Red River Valley Research Corridor

DOE invites applications for the SunShot Incubator Program

Ryan Aasheim — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 22:22:50 +0000

The DOE invites applications for the SunShot Incubator Program to support novel, non-incremental technology capable of achieving cost-reduction goals in any area of solar energy deployment. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Photovoltaics;
• Concentrating Solar Power;
• Balance of Systems;
• Power Electronics;
• Tools to Reduce Non-Hardware Costs;
• Plug-and-Play Wiring and Installation Techniques; and,
• Energy Storage.

Approximately $12 million may be made available to support up to nine awards. Eligibility is restricted to for-profit organizations. Concept papers are due Apr 9; applications are due May 29. More information regarding DE-FOA-0000651 is available at: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/sunshot/financial_opps_detail.html?sol....

NDSU Establishes Two New Centers of Research Excellence

Ryan Aasheim — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 22:38:22 +0000

NDSU receives $1.35 million to develop 2 unique Centers of Excellence - The Center for Life Sciences Research and Applications and the Center for Technologically Innovative Products and Processes (CTIPP).

The North Dakota Centers of Excellence Commission has approved $1.67 million to fund two new Centers of Research Excellence at North Dakota State University, Fargo. NDSU will receive $1.35 million to develop a new Center of Research Excellence (CORE) called the Center for Life Sciences Research and Applications. Based at NDSU, the Center will conduct life sciences research with private partners, including Sanford Research and the RJ Lee Group, Inc. The Centers of Excellence Commission also approved $320,000 to establish the Center for Technologically Innovative Products and Processes (CTIPP) at NDSU. Initially, the CTIPP will partner with industrial companies such as Mid-America Aviation, Amity Technology, and Arkema, Inc., assisting with product research, testing, evaluation and analysis.

“These two new research centers are promising economic development projects for the state of North Dakota,” North Dakota Commerce Commissioner, Al Anderson, said. “Centers of Research Excellence projects help us leverage the talent and research expertise that exists in our state.”

ABOUT THE NEW NDSU CENTER FOR LIFE SCIENCES RESEARCH AND APPLICATIONS (CLS)
Sanford Research, headquartered in Sioux Falls, S.D., and Fargo, N.D., plans to partner with the new Center for Life Sciences Research and Applications at NDSU for research on human genomics and bioinformatics. Initial focus is expected to include breast cancer research and research into certain rare diseases in children.

Sanford Research and RJ Lee have committed to contribute cash and in-kind contributions totaling $2.7 million to the Center for Life Sciences Research and Applications over a period of more than four years.

“Sanford Research is pleased to partner with NDSU in this important health research initiative,” Ruth Krystopolski, executive vice president of development & research, Sanford Health said. “We share the belief in and enthusiasm for the application of genomic information toward novel clinical trials, next-generation therapies and cures. Already, advances in clinical genomics have enhanced translational research activities in type 1 diabetes, breast cancer and child-hood rare diseases among other disciplines at Sanford Research. This project will allow for an even greater level of integration between scientific discovery and the doctor's office, and most importantly, improve care for the patients we serve in our region.”

In addition, the RJ Lee Group, Inc., a major supplier of industrial forensic capabilities, plans to work with the Center for Life Sciences Research and Applications at NDSU and the NDSU DNA Laboratory to develop next generation DNA-based identification and forensic tests and methods. Based in Monroeville, Penn., the group was founded by North Dakota native, Richard J. Lee.

The goal of the Center for Life Sciences Research and Applications is to combine the resources and capabilities of multiple private sector partners interested in the life sciences, with NDSU’s research and development capabilities for life science-related technology or product development.

“These Centers will be a significant addition to NDSU’s research efforts benefiting our state’s economy, while leading to opportunities for students, both in their studies and in their future careers. The Centers provide technology-based economic stimulation that can only come from the comingling of research university and business development activities,” said NDSU President Dean Bresciani.

