Boise State University researchers claimed the majority of state economic development grants awarded through a competitive Idaho program designed to move academic discoveries into commercial markets. The university secured five awards totaling nearly $926,000 from the Idaho Global Entrepreneurial Mission Higher Education Research Council program, representing the largest share among Idaho’s higher education institutions.
Of 11 finalists selected from 18 initial proposals submitted by universities statewide, Boise State accounted for six. Three faculty members received new grants while two others earned renewals for ongoing commercial research projects. The funding flows directly to university laboratories working to transform research into products and businesses.
Program Focuses on Market Potential Over Academic Theory
Unlike traditional research grants that emphasize scholarly contributions, the IGEM HERC program prioritizes economic impact. A review committee composed of university research vice presidents, industry representatives, and an Idaho National Laboratory official evaluates proposals based on their ability to drive Idaho’s economy, address industry challenges, or launch marketable products.
Brett Adkins, director of Boise State’s Office of Technology Transfer, explained the program’s commercial emphasis requires faculty to shift their writing approach. “The committee wants to see how you are actively pushing a concept along to become an actual product,” Adkins said.
The Idaho Legislature funds the initiative to support research that translates into economic growth across priority sectors including health care, artificial intelligence, and agriculture.
New Awards Support Semiconductor and Agricultural Innovation
Three Boise State faculty members received inaugural funding through the program. Alex Sheldon, an assistant professor who joined the university last semester after working in industry, secured $152,600 to partner with American Semiconductor on faster, more cost-effective fiber-optic data transmission technology.
Konrad Meister received $145,000 to collaborate with Hyacinth Proteins on advancing ice-nucleating protein research. Todd Otanicar was awarded $125,000 to work with NxEdge developing 3D-printed components that improve gas distribution systems for semiconductor manufacturing.
The Office of Technology Transfer connected Sheldon with his industry partner after he needed a local company to support his proposal. Adkins used the office’s network to facilitate the partnership with the microchip manufacturer.
Established Projects Continue Commercial Development
Two faculty members earned renewed funding for ongoing commercialization efforts. Owen McDougal received $372,800 to continue partnerships with Genesis Organics and the Gibby Group on agricultural science and food chemistry applications. Claire Xiong secured $130,300 to advance battery technology and renewable energy materials research.
The program offers distinct funding tracks based on development stage, including proof of concept, scale-up, and commercialization categories. Awards can reach $300,000 annually as projects demonstrate increasing market potential.
How Ada County Researchers Can Apply
The IGEM HERC program conducts annual open calls for proposals aligned with state economic priorities. Applicants begin with a three-page pre-proposal. Those advanced by the selection committee then have several months to develop a complete 10-page submission.
Boise State’s Office of Technology Transfer provides strategic guidance to faculty preparing applications, helping them emphasize market readiness and economic impact metrics that carry the most weight with state reviewers. The office reviews drafts and connects researchers with potential industry partners to strengthen proposals.
The university’s success in capturing state commercialization funding reflects both faculty research capabilities and institutional support for moving discoveries from laboratories into Idaho’s economy.