Two North Dakota State University research projects could lead to more than 1,000 new private-sector jobs in industrial coatings and agricultural processing, an NDSU vice president said Monday.
The NDSU projects are among 15 research-and-job-creation proposals that eight state colleges and universities will pitch today as they compete for $11 million in state grants from the "Centers of Excellence" program.
The Legislature appropriated $20 million last year for the grants. The first round of proposals - four projects totaling $9 million - received final approval from legislators in December. One is at NDSU.
Today's meeting is the beginning of the second round of grants. College officials will describe their projects today to the state Centers of Excellence Commission that will decide which of the 15 ideas should receive state funding. Projects must then be approved by the state Emergency Commission and the Legislature's Budget Section.
Campuses must use the grants for college research that sparks new products or private-sector job growth. The jobs should be skilled or technical jobs that pay well.
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Local centers seeking grants must raise $2 from businesses and other grants for every $1 in state funds.
NDSU is seeking $4.6 million for an oilseed development project, said the school's vice president, Philip Boudjouk. If successful, the project would boost western North Dakota agriculture producers' net income and increase the profitability of agricultural processors, he said. Private-sector partners include ag processing giant Archer Daniels Midland.
The second NDSU request is $4.7 million for research on protective coatings for industry. New soft coatings could protect against corrosion, Boudjouk said, and hard coatings could protect against wear. Among the several private sector partners are local companies Gremada Industries, Industrial Builders and Marvin Windows.
"What we bring to the table are equipment, labs and personnel that companies just don't have," Boudjouk said.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Janell Cole at (701) 224-0830
Grants awarded
Four economic development projects have already received funding for Centers of Excellence. They are:
-North Dakota State University: Center will research small sensor chips used in high-tech applications
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-Bismarck State College: Center will combine energy work force training with environmental research
-Lake Region State College, Devils Lake: Center will focus on optimized agriculture
-University of North Dakota: Funds will go toward a national center
of hydrogen technology
