Microscopic carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been a huge R&D focus because they can impart strength and weight reduction – and other needed materials characteristics – to polymers. But it’s still big news when a nanocomposite product makes a big spash entering the realm of commercialized products. Columbus (OH)-based Zyvex Performance Materials has literally made such a big splash recently by introducing its Piranha unmanned surface vessel (USV).

The Ohio State University (OSU) and the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) have proven to be excellent performers over the last 5 to 6 years in several Ohio Third Frontier grants, including:

Collectively, just these four Third Frontier investments have created over 450 new jobs with average salaries above $57,000, plus over $220 million in new product sales. Further, these four collaborations have attracted over $200 M in Federal and industry funds to the state and attracted or started 10 new companies. In addition, through collaboration with IDCAST, one Dayton company has grown its federal government portion of sensor revenue from $3 M a year to over $50 M a year in four years. Such success has generated so much media excitement that now the WCIs (CMPND and IDCAST) and the Third Frontier Research Commercialization Program (RCP) are considered models for University-Industry-Federal Lab collaborations. For Ohio, such statistics reflect major accomplishments for the universities and for the State!