
It's That Time Again! Come Tech out NC!
by Brittany C.
Postcards from Smartopia Most Recent Post
Hey #SmartyPants! We're sure you heard the big news! President Barack Obama will announce in just a few moments that N.C. State University will be home to a $140 million consortium of companies and universities that will develop the next generation of energy-efficient electronic chips and devices. Great right? So what does all of this mean? Well, we got some insight from one of our #SmartyPants who really knows a thing or two about this type of thing. The blog below is from Wake County Economic Development Project Manager, Michael Haley. He's an expert on all things smart grid, clean tech and more. Check it out!
Wow! What a morning so far!
Today, President Obama will announce the creation of the $140 million Next Generation Power Electronics Institute which will be headquartered at NC State’s Centennial Campus. The Institute will be a consortium of companies and universities that will develop the next generation of energy efficient electronic chips and devices. According to a release by NC State, the Institute will develop new energy solutions through the use and evolution of a technology called wide bandgap semiconductors.
The US DOE will provide $70 million to the Institute over the next 5 years to be matched by business, universities, and the State of North Carolina. The consortium will consist of 7 universities and 18 companies including local powerhouses ABB and CREE.
So why here? Why was NC State selected as the home of the Institute? I think it’s for 3 key reasons:
3. People. Talent – our highly skilled and educated workforce – are what drive innovation. Our region is home to some of the best and brightest, particularly in smart grid.
What a day! And its just lunch time. Did I mention this project will create or sustain over 1,000 jobs in the first five years? This is a day of great news for NC State and the entire Triangle Region! Stay tuned, lots more to come.
Be sure to keep up with all the smart grid and cleantech news by following us @TriSmartGrid and by visiting http://www.raleigh-wake.org/smartgrid
-Michael
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