5.18
Cluster FormationThis product will represent UES's initialentry into the sensor market. UES is work-ing closely with EDAptive, another Ohiocompany, to jointly develop this product thatwill incorporate IP from the University ofCincinnati. Bob Evans and Woolpert, bothOhio organizations, will be involved in theend-use testing of this product.
Ohio EconomicsUES plans to produce commercially viableE. coli sensors within 3 years and to estab-lish manufacturing capabilities within5years. Sales revenues of $100,000 are an-ticipated in 2013 and $500,000 in 2015.UES plans to create 9 jobs by 2013 and re-tain 5 jobs. It intends to hire 5 additionalemployees in 2014 and retain 2 more jobsby 2014. UES estimates that it will hire ap-proximately 75 people between 2015 and2020 to support this business.
Business ModelThe business entity commercializing thisproduct will be the yet-to-be-formed jointventure between UES and EDAptive. De-tails about its staffing and funding remainto be developed. The joint venture intendsto create a light manufacturing operationutilizing COTS components in an existingUES facility. Earlier UES commercializa-tion efforts have resulted in the sale of simi-lar spin-out organizations.
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Wireless Implantable Biomedical SensorH-Cubed, Inc.
1st Round Score: 63.0 2nd Round Score: 41.6 Rank: 12
Proposal # TFSP 10-774Collaborators:Cleveland Clinic BioMEMS Lab and Polymer LabEarles & AssociatesSimuTech Group—CentralSouthworth & AssociatesValtronic Technologies
TFRDF Request: $799,564WCF Request: $32,000
TOTAL Request: $831,564
The Cleveland Clinic BioMEMS Labwill work closely with team membersto design and test the sensor. Valtronicwill work with team members to designand package the sensor. Southworth &Associates will provide consulting ser-vices for medical device regulatory af-fairs. Earles & Associates will provideconsulting services for business andtechnology development.
Key IssuesThe proposal indicates that the totalworld-wide market for this device inhydrocephalus shunt monitoring is$40–60 million annually, and thereare a number of potential competi-tors for this niche. Other marketsmay exist in monitoring clotting inhemofiltration cartridges and intra-vascular grafts and stents, and moni-toring intraocular and intradiscalpressures that would enlarge themarket opportunity to over $100 mil-lion, but the work plan for thisproject does not address these areas.H-Cubed estimates that it will require$5.8 million in additional capital be-yond this project to demonstrate firsthuman use of the pressure sensor inhydrocephalic shunts. There currentlyis only a reference to obtaining thisfunding from major medical devicecompanies, equity financing, founda-tions and the federal government. Theapplicant intends to rely on a consult-ant to create a resource acquisition planduring the project period.The business case for this product re-mains to be developed, and it alsowill be a project task.
Previous Ohio InvestmentH-Cubed has not been the lead on
any prior TFP projects, but has received$215,000 in Ohio funds from GlennanMicrosystems. These funds were usedto develop high-resolution ultrasonictransducers, wireless pressure sensors,and silicon microneedles. H-Cubed hascompleted an initial feasibility study onthe ultrasound transducer and hopes tobegin pilot production in late 2011 or2012. The wireless pressure sensorproject which was initiated in 2005–2006 has attracted $1.4 million in addi-tional SBIR support over the last 3years. Two spin-off companies havebeen created to target the orthopedic andophthalmology markets, and both arepursuing external funding. H-Cubedplans to supply sensors to these compa-nies in 2013 for clinical trials beginningin 2015. The silicon microneedle projecthas been put on hold because of the suc-cess of the drug-eluting stents.
Project DescriptionThe goal of the project is to develop
a long-term, in vivo (inside the patient),micro-miniature pressure sensor that canbe wirelessly monitored to assess thefunctionality of the implanted shunt sys-tem that relieves the build-up of intrac-ranial pressure in hydrocephalus ("wateron the brain") patients. H-Cubed is theproject leader. The proposed productwill be marketed under the brandnameInteleFLOWTM. SimuTech will simulatethe mechanical, electromechanical, andthermomechanical behavior of the in-tracranial pressure sensor module, andcapture flow and pressure conditionswithin the intracranial pressure system.
