Funding Will Allow Company to Develop Nanotechnology Materials

CONTACT:
Deborah Shapiro
Marketing Manager
410-455-1509
dshapiro@umbc.edu

November 24, 2008

Blue Wave Semiconductors, Inc., a resident of bwtech@UMBC’s Incubator, has received a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the National Science Foundation. The $478,000 grant, which begins this month, will help the company develop nanomaterials for commercial and national security applications.

Founded in 2000 by R.D. Vispute, a research scientist at the University of Maryland, College Park, Blue Wave’s mission is to become a leader in semiconductor and optoelectronic devices and systems through innovative research and development techniques. Since June 2004, the company has been headquartered at bwtech@UMBC.

The grant from the NSF will be used to develop nanotechnology materials for bright ultraviolet (UV) lighting applications that are used in national security applications, medical devices, biological analysis tools, ultraviolet-based secure communications, space sensors, UV curing and UV disinfection/sterilization of water. These applications require UV sources with precise output wavelengths and high power.

“I am glad that the NSF has recognized the potential of our project,” said R.D. Vispute, CEO of Blue Wave Semiconductors. “This grant puts the company in the position to embark on an exciting phase in our research. We are confident that our work will provide great value to the semiconductor industry and the scientific community.”

“Blue Wave Semiconductors is performing innovative research with the potential for application in a variety of industries,” said David Fink, director of entrepreneurial services at bwtech@UMBC. “We are pleased with the support the NSF is providing through this award.”

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About bwtech@UMBC:
bwtech@UMBC is a 71-acre research and technology community at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). It comprises the technology business Incubator and Accelerator, home to over 30 early-stage high-tech and life science companies, and the Research and Technology Park, with a capacity of 350,000 square feet of office and laboratory space. bwtech@UMBC offers collaboration with university faculty and students, and enjoys a strategic and convenient location, close to downtown Baltimore, BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, and Washington, D.C. bwtech’s annual economic impact on the state is estimated to be over $300 million.