DURHAM, N.H. - Lamprey Networks, Inc. (LNI) and Nanocomp Technologies, Inc. have received Granite State Technology Innovation Grants in the latest round of funding from the New Hampshire Innovation Research Center (NHIRC) at the University of New Hampshire. The funding enables the companies to collaborate with New Hampshire-based colleges and universities to help turn their research, conceptualization, and product development into economic assets.

The NHIRC grants support projects under development in the private sector. Projects vary from proof-of-concept to substantial product or process design. Companies are required to provide matching dollars or services in an effort to improve leverage of NHIRC dollars.

Using state-of-the-art sympathetic system sensor technology, LNI will collaborate with UNH to improve the state of home healthcare by developing an affordable and accessible technology solution that makes it possible for medical professionals to definitively know whether a patient has complied with explicit home care instructions. This is LNI's second Technology Innovation Grant. LNI is also currently collaborating with UNH to integrate biometric identification into its software products.

"LNI has a long history of collaborating with UNH in a variety of research and academic initiatives, and this award continues to expand that partnership," said Mike Mazzola, CEO at LNI. "This project will serve as a building block to bring industry-leading integrated remote health solutions to next generation healthcare for medication adherence and possibly much more."

"The project enables us to apply our academic research to address significant issues in the emerging field of connected home healthcare - an area that has a tremendous potential to improve quality of life while reducing the cost of providing healthcare," said Radim Bartos, chair of the computer science department at UNH.

Nanocomp Technologies develops carbon nanotube materials for military/defense and commercial applications. Nanocomp will be collaborating with UNH to examine, treat, and analyze samples of its carbon nanotube yarn products in order to determine if its planned processing can enhance electrical, and possibly mechanical, performance.

"This program is aimed at improving the electrical conductivity of carbon nanotube wire to the point where it can replace copper for power applications," said David Lashmore, research professor of materials science at UNH. "The extreme light weight of the carbon nanotube wire is expected to have profound energy implications for aircraft and automotive applications where weight is critical."

"Nanocomp Technologies' core interests involve both the development of new nanomaterials as well as creating new methods to extend the usefulness of the ones we currently manufacture," said Mark Banash, vice president. "We are also committed to New Hampshire and want to use and build the state's resources whenever possible, including training people at the university level to fill future jobs."

The NHIRC was created in 1991 by the New Hampshire Legislature to support innovations through industry and university collaborations, thereby increasing the number of quality jobs in the state. Since its inception, the NHIRC has awarded more than $6 million in state funds to support research projects and has been responsible for the creation or retention of 650 jobs. Its awardees have received more than $32 million in federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants and over $900 million in investment/acquisition capital. 

A new request for proposals will open on Feb.1, 2015, and will fund 12-month projects beginning July 1, 2015. For more information, visit http://www.nhirc.unh.edu/.

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