“NDSU’s involvement in these exceptional research partnerships will involve graduate and undergraduate students participating in research activities by the Center and its partners. In parallel with this CORE effort, NDSU also plans to offer additional opportunities for postgraduate studies and research in genetics and bioinformatics,” said Bruce Rafert, NDSU provost and vice president for academic affairs.

“This new Center builds upon NDSU’s expertise in robotics, computational sciences and informatics. It can also serve as another catalyst in the burgeoning life sciences industry cluster in the Red River Valley, further contributing to technology-based economic development,” said Philip Boudjouk, vice president for research at NDSU.

The Center will initially focus on discoveries and technologies generated by NDSU and private sector partners which has the potential to:
-Encourage growth of the life sciences industry sector in North Dakota and promote
technology-based economic development
-Spur growth of computational research and sciences, particularly in bioinformatics,
-Spur growth of genomics research, and
-Spur growth of DNA-based forensics and identification research and applications

Genomics involves studying the function and interactions of all genes in the genome. Such research can involve humans, plants or animals. In the case of human genomics, researchers use biological roadmaps to find which genes might be involved in diseases such as cancer. In the case of plants, it might be which genes play a role in crop disease and performance. In the case of animals, genomics research can lead to a better understanding of disease resistance and susceptibility.

Vast amounts of scientific data are generated in the study of genomics. Bioinformatics uses computational technologies to manage and analyze all the research information that is generated. Computer technology can be used to uncover information hidden in large masses of data, helping to better diagnose and treat diseases in humans, plants and animals.

ABOUT THE NEW NDSU CENTER FOR TECHNOLOGICALLY INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS AND PROCESSES (CTIPP)
This new Center at NDSU stems from requests from private sector partners of existing NDSU Centers of Excellence to engage in commercially-relevant research projects involving the entire product supply chain, including: material design and selection, researching process improvements, testing and evaluating product prototypes, analyzing product failure, and research to improve products. The Center will focus on market-driven research to enhance products, reduce production costs, and improve processes.

Center partners will utilize NDSU’s expertise in such areas as materials characterization, corrosion research, chemistry and engineering. Another goal of the program is to promote the use of technological developments that have a cost effective, but positive environmental effect in the energy industrial cluster in the western part of the state.

Initial partners in this new Center of Research Excellence at NDSU include: Mid-America Aviation, a leader in the aerospace industry based in West Fargo, N.D., Amity Technology, a leader in agricultural equipment applications, in Fargo, N.D., and Arkema, Inc., a global producer of industrial chemicals, performance products and vinyl products, based in King of Prussia, Pa., that is developing products to better serve the needs wind-based energy production, a growing energy segment in North Dakota.

The three initial private sector partners have committed cash and in-kind match contributions totaling $640,000 for the new research Center.

“The Center of Research Excellence program will provide substantial benefit to Mid-America Aviation by enabling us to leverage the great facilities and personnel at North Dakota State University to provide research support for our development of new overhaul and manufacturing technologies,” said Randall D. Herman, chief operating officer, Mid-America Aviation, West Fargo, N.D. “This partnership with the state of North Dakota, North Dakota State University, and Mid-America Aviation represents the best possible utilization of public and private resources to enhance business opportunities in our region, to grow our business, and to provide better employment opportunities to our workforce.”

CTIPP will also enable NDSU students to participate in industrially relevant research. “This new industrial research Center offers opportunities for both industry and students,” said Philip Boudjouk, vice president for research at NDSU. “It will conduct commercially-relevant research driven by the market, helping companies solve product supply chain problems, while giving students substantial research experience in this business sector.”

The new Center will work with industrial partners from the beginning of the industrial supply chain through to finished products.

