MICHIGAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
21st CENTURY JOBS FUND AWARDEES

In the first round of the 21st Century Jobs Fund competition, 85 awardees were selected to share approximately $135 Million to create jobs in Michigan's emerging technology sectors.  Of this amount, 15 awards totaling $26.8 Million were provided to organizations commercializing or supporting alternative energy technologies, including the following:

Awardee:  Adaptive Materials, Inc.
Amount:  $6,271,190 
Title:   Realizing the Alternative – Commercialization of Portable Fuel Cell Systems
Abstract:  Adaptive Materials, Inc. (AMI) is commercializing a portable, fuel flexible Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) system for military and commercial applications.  AMI’s SOFC technology offers a significant advantage over other systems since propane can be used as the fuel source, which eliminates one of the greatest challenges in commercializing fuel cell technologies; the transportation and storage of hydrogen.

Awardee:  Advanced Resource Recovery, LLC
Amount:  $1,912,000
Title:  An operating waste recycling facility develops Biodiesel creating jobs and community revitalization
Abstract:  Advanced Resource Recovery (ARR), an operating waste recycling and treatment facility in the City of Inkster, proposes to develop Biodiesel production capabilities, providing alternative renewable energy sources for public and private; consumption, transportation, commercial and home heating and stationary power plants. ARR is implementing a new strategy to utilize the assets of a plant outside of the industrial waste treatment industry in order to create a viable new business model by reconfiguring existing facilities can begin to produce Biodiesel, a fuel additive used in creating diesel fuel blends. Support for plant improvements for the creation of an alternative energy Biodiesel production facility includes the creation of over 40 jobs.

Awardee:  Electrojet
Amount:  $962,600
Title:  Small engine fuel injection technologies to reduce emissions and improve engine performance
Abstract:  ElectroJet is engaged in product research and development of advanced automotive technology for small engines. Since the company’s inception in 2003 ElectroJet technology has reached a current prototype stage ready for production. The company’s goal is to commercialize advanced Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) technology to decrease pollution emissions, help meet upcoming US federal emission standards, increase fuel efficiency, and improve the operability of small engines. This technology builds upon automotive EFI and extends the technology into the small engine market in a cost feasible manner.

Awardee:  Fraunhofer USA
Amount:  $823,557
Title:   Advanced Laser Processing for Mass Production of Alternative Energy Systems
Abstract:  Fraunhofer USA, in partnership with Wayne State University and Johnson Controls, Inc., will develop laser processing technologies tailored to the specific needs in the packaging and assembly of alternative energy sources and storage devices, such as high capacity batteries and fuel cells. Implementation of the new technologies is expected at Johnson Controls and other manufacturers of advanced power storage systems. Further applications are expected at suppliers of vehicle power management systems and advanced fuel cell technology.

Awardee:  Integrated Sensing Systems, Inc.
Amount:  $974,999
Title:  Production of a Fuel Cell Sensor for Alternative Energy Consumer Electronics and Auto Applications
Abstract:  Integrated Sensing Systems, Inc. will develop and commercialize a small, low cost methanol concentration sensor that can satisfy the requirements for emerging fuel cell technologies at an affordable price. This new sensor will find applications in consumer electronics and automotive fields. With calibration / programming changes this device will also be capable of use with other fuels such as ethanol, formic acid and ethylene glycol. The use of this sensor will improve the efficiency of fuel cells, enabling them to compete with battery and internal combustion power sources.

Awardee:  Michigan State University
Amount:  $1,443,689
Title:   Advanced Combustion Systems for Ethanol Fueled Engines using Microelectronic Control
Abstract:  Michigan State University, in partnership with Visteon Corporation, will develop an advanced system for the combustion of ethanol-based fuels in internal combustion engines, for next-generation engines that are optimized for use with this class of fuel. This Advanced Ethanol Tolerant Engine (AETE) will have an efficiency approaching that of a modern diesel engine without the NOx and particulate problems of a diesel.

Awardee:  Michigan State University
Amount:  $2,425,851
Title:  Development and Demonstration of a Low Cost Hybrid Drive Train for Medium and Heavy Duty Vehicles
Abstract:  Michigan State University, in partnership with Kettering University and Eletra Hybrid Systems, Inc., will develop and demonstrate a proprietary hybrid electric drive train system for medium and heavy duty vehicles.  This collaboration includes research and development of drive trains at Michigan State University and development of a strategy for packaging the mechanical and electrical systems at Kettering University, The hybrid drive trains will be based upon improved versions of the technology and know-how developed and owned by Eletra, which have already been demonstrated on a hybrid bus.

