SANTA ANA, Calif., June 4, 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 to12 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 (QSI) is a leading manufacturer of advanced materials for a wide array of clean-energy, defense, electronics, and other high-value applications. Backed by a strong intellectual property portfolio, the company has demonstrated breakthrough results with high-performance nano catalysts for use in emerging multi-billion dollar markets such as batteries, fuel cells, and hydrogen generation.
Unlike other nanomaterial focused companies, QSI has an automated, scalable, and patented process in place to produce ultrapure, high-surface area materials (less than 100 nanometers) in commercial volumes. Most importantly, the company has contracts with major global manufacturers using QSI materials and nano-enabled devices to provide breakthrough performance in multiple consumer and industrial products.
QSI also has collaborative agreements with industry experts, national labs, and leading universities to leverage QSI-Nano(r) catalyst materials in multiple additional applications and generate licensing rights to resulting intellectual property. By enabling low-cost, portable power and efficient renewable energy production with high-performance nano catalysts, QSI is delivering on the promise to alleviate our nation's over dependency on conventional sources of energy today. For more information, visit www.qsinano.com or phone 714-545-6266.