May 12 2014
The Optical Society (OSA) today congratulated the 19 grant winners of the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Advanced Manufacturing Technology Consortia (AMTech) Program.
NIST announced $9 million in awards for industry-driven consortia “to develop technology roadmaps aimed at strengthening U.S. manufacturing and innovation performance across industries.” OSA CEO Elizabeth Rogan issued the following statement:
- “The AMTech grants announced today provide an important opportunity for the U.S. to continue on its path of leadership in the advanced manufacturing marketplace.
- “We are pleased to see two funded awards related to photonics. The University of Rochester is developing industry roadmaps and seeking to establish a national photonics-based manufacturing institute, while a team from the International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative is addressing hardware challenges of integrated photonics manufacturing.
- “The success of these winning proposals is also due, in part, to the public expression of support in Washington, D.C. from the U.S. photonics community, particularly from the National Photonics Initiative (NPI). OIDA—an OSA division—is aligned with the goals of the NIST grants, and has been working closely with key public-private stakeholders to emphasize the need for government support of these consortia and other specific photonics programs.”
Today’s grants, ranging from $379,000 to $540,000 each, are the first round given by NIST’s AMTEch Program and are awarded to universities and nonprofits organizations. More information on the program and its winners is available on the NIST website.
The NPI is being led by a coalition of scientific societies, including the American Physical Society (APS), the IEEE Photonics Society, the Laser Institute of America (LIA), OSA and SPIE.
About OSA
Founded in 1916, The Optical Society (OSA) is the leading professional society for scientists, engineers, achievements in the science of light. Through world-renowned publications, meetings and membership programs, OSA provides quality research, inspired interactions and dedicated resources for its extensive global network of professionals in optics and photonics. For more information, visit www.osa.org.
About OIDA
Founded in 1991, OIDA is a Washington, D.C.-based organization that promotes the optoelectronics industry. Affiliated with The Optical Society (OSA) since 2011, OIDA members and customers include the leading manufacturers of components and systems enabled by optoelectronics, as well as government labs and research institutions involved in the development of optoelectronic technologies. OIDA serves as the voice of industry to government and academia, acts as liaison with other industry associations worldwide, and provides a network for the exchange of ideas and information within the optoelectronics community. Learn more about OIDA at www.osa.org/oida.