Home > Partners > Call for QSI-Nano® Research Grant Proposals > Program Guidelines & Requirements

Award Amount: Up to $100k
Funding Period: Nine Months
Deadline for Submission: August 1, 2006
Award Notification: October 1, 2006
Research Start Date: TBD
Number of Awards: TBD

QuantumSphere is looking to partner with universities and sponsor individual and group research through prototype phase using QSI-Nano® metals in an effort to accelerate validation and commercialization of these advanced materials in consumer and industrial applications.

QuantumSphere is a leading manufacturer of metallic nanopowders for applications in energy, electronics, aerospace, defense, biomedical and other markets demanding advanced materials. QuantumSphere’s exclusive manufacturing process provides consistent and narrow particle size distribution, low levels of agglomeration, a custom-tailored oxide shell thickness, and the highest purity metallic nanopowders on the market, which are easier to transport and handle. The Company accomplishes this without compromising its commitment to the environment and the community.

The Company’s goal is to fund innovative research projects in nanotechnology that pertain to nanometals and their oxides. Catalytic, conductive, magnetic and anti-microbial applications that could ultimately result in an end-use technical, industrial or consumer products are the focus of this grant.

QSI-Nano® Metals Available for Research:

• Iron
• Copper*
• Silver*
• Nickel*
• Colbalt*
• Manganese

Product profiles for above (*) materials can be found online at www.qsinano.com
Product profiles for iron and manganese will be posted soon.

• This funding opportunity is open to all graduate students and postdoctoral students involved in full-time research within the University of California system, Caltech, Stanford, and USC during AY 06-07
  
  
• The proposed research will investigate catalytic, conductive, magnetic or anti-microbial applications of QSI-Nano® metals and alloys (see list of materials above)
  
  
• Must describe basic or developmental research pertaining to a potential commercial application of metallic nanopowders
  
  
• Completed submission form, including approval signature from advising professor

• A summary of previous work, and references in the project area chosen, as support of the proposed idea
  
  
• Proposal must contain an explanation of capability to execute research plan beginning from dry, unfunctionalized metal/metal-oxide particles to prototype product, which encompasses:
  
  
  • An abstract describing the proposal topic, and its relevance to an end-use commercially viable application
    
    
  • Introduction with background information of the proposed project, and how the use of nanometals should improve performance of the product/device (NOTE: describe the existing challenges/issues in the marketplace and your proposed solution)
    
    
  • A summary of the concept and a research plan and timeline that shows a clear path for validation and development of a prototype product
    
    
  • List of the experiments to be conducted, including the equipment and instruments that will be used
    
    
  • A discussion detailing the potential commercial impact of a successful prototype
    
    
  • A general budget, stating how money will be divided between salary, chemicals, and equipment
  
  
• Submissions should be no longer than 3 pages in length, typed in 12 point font at single line spacing. Up to two graphics may be included in the proposal. This proposal document must be submitted in *.pdf format.

Successful proposals will be awarded on the following criteria:

• Clear definition of the current challenges/issues in the marketplace, and how these challenges/issues can potentially be resolved with the use of QSI-Nano® metals (20%)
  
  
• A detailed path for validation and potential commercialization beginning with QSI-Nano® metals to final prototype device (50%)
  
  
• Potential commercial impact of the successful prototype (30%)

Awarded candidate must agree to complete a progress report every six weeks, and write a whitepaper, to be published on the QSI website, at the conclusion of the project. Additionally, demonstration of a working prototype or design must be illustrated at the conclusion of the project. QSI understands that any intellectual property resulting from the project will be owned by the college or university, with QSI having exclusive licensing rights. At the time of submission, all proposals become the property of QSI. Submitted proposals must not contain any information which is considered proprietary by the college or university.

Click Here for Proposal Submission Form