Apr 25, 2006 Kaptur Announces Small Business Energy Innovation Award to Toledo Firm

WASHINGTON,DC- Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-9) announced today that MidwestOptoelectronics of Toledo will be awarded $99,455 from the Department ofEnergy's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to further its path-breakingwork in solar cell technology. This funding will be made availablethrough the SBIR initiative which allocates a specific percentage of allfederal research and development grants to small business applicants.

"This award signals further recognition by the Department of Energy that thework being done in our region in alternative energy is cutting-edge. Ourarea is on the forefront of technological advancements in energy alternativesfor the country and the world," said Kaptur.

Midwest Optoelectronics is working to develop lightweight, flexible solarcells for military, space, and consumer use. The proposed technologyaddresses the issue of the interconnection of solar cells, and is expected toresult in a more efficient manufacturing process and flexible solar cells ofhigher performance at lower cost.

Midwest Optoelectronics is one of 253 small businesses selected from 1,387applications. Phase I of the grant is expected to begin in lateJune. During this period, the company will determine the feasibility ofits concept. After completion of Phase I, the company will be eligible tocompete in fiscal year 2007 for Phase II funding, which is the principalresearch and development phase of the program.