An Albuquerque company dedicated to developing smaller and less expensive laser amplifiers is receiving $206,500 in seed funding for its work from the Department of Energy.
The software company Voss Scientific hopes to additionally simplify such products through the addition of an optical window treated with a metasurface to solve thermal stress.
The funding for Voss Scientific is just one of 235 small businesses across the country deploying what are called “proof-of-concept prototypes” and receiving up to $54 million in Energy Department backing.
“Small businesses and entrepreneurs are the backbone of the American economy, the heart of our communities, and a well of ingenuity, driving America’s leadership in energy efficiency, sustainable transportation and renewable power,” Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm said in announcing the funding.
As designed, the companies getting federal backing are daily immersed in what are called “novel solutions” for solar and hydrogen power, artificial intelligence, and advanced grid technologies challenges, among other pursuits.
Continued Granholm: “With this round of federal funding, we’re going one step further to tap this homegrown resource to help bring the next generation of clear energy innovation to market while creating good-paying jobs across the private sector.”
Just over 30 businesses identified as “socially disadvantaged or low income,” are receiving the DOE seed funding. Another 29 of the businesses are owned by women.
By Garry Boulard