Awardee:  Michigan State University
Amount:  $661,511
Title:   Reactive Distillation for Production of Organic Acid Esters
Abstract:  Michigan State University, in partnership with Diversified National Products (DNP), Inc., will develop technology to convert biorenewable-derived chemical intermediates to saleable products, thus reducing the use of petroleum-based counter offerings. Specifically, this research will convert organic acids, a large class of chemical intermediates made from fermentation of biorenewable carbohydrates, to organic acid esters, a class of products that have immediate applications as industrial solvents, plasticizers, fuel additives, monomers, and as starting materials for other products.

Awardee:  NextEnergy
Amount:  $2,890,753 
Title:    NextEnergy Statewide Alternative Energy Technology Support Network
Abstract:  NextEnergy will create the NextEnergy Statewide Alternative Energy Technology Support Network (Network) in collaboration with SmartZones, universities and economic development organizations statewide. NextEnergy will develop the Network by expanding and enhancing its existing initiatives for providing support to Alternative Energy Technology (AET) companies and entrepreneurs throughout Michigan, as well as creating several new initiatives. NextEnergy will bring together and leverage the combined technical and business resources of Michigan’s SmartZone accelerators and incubators and Michigan’s major research universities through programs designed to 1) build a statewide AET business growth support infrastructure, 2) position Michigan as the leading U.S. AET business and job creator and 3) ultimately put Michigan on the AET industry “map.”

Awardee:  T/J Technologies, Inc.
Amount:  $952,665
Title:    Rechargeable Lithium Battery Performance at Lead Acid Cost
Abstract:  T/J Technologies has a proprietary chemistry that can be developed to address back up energy storage for the solar market. T/J Technologies is developing a battery that will be lighter, maintenance free, provide longer cycle life/lower per cycle cost than competing technologies. This technology will enable lithium ion batteries to be used to store solar-generated power for later use. T/J has partnered with two Michigan universities for the development of this technology: Michigan State University and Michigan Technological University.

Awardee:  Truck Emission Control Technologies (TECT)
Amount:  $1,500,000
Title:    Retrofit technology for the reduction of pollutions from diesel trucks and buses
Abstract:  Truck Emission Control Technologies (TECT) was formed in 2002 to market and manufacture emission control products for diesel trucks and buses in the U.S. TECT is a subsidiary of Converter Technology Inc. (CTI), a research and development company which developed the diesel emission control technologies and products over the last 20 years. Through SBIR grants, state of Michigan grants from MDOT and commerce, business angels’ investments, and soft matching from consultants, an excess of $3 million has been raised, and the company has been successful in bringing its technology to the commercialization phase.

Awardee:   University of Michigan
Amount:  $1,670,811
Title:   Collaborative Development of Clean Diesel Exhaust Aftertreatment System through Modeling and Testing
Abstract:  The University of Michigan, in partnership with Eaton Corporation, will develop aftertreatment technology for diesel engines, in order to reduce diesel tailpipe emissions and make diesel engines a more attractive option over competing alternative powertrain technologies. Eaton’s proprietary aftertreatment system has benefits of no urea infrastructure requirement, less fuel consumption penalty, and improved system durability over current aftertreatment in the market.

Awardee:   University of Michigan
Amount:  $1,248,904
Title:   Integration and demonstration of high efficiency hydraulic hybrid propulsion technology for trucks
Abstract:  The University of Michigan, in partnership with Dana Corporation and Intelligent Hydraulic Drive Products, will develop, integrate, and demonstrate an alternative propulsion system based on hydraulic hybrid technology to be used for medium trucks, including military and commercial applications. This hybrid propulsion system for trucks offers increased fuel economy, as well as reduced emissions, and economic benefits due to reduced cost of shipping goods.

 
Awardee:   Wayne State University
Amount:  $2,030,156
Title:   Development of Synthetic Fueled Generator Sets for Homeland Security
Abstract:  Wayne State University (WSU), in partnership with Titan Energy Development Inc. (Titan Energy) and the US Army National Automotive Center (NAC), will develop and test on-site electrical power generation hardware to run on synthetically produced and petroleum-based fuels, including Fischer-Tropsch (FT) fuels. A comprehensive analysis of alternative fuel properties will be conducted, followed by engine testing. This research will provide the US Departments of Defense and Energy critical learning on the use of synthetic fuels within tactical and commercial power generation equipment.

Awardee:  Zeeland Farm Services, Inc.
Amount:  $1,011,593
Title:    Value Added Bio-based Industrial Products and Chemicals
Abstract:  Zeeland Farm Services (ZFS), Inc., in collaboration with Michigan State University and BioPlastic Polymers and Composites, will develop catalytic oxidation technology to derivatize and convert soy oil into value-added products, and replace products currently derived from petroleum. The overall objective is to introduce value added industrial products derived from the esterification and ozonation of soybean oil. Initially, soy-based polyols and biobased oxygenated fuel additives will be produced.