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Department of Energy Awards Phase II SBIR Grant to Higher Wire Inc.
The award is a follow-on to a previous project and the third SBIR grant that Higher Wire has received since 2022.
August 25, 2023
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced that it awarded Higher Wire Inc. with a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant to continue development and commercialization on a high-efficiency AC-DC power conversion system. The project, titled "Multiport Multi-directional Modular and Scalable Power Conversion Platform with DC/AC Source/Storage Integration using Wide Bandgap Power Electronics" aims to improve efficiency and energy density of power conversion systems while reducing their cost. Higher Wire has partnered with Arizona State University's Ira A Fulton School of Engineering for the project.
"Access to cost-effective, reliable, and clean energy is critical to widespread global social and economic development," said Trevor Warren, CEO of Higher Wire. "This project will create technologies and support good jobs that greatly improve the reliability, efficiency and cost of renewable energy systems."
Today’s announcement underscores the Biden-Harris Administration's deep commitment to advancing innovative climate solutions and strengthening America’s global scientific leadership, which are critical to achieving the President's goal of a carbon-free grid by 2035 and net-zero emissions by 2050.
“Big ideas become realities in the labs, workshops, factories, and plants of America’s small businesses,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “Small businesses tackle monumental issues all over the country, including climate change. DOE’s small business grants help companies across the country to develop the technologies, products, and infrastructure we will need for the transition to clean energy.”
American small business plays a critical role in facilitating the transition from discovery to innovation, helping create a bridge between the scientific laboratory and the commercial marketplace. DOE’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) awards strive to transform DOE-supported science and technology breakthroughs into viable products and services. The awards also support the development of specialized technologies and instruments that aid in scientific discovery.
Funded through the DOE’s SBIR/STTR program, today’s selections are for Phase II research and development of projects that either demonstrated feasibility for innovations during Phase I or are continuing prototype and process development from previous Phase II awards. The median Phase II award is $1.1 million for a period of two years.
Click here for the full Department of Energy announcement