DoD to Announce Solicitation of 2012 Phase 1 SBIR and STTR Proposals

Ryan Aasheim — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:52:58 +0000

On or about Feb 28, the Department of Defense (DOD) will announce its first solicitation of 2012 for Phase One Proposals for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs. Over 60 research topics across four DOD entities will be eligible for funding under this announcement. Multiple awards may be made in each research topic. Eligibility is restricted to U.S. small businesses. Proposals are due mar 28. More information regarding DoD-STTR-2012-A is available at: http://www.acq.osd.mil/osbp/sbir/solicitations/sttr2012A/index.shtml.

DARPA seeking proposals for the Power Efficiency Revolution for Embedded Computing Technologies

Ryan Aasheim — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:16:40 +0000

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency invites proposals for the Power Efficiency Revolution for Embedded Computing Technologies (PERFECT) program to support research that will lead to technologies and techniques to overcome the power efficiency barriers that currently constrain embedded computing systems capabilities and limit the potential of future embedded systems. Multiple awards are anticipated. Eligibility is unrestricted. Abstracts are due Feb 23; proposals are due Apr 16. More information regarding DARPA-BAA-12-24 is available at: https://www.fbo.gov/spg/ODA/DARPA/CMO/DARPA-BAA-12-24/listing.html.

The goal of the Power Efficiency Revolution For Embedded Computing Technologies (PERFECT) program is to provide the technologies and techniques to overcome the power efficiency barriers that currently constrain embedded computing systems capabilities and limit the potential of future embedded systems. The abstract is due February 23, 2012 and proposal is due April 16, 2012.

Defense Threat Reduction Agency invites proposals to support Chemical and Biological Defense Research

Ryan Aasheim — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:49:45 +0000

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency invites proposals to support Chemical and Biological Defense Research in the areas of detection, hazard mitigation, diagnostics and therapeutics. Multiple awards may be made available. Eligibility is unrestricted. Proposals are due Mar 13, 2012. More information regarding HDTRA1-12-CHEM-BIO-BAA is available at: https://www.fbo.gov/spg/ODA/DTRA/DTRA01/HDTRA1-12-CHEM-BIO-BAA/listing.html.

The purpose of this Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) is to solicit research proposals for Chemical and Biological Defense Program, Defense Threat Reduction Agency requirements for the Chemical and Biological Technologies Directorate New Initiatives BAA for the FY12-13.

The Chemical and Biological Technologies Directorate, in its continuing mission, seeks new and innovative ideas for experimental and theoretical development of technologies to fill DOD requirements for chemical and biological defense. The goal is to identify and select science and technology projects that can be transitioned to joint acquisition programs.

ANTENNALESS RFID TAGS DEVELOPED AT NDSU SOLVE PROBLEM OF TRACKING METAL AND LIQUIDS

Ryan Aasheim — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:48:18 +0000

Tracking and identifying metal objects can prove difficult for some radio frequency identification (RFID) systems. A patent-pending technology developed by a research team at the Center for Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) at North Dakota State University, Fargo, could solve these RFID tracking problems. The antennaless RFID tag developed at CNSE could help companies track products as varied as barrels of oil to metal cargo containers.

A typical RFID tag is made up of an integrated circuit (IC) and an antenna. While there are different types of tags available, many don’t work well on metal objects or on containers filled with liquid. Previous attempts to solve this problem have resulted in bulky tags that are easily destroyed by routine handling. Researchers at the NDSU Center for Nanoscale Science and Engineering have developed a patent-pending novel approach, with an antennaless RFID tag, allowing for an inexpensive and manufacturable product tracking solution that meets EPCglobal® Standards.

The CNSE research team includes Cherish Bauer-Reich, research engineer; Dr. Michael Reich, senior research engineer; and undergraduate electrical engineering student Layne Berge. The group’s research will be presented at the 2012 IEEE International Workshop on Antenna Technology (iWAT-2012) to be held March 5-7, in Tucson, Ariz., with presenters from more than 15 countries expected to participate in the event. The research presentation titled “Low-profile, high-permeability antennaless RFID tags for use on metal objects” is scheduled for March 5.

