Gov. Kay Ivey awards $8.1 million for research and development projects

FILE – Gov. Kay Ivey – Photo from Office of Gov. Kay Ivey

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WAKA) – Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded $8.1 million in grants to Alabama institutions for projects researching advancements and potential breakthroughs in fields including medicine, agriculture and construction.

The 20 Alabama Research and Development Enhancement Fund grants will fund projects at four universities and one research center to spark innovation in industry and create new employment opportunities for Alabama residents.

“From cleaner air and water to more efficient construction techniques, these research projects seek novel solutions to familiar problems,” Gov. Ivey said. “I am pleased to award these funds for research with the potential to have a significant positive impact in Alabama and beyond.”

The fund was established by the Alabama Legislature in 2019 and signed into law by Gov. Ivey as part of the Alabama Innovation Act. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the research grant program.

“These institutions have a record of producing important innovations affecting a number of key industries,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to join Gov. Kay Ivey in support of these cutting-edge efforts in Alabama.”

HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology (Huntsville)

$763,470 for cancer research to help create new screening tools and treatments to improve patient outcomes.
$524,488 to create a shared digital storage system that uses artificial intelligence to help Alabama organizations track biological information and conduct large-scale genetic analysis.
$798,233 for research aimed at dramatically accelerating the production of genetically uniform plants for modern agriculture.

Auburn University

$600,000 to develop an artificial intelligence platform to help identify Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder risks and improve resilience. It will also provide training and knowledge-sharing for law enforcement, first responders and veterans.
$277,240 to research how to make artificial intelligence easier for people and organizations to use without specialized expertise.
$387,658 to use microalgae to convert emissions from Alabama paper mills and wastewater aquaculture facilities into high-protein fish feed.

University of Alabama

$69,834 to research how a smart excavator system uses automation to improve efficiency and safety on construction sites.
$500,000 for a project to recover aluminum and rare earth elements while recycling the materials used in the process. It will also convert iron into a water-treatment product and reuse the remaining material to make cement and concrete.
$75,000 to develop a 3D concrete printing system to create stronger and more sustainable infrastructure components.
$150,000 to develop two new fuel-testing methods for aircraft fuel systems.
$269,363 to research how building design, ventilation, filtration and HVAC systems affect energy use and indoor air quality in Alabama’s climate. The project will also develop improved HVAC filters designed to reduce energy use while lowering indoor pollution.
$399,158 to develop a portable sensor that can quickly detect long-lasting chemicals known as PFAS that carry health risks.
$193,800 to research how a metal manufacturing and recycling technology known as SolidStir can produce high-strength aluminum parts using 3D printing.
$506,840 to develop a technology to recover critical minerals including scandium and gallium from Alabama coal ash.
$100,000 to study ways to help low- and moderate-income households and community organizations reduce energy and water costs through energy efficiency, solar power and battery storage.
$402,363 to develop and test ways to use plant-based rather than petroleum-based materials in the development of pharmaceutical drug delivery systems known as lipid nanoparticles that have several potential medical applications.
$161,672 to research how 3D concrete printing can make construction more efficient, affordable and resilient. The project will address the need for affordable, energy-efficient and storm-resistant housing.

University of Alabama at Birmingham

$79,482 to research and develop new technology inspired by the human body’s ligaments and spine to improve the strength and resistance of building connections including beams, columns and roofs.

University of Alabama in Huntsville

$1.5 million to study how to expand digital engineering while creating a 3D model to teach members and students of Alabama’s aerospace and engineering industries.
$500,000 to study the role of molecular biology in human performance.

— Information from the Office of Governor Kay Ivey