DURHAM, N.H. — The New Hampshire Innovation Research Center (NHIRC) at the University of New Hampshire has awarded a Granite State Technology Innovation Grant to ArgenTech Solutions, Inc. (AgTS) to help develop a high-performance, photoluminescent powder coating additive suitable for advanced safety and military applications. AgTS specializes in identifying emerging, innovative technologies that can be rapidly integrated to enhance system performance. The resulting product will be available in a wide range of colors and aims to be significantly brighter and longer lasting than any products currently available.

"AgTS submitted a very strong proposal," said Marc Sedam, executive director of the NHIRC. "The NHIRC's goal is to promote university-industry collaborations, the hallmark of any healthy technology region. The collaboration with UNH has the potential to accelerate AgTS' growth, licensing income for the university, and new, quality manufacturing jobs for our state." 

"Many industrial, automotive, military, and manufacturing markets are in need of new solutions to ensure safety in case of a lack - or loss - of power. AgTS' innovation, with an optimized distribution of photoluminescent pigment in coatings applicable to safety, will bring improved protection for workers and offers energy-saving lighting alternatives in sight-limiting environments," said John Tavalas, research assistant professor of materials science at UNH and the principal investigator.

"The funds we've been granted through the NHIRC allow us to extend our research and development capabilities quicker than we'd be able to do without," said Russell Mason, vice president of marketing and sales and CIO of ArgenTech Solutions. "The partnership we have with UNH allows us access to specialized equipment and research knowledge, the assistance of talented UNH students to hone organic talent, and an environment in which to test our products before commercialization."

Granite State Technology Innovation Grants support projects under development in the private sector. Projects vary from proof-of-concept to a substantial product or process design. Companies are required to provide matching dollars or services and to receive additional NHIRC-sponsored training in Small Business Innovation Research or Small Business Technology Transfer grant writing in an effort to improve leverage of NHIRC dollars.

To learn more about the NHIRC and how to apply for funding, visit http://www.nhirc.unh.edu.

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About the New Hampshire Innovation Research Center
The NH Innovation Research Center (NHIRC) was created in 1991 by the New Hampshire Legislature to increase collaboration, technology development and innovation between New Hampshire businesses and universities. Businesses match their project awards to fund research, which often leads to new products and processes. Goals of the program include increased competitiveness and profitability for businesses, an increase in the tax-base and in the number of quality jobs for the state of New Hampshire, federal funding of Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) awards, and additional funding from venture capitalists. For more information, visit http://www.nhirc.unh.edu.