“Most RFID tags that are to be used on metal objects are made by placing an antenna on a spacer, making them between 0.5 and 3 cm thick, depending on the type of tag,” said Cherish Bauer-Reich, research engineer. Such tags can be easily damaged because they stick out so far. The tags developed by NDSU CNSE are less than 3 mm thick and are placed directly on the metal, or could be recessed into the surface of a metal container.

“The tags we’ve developed actually use the metal container as an antenna, rather than having to make and place another antenna on top of the container,” said Bauer-Reich. “Many types of tags have to be spaced away from metal, since it changes the electromagnetic fields around the tags and destroys their ability to communicate. These tags, however, use the metal container as the antenna to transmit information. Because of this unique property, these tags can be used to tag anything from coffee cans at a grocery store to barrels of oil or metal cargo containers, with minimal concern about losing or damaging the tag.”

High-permeability materials divert current into the tag’s integrated circuit. Tags using high-permeability materials in such a way are significantly thinner than those developed using other methods.

The antennaless RFID tag technology developed at NDSU CNSE was developed with support under Grant Number N00189-10-C-Z055, awarded by the U.S. Department of Defense, Office of Naval Research.

The patent-pending technology is available for licensing/partnering opportunities through the NDSU Research Foundation. www.ndsuresearchfoundation.org/images/pdf/RFT-375 Flyer III.pdf

Photo Identification for NDSU_RFID_tag_bottle_vert
A patent-pending technology developed by a research team at the Center for Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) at North Dakota State University, Fargo, could help companies track products as varied as barrels of oil to metal cargo containers. The antennaless RFID tag developed at CNSE is less than 3mm thick and uses the metal container as the antenna to transmit information.

About NDSU CNSE
NDSU’s Center for Nanoscale Science and Engineering, Fargo, North Dakota, USA, conducts multidisciplinary research with partners in government, industry, private and university sectors. CNSE’s scientific capabilities include flexible electronics and materials, electronics miniaturization, wireless sensors, RFID, bioactive materials, combinatorial science, and coatings technologies. www.ndsu.edu/cnse

About iWAT-2012
The International Workshop on Antenna Technology (iWAT) is an annual IEEE forum for the exchange of information on the-state-of-the-art in innovative antenna technologies. The Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) iWAT-2012 is scheduled for March 5-7 in Tucson, Ariz. www.certain.com/system/profile/web/index.cfm?PKWebId=0x2789402711

About North Dakota State University
North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA, is notably listed among the top 108 U.S. public and private universities in the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education’s elite category of “Research Universities/Very High Research Activity.” As a student-focused, land grant, research institution with more than 14,000 students, NDSU is listed in the top 40 research universities in the U.S. without a medical school, based on research expenditures reported to the National Science Foundation. At the 55-acre NDSU Research & Technology Park, faculty, staff and students work with private sector researchers on leading-edge projects. www.ndsu.edu/research

NSF Offers Grants for Universities to support Scholarships in STEM

Ryan Aasheim — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:44:19 +0000

The Directorate for Education & Human Resources invites proposals from institutions of higher education to support Grants to Support Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) for academically talented students demonstrating financial need, enabling them to enter the STEM workforce or STEM graduate school following completion of an associate, baccalaureate or graduate-level degree in related disciplines. Approximately $70 million may be made available to support up to 100 awards. Eligibility is restricted to institutions of higher education. Proposals are due Aug 14. More information regarding NSF-12-529 is available at: http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf12529.

This program makes grants to institutions of higher education to support scholarships for academically talentedstudents demonstrating financial need, enabling them to enter the STEM workforce or STEM graduate schoolfollowing completion of an associate, baccalaureate, or graduate-level degree in science, technology, engineeringor mathematics disciplines. Grantee institutions are responsible for selecting scholarship recipients, reportingdemographic information about student scholars, and managing the S-STEM project at the institution.
The program does not make scholarship awards directly to students; students should contact their institution’sOffice of Financial Aid for this and other scholarship opportunities.

