MEDIA ALERT
Contact: Cody Allred
Idaho Commerce
208.334.2470
cody.allred@commerce.idaho.gov
Idaho Department of Commerce Announces IGEM Grant Recipients
BOISE, Idaho (May 18, 2021) – Idaho Commerce is pleased to announce the latest recipients of two Idaho Global Entrepreneurial Mission (IGEM) grants. IGEM funds are awarded to Idaho public research universities to partner with industry leaders on research projects geared toward commercialization.
On Tuesday, May 11, the IGEM Council awarded the University of Idaho with a grant in the amount of $206,624 to assist industry partner, Hempitecture Inc. with research and development on their natural fiber insulation product called HempWool®. The project team will conduct insulation, fire resistance and thermal conductivity tests. This cooperative effort will advance HempWool®, as a pioneering sustainable product in the building industry.
“This innovation means exciting changes to the building industry in Idaho and beyond,” Idaho Department of Commerce Director Tom Kealey, said. “We are excited to see this public-private partnership between Hempitecture Inc. and the University of Idaho.”
The Council also approved funding in the amount of $125,522 to Boise State University for research and development in the advancement of a new coating technology for fiber optics and sensors in harsh environments. BSU will work together with industry partner, Fiberguide, a Molex company, on the development of metal-coated Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) for the aerospace, energy, oil and gas industries.
“This new coating approach leverages our world class research strengths within our Idaho universities,” Kealey said. “The commercialization potential from this public private partnership will enhance Idaho companies and customers globally.”
This fiscal year, the IGEM Council has awarded $820,240 for research on innovations that benefit Idaho and beyond.
Please visit the IGEM website at https://igem.idaho.gov for program and application information.
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