The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced two Solid-State Lighting (SSL) funding opportunities on May 24, 2010. 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 changes to the funding opportunity eligibility requirements. Under the new requirements, all types of domestic entities – including federal research centers and national laboratories – are eligible to apply. DOE will no longer issue the SSL Research Call for DOE/Federal Laboratories. Another key change to the eligibility requirements allows foreign companies to apply as part of a project team.

For more information on the new funding opportunities, visit Current Financial Opportunities on the DOE SSL website.