Register for the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Action Summit 2012

Ryan Aasheim — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:32:02 +0000

The Red River Valley Research Corridor: Unmanned Aviation Systems Action Summit 2012 will focus on developing and strengthening the Nation’s growing unmanned systems industry and advancing the call to develop responses to some of the pressing issues, challenges, and opportunities.

Join us at the 6th UAS Action Summit to hear from presenters, including industry leaders, policy makers, entrepreneurs and researchers, who will discuss and explore actions the region, and nation, can and is taking to foster strong, sustainable growth in the unmanned systems sector.

This year’s theme “From Battle Field to Farm Field” will examine an entire spectrum of important measures our nation and the industry must consider and prepare for to meet the ongoing use and growth of unmanned, or remotely piloted, systems within the national airspace in defense and commercial applications. Many of the answers to these questions are being pursued through the development and advancement of restricted airspace and advanced sense and avoid technologies.

Hear from leading experts, industry leaders, and federal policy makers on a range of other important topics including FAA test sites and restricted airspace, emerging UAS training, precision agriculture and other civilian/commercial applications. Over 450 UAS professionals attended the event last year.

Event Date: May 22-23, 2012

Location: Alerus Center, Grand Forks, ND

Register Here for the 2012 UAS Summit!

Become a sponsor or exhibitor

Precision Ag Summit Receives National and Regional Coverage

Ryan Aasheim — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:55:07 +0000

Local and regional press and news organizations took notice when over 250 people showed up in Jamestown, North Dakota for the 1st ever Precision Ag Summit hosted by the Red River Valley Research Corridor and North Dakota Farmers Union.

Read what local and regional publications had to say

According to the January 23 story in Agweek, "Precision agriculture is an evolving process that's going even more high-tech. Prescription agriculture is just starting, and the technology is reaching down into the food people eat. That's the message from an array of scientists and equipment providers, who spoke at the newly-launched Precision Agriculture Summit in Jamestown, N.D., organized by the Red River Valley Research Corridor and hosted at the North Dakota Farmers Union headquarters."

Read this story and those of other media outlets regarding the proceedings of the 2012 Precision Ag Summit by clicking on the links below.

Crop Life Agriculture Often Requires A Different Perspective
Farm and Ranch Guide- Plane crazy: Tiny UAVs scouting crops and livestock'
Ag Week - 'Are you with me?'
Jamestown Sun - Precision ag an evolving science
KFYR TV News - Conrad Details Strategy for National Ag Legislation
Precision Ag Network - Catlett Shares Thoughts On Precision Agriculture
American Ag Radio Network - Precision Ag Action Summit brings Lanny Faleide to talk mobile & remote sensing technology
Prairie Business Magazine - ACTION SUMMIT: Highlighting agricultural innovation
Prairie Business Magazine - ACTION SUMMIT: Precision Agriculture Summit provides evolution of agronomic practices

In addition, speaker presentations are now available.
Access speaker presentations here

Precision Ag Summit welcomes 250 attendees

Ryan Aasheim — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:12:02 +0000

The 1st ever Precision Agriculture Action Summit hosted by the Red River Valley Research Corridor and North Dakota Farmers Union welcomed over 250 ag producers, agronomists, crop advisors, researchers, and business leaders to Jamestown, North Dakota on January 16 and 17.

Access speaker presentations here

Attendees heard from industry experts, practitioners, and technology developers on various precision ag technologies and applications. Keynote speakers who addressed the crowd included U.S. Senator Kent Conrad, Futurist Dr. Lowell Catlett, and Economist Terry Griffin from the University of Arkansas.

Dr. Paul Gunderson, director of the Dakota Precision Ag Center at Lake Region State College in Devils Lake, said precision agriculture is still an advancing technology.

“It is clear, based on the research, the technology has come of age and does work,” he said. “Now the challenge is to implement it in production agriculture.”

Gunderson said implement dealers will need precision agriculture technicians in the near future.

Access speaker presentations here