The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced two Solid-State Lighting (SSL) funding opportunities on August 12, 2011. Under these funding opportunities, DOE seeks applications for projects to advance research, development, and market adoption of SSL technology. The funding is directed toward two existing DOE SSL R&D program areas for Core Technology Research and Product Development.

DOE is soliciting SSL projects in the following categories:

-Core technology projects focus on applied research for technology development, with particular emphasis on meeting efficiency, performance, and cost targets. Selected projects will fill technology gaps or provide enabling knowledge or data.

-Product development projects focus on using the knowledge gained from basic or applied research to develop or improve commercially viable materials, devices, or systems. Selected projects will develop targeted market applications with fully defined price, efficacy, and other performance parameters necessary for success of the proposed product.

Potential applicants should note that the response time for both opportunities has been lengthened and applications are due November 3, 2011. In addition, under the Core Technology opportunity, the cost share requirement is waived for projects in which the prime recipient is a federal research center or national laboratory.

For more information on the new funding opportunities, visit the DOE website at https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/.