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Technical RiskOverall Score = 7.80
Technical ReachH-Cubed has demonstrated bench-topproof-of-concept and preliminarybiocompatibility. The project is focused ondetermining technical parameters, compo-nent design, and system design in order toproduce demonstration devices leading toan in vivo canine study at the end of thisproject. This canine study is expected to lastan additional 6–12 months beyond the endof the project and will be a key componentto attracting funding. There are many tech-nical and regulatory hurdles remaining be-fore the product will be ready for clinicaltrials and commercialization.
Resource LimitationsThe work plan for this project involves a singleindividual from H-Cubed who has both tech-nical and commercialization experience withMEMS devices. He is dependent upon out-side funding and services provided by collabo-rators and consultants to execute the work plan.If this individual becomes unavailable duringthe project period, it is not apparent how theproject will be managed.
Technology ProtectionThere are a number of patents that have is-sued to H-Cubed competitors that may coverthe same end-use application. H-Cubed claimsthat it has not found any prior art that describesits sensor chip design approach or the use ofan in-line module to monitor shunt function-ality. H-Cubed and the Cleveland Clinic havejointly filed 3 patent applications for wirelesssensor monitors and are waiting for these pat-ents to issue. The team will apply for patentson any innovations that arise from this projectand will share ownership. If third party pat-ents are found that augment H-Cubed's patentportfolio, licensing will be pursued.
No prior Ohio investmentsTFSP 10-774
Wireless ImplantableBiomedical SensorH-Cubed, Inc.
Commercialization RiskOverall Score = 7.26
Path to MarketH-Cubed plans to market its wireless MEMSsensor product to the four major shunt manu-facturers for incorporation into their prod-uct. With this strategy, H-Cubed intends toleverage the existing sales and distributionchannels of these device manufacturers toreach the ultimate end-user, the surgeon. H-Cubed has had discussions with one of theshunt manufacturers who indicated that itwould be interested in becoming a poten-tial commercialization partner, if the projectobjectives were met.
Corporate StabilityH-Cubed is a privately owned, 2-personcompany founded in 2002. It uses lab spaceat the MEMS laboratory at the ClevelandClinic, but conducts business operationsfrom the owner's home. The company gen-erates revenues from development services,consulting, and in-house project develop-ment that is funded through federal grantsand corporate sponsors. The company's rev-enues from 5 different projects have totaledless than $1 million during the past 3 years.
Commercial InfrastructureH-Cubed currently has limited manufactur-ing capabilities for the ultrasonic transducerincluding mixing and filtration of the rawpolymer material, shaping the transducers,and chip separation. It plans to establishclean room manufacturing facilities within18 months after completion of this project.During the project period, it will rely onconsultants and collaborators to perform themodeling, construct and assemble the sen-sor modules, handle regulatory issues, andmanage the program.
Mission ImpactOverall Score = 4.65
Cluster FormationThe applicant has teamed with Ohio-basedorganizations in the Ohio biomedical devicecluster. SimuTech Group will provide CFDmodeling of the sensor module and mechani-cal FEA of the sensor packaging. Valtronicswill provide sensor module assembly and pro-totype manufacturing. The Cleveland Clinicwill be responsible for characterizing and vali-dating sensor performance and prototyping thesensor module housing. CurrentlyMEMSCAP, Inc. (Durham, NC) is develop-ing and manufacturing the sensor chips, butH-Cubed is evaluating the possibility of usingMidwest MicroDevices in Toledo.
Ohio EconomicsH-Cubed plans to begin selling alpha pro-totypes in 2014 and beta prototypes in 2015.Sales of these products would generate rev-enues of $600,000 in 2014 and $900,000 in2015. This project is expected to create 4jobs at H-Cubed in 2013 and 16 jobs by2015. H-Cubed also indicates that it willretain 2 existing jobs in 2013 and a total of6 jobs by 2015. Additional modest job cre-ation is projected at the Cleveland Clinicand at contract manufacturers.
Business ModelH-Cubed plans to subcontract chip manufac-turing through existing semiconductor andMEMS foundries, but it intends to establishits own manufacturing for specialized, value-added processing steps such as wafer-levelpackaging techniques and device testing. H-Cubed hopes to become a component supplierfor the shunt manufacturers. As a componentsupplier, H-Cubed will rely on its customersto provide sales, marketing, distribution, andtechnical support.