The state Department of Economic and Community Development, UConn and United Technologies Research Center will take part in a new Flexible Hybrid Electronics Manufacturing Innovation Institute, which is virtual and which consists of more than 160 companies, universities and nonprofits.
The U.S. Department of Defense awarded $75 million over five years to the alliance to establish and manage the institute. Flexible hybrid electronics are described as the next wave in electronics, with the promise of moving from defense applications to the general population.
Flexible hybrid electronics allow thin silicon electronic devices, sensing elements, communications and power sources to be integrated with flexible materials, including flexible glass, plastic, paper and even human skin.
The federal funds are being matched by $96 million from 14 other states involved in the project and from private funds. This includes $2.5 million from Connecticut”™s DECD and a $2.5 million from UConn.
“This is great news for Connecticut because the impact of this institute”™s activities will go way beyond its initial objective of supporting the defense industry,” DECD Commissioner Catherine Smith said. “To capitalize on the full potential, the integrated circuit, graphics printing and electronic assembly/packaging industries will have to be engaged in the process, and benefits could extend far into the automotive, communications, consumer electronics, medical devices, healthcare, transportation and logistics and agriculture industries.”
The institute is part of the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation announced by President Barack Obama in 2012.
The institute will be led by the FlexTech Alliance, a California-based consortium of 96 companies, 11 laboratories and nonprofits, 42 universities and 14 states and regional organizations, including Connecticut”™s participation.
“Its mission is to advance the manufacturing of flexible hybrid electronics within the United States during the next five years,” Gov. Dannel Malloy”™s office said.
“We”™re demonstrating our commitment to seeking ”“ and securing ”“ new and innovative sources of support to develop key technologies in our state,” Malloy said. “Just last month, Connecticut earned a federal designation and access to federal dollars that will support advanced manufacturing, primarily in our aerospace and shipbuilding industries.”
That designation, one of a dozen nationally, will make available $1 billion in federal investments in manufacturing. “This latest national affirmation builds on and strengthens our state’s reputation as a manufacturing leader.”
“Connecticut’s partnership on the Flexible Hybrid Electronics Manufacturing Innovation Institute is another recent example of UConn working with state government and industry to bring new opportunities to Connecticut,” UConn President Susan Herbst said. “The institute will engage Connecticut companies and UConn researchers to develop new technologies and manufacturing processes that promote economic development.”
