National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) today announced funding for 20 new research projects under its Technology Innovation Program (TIP), including projects ranging from unmanned, hovering aircraft for inspecting bridges to a high-speed sorting system for recycling aerospace metals to nanomaterials for advanced batteries. The cost-sharing awards represent up to $146 million in new research over the next two to five years with up to $71 million in funding provided by TIP.
The NIST Technology Innovation Program supports innovative, high-risk research in new technologies that address critical national needs. The merit-based, competitive program provides cost-shared funding for research projects by single small- or medium-sized businesses or by joint ventures that also may include institutions of higher education, nonprofit research organizations and national laboratories.
The 20 projects announced today were selected from a TIP competition announced on March 26, 2009, seeking projects addressing two broad areas of national interest, the practical application of advanced materials including nanomaterials, advanced alloys and composites in manufacturing, and the monitoring or retrofit of major public infrastructure systems, including water systems, dams and levees, and bridges, roads and highways.
A complete list of the 2009 TIP awards, with additional information on the competitions, may be found in the NIST news release "U.S. Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology Invests up to $71 Million in New Manufacturing, Infrastructure Research and Development."