SANTA ANA, Calif., April 12, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- QuantumSphere, a leading manufacturer of nanoscale metals and alloys for applications in portable power, renewable energy, electronics, aerospace, defense and other markets demanding advanced materials, today announced its second year launch of a major program to fund innovative research that will provide breakthrough capabilities for QuantumSphere and its global base of customers and partners. QuantumSphere recently posted a Call for QSI-Nano(r) Research Grant Proposals to facilitate partnerships with universities and help bridge the gap between university research and real-world commercial applications by sponsoring individual and group research through prototype phase using QSI-Nano(r) metals and alloys. The end result of this research will further accelerate validation and commercialization of QuantumSphere's advanced nanomaterials in consumer and industrial applications.
"QuantumSphere's Call for Research Grant Proposals and funding of new research initiatives takes a fresh approach on traditional research methodologies," said Kevin Maloney, CEO, QuantumSphere, Inc. "Many research projects focus on the development of abstract experiments in the laboratory. However, QuantumSphere will only fund research that demonstrates commercial potential and a clear path to the validation and development of products that can be manufactured and used in consumer and industrial applications. It's truly a four-way win scenario; the researcher(s), universities, QuantumSphere, and the consumers will ultimately benefit from funded proposals that lead to commercial breakthroughs and end-use applications. The response to the 2006 Call for Research Grant Proposals Program was overwhelming and two solid proposals were funded. This year we've expanded the program from universities within California to universities nationwide. We've also allocated additional research dollars and expect to fund up to five projects in 2007," Maloney added.
QSI-Nano(r) Research Grant Proposals Program Guidelines and Requirements
* Funding is open to all graduate students and postdoctoral students involved in full-time research within colleges and universities in the United States during the 2007 - 2008 academic year
* Proposed research will investigate catalytic, conductive, magnetic, or anti-microbial applications utilizing QSI-Nano(r) Iron, Copper, Silver, Nickel, Cobalt, and Manganese metals and alloys for commercially viable applications
* Proposals must contain an explanation of the capability to execute a research plan beginning from dry, unfunctionalized metal/metal-oxide particles to prototype product, which encompasses:
-- an introduction of the proposed research initiative and how the
use of QuantumSphere's nanometals should improve performance of
the product/device
-- a definition of the current challenges/issues in the marketplace,
and how these challenges/issues can potentially be resolved with
the use of QSI-Nano(r) metals
-- a summary of the research plan's timeline that shows a clear path
for validation and potential commercialization beginning with
QSI-Nano(r) metals to final prototype device and its relevance to
an end-use in a commercially viable application
-- a thorough discussion that explains the target market and
potential commercial impact of a successful prototype
QuantumSphere will fund research initiatives over a 9- to 12-month period. Deadline for submissions will be June 30, 2007, and award recipients will be notified by October 1, 2007. More information about the QSI-Nano(r) Research Grant Proposals Program Guidelines and Requirements can be found at: http://qsinano.com/partners_proposals.php
About QuantumSphere, Inc.
QuantumSphere is a manufacturer of nanoscale catalyst materials for applications in portable power, renewable energy, electronics, aerospace, defense and other markets demanding advanced materials. QuantumSphere's proprietary technology enables the production of ultra-pure, highly uniform nanometals and alloys less than 100 nanometers in high volume at commercial prices with the potential to be utilized in a large number of new applications. QuantumSphere has also created an extensive intellectual property portfolio around its process capabilities and end-use commercial applications. QuantumSphere seeks to leverage its market position to manufacture and ship QSI-Nano(r) catalyst materials and electrode devices for clean-energy applications such as high-performance batteries and micro fuel cells for portable power, and hydrogen generation through electrolysis, among others. The current global catalyst market is in excess of $10 billion, annually.
QuantumSphere also works closely with industry experts, national labs, and leading universities to validate QSI-Nano(r) catalyst materials and generate licensing rights to intellectual property for high-value commercial applications. For more information on QuantumSphere, visit our website at www.qsinano.com, view corporate video at http://qsinano.com/video_company_overview.php or contact us by phone at 714-545-6266.