2018 Issue

73 W ith a singular focus on the development and commercialization of science and technology innovation in Utah, USTAR (Utah Science Technology and Research) has a portfo- lio of signature offerings for companies, entrepreneurs and researchers across the state. For the engineering community, the Industry Partnership Program (IPP) grant and the new USTAR Innovation Center outside the west gates of Hill Air Force Base in Clearfield are well positioned to impact growth. Driving Success through USTAR’s Industry Partnership Program (IPP) Electric Power (EP) Systems, a California tech company that moved its headquarters to Utah, is one example of a company that benefit- ted from USTAR’s Industry Partnership Program as well as offering benefit to the northern part of the state and Utah State Universi- ty (USU). The company is partnering with researchers at USU to develop better battery technology. The IPP grant, along with other incentives, facilitated the company’s move to Utah. “The USTAR IPP is a very unique incentive that will allow EP Systems to partner with Utah State to create a world class battery test lab,” said Nathan Millecam, CEO and co-founder of the com- pany. “Cache County offers a good supply of engineering and manufacturing talent from USU and other applied technology institutions.” EP Systems develops high performance, lower cost energy storage systems for high reliability applications, specifically focusing on the aerospace sector. The collaboration be- tween EP Systems and USU aligns with USTAR’s mission to accelerate the commercialization of technologies in order to benefit the state of Utah. USTAR’s IPP builds synergistic, productive partnerships between industry and university researchers. These relation- ships help strengthen Utah’s robust innovation ecosystem. The IPP promotes collaboration between industry and univer- sity researcher expertise to develop, accelerate and commer- cialize technology to address gaps identified by a company. While EP Systems is one of several who is finding value from the IPP grant, others who are interested can apply for this opportunity. Companies with a substantial presence in Utah can utilize the program to address specific technology chal- lenges. As a project is identified, the company can find an appropriate university researcher for partnering, or USTAR can use its academic network in the state to identify poten- tial university research partners. The industry partner and the researcher or research team develop a joint proposal to present to USTAR. USTAR funding is awarded to the aca- demic researcher or research team through the university’s Office of Sponsored Projects. The industry partner commits to a minimum of 1:1 matching funds by direct payment to the university, in-kind support or a combination of the two. USTAR Innovation Center The new USTAR Innovation Center, located in the Fal- con Hill National Aerospace Research Park development near Hill Air Force Base, just opened its doors last November. The facility pro- vides access to specialized equipment, working space, and proximity to strategic partners, and mentoring opportunities for startups and growing companies. As a high-tech incubator and prototype lab, the Innova- tion Center serves the aerospace and defense, advanced USTAR: Building Utah’s Innovation Ecosystem By Ivy Estabrooke, PhD, USTAR executive director Ken Evans, the Prototype Lab Manager at the USTAR Innovation Center prepares the OMAX Waterjet for a demonstration at the facility’s grand opening on November 3, 2017 Credit: USTAR The X-57 Maxwell is NASA’s first all- electric X-plane. The electric propulsion system will be five times more efficient at high speed cruise than traditional fuel, while reducing carbon emissions. EP Systems is designing, developing, testing, and building the Energy Storage System (ESS) for the Maxwell. The most recent milestone test was successfully completed at a joint EP Systems/Utah State University facility. Credit: Electric Power Systems Credit: NASA Langley/ Advanced Concepts Lab, AMA, Inc.