For Immediate Release

Photon8 Inc. Receives $1 million Texas Emerging Technology Grant

EDINBURG, TEXAS – JANUARY 05, 2010 - Gov. Rick Perry announced today Photon8 Inc., who is in partnership with The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College, received a $1 million grant from the Texas Emerging Technology Fund.

Photon8 is a startup company leading the development of algae bio-fuel technology. The company will use the award to genetically enhance the performance of the algae and advance its extraction technology.

“Texas is a leader in the energy sector and a leader in research and use in alternative energy,” Perry said. “Through the help of Photon8 we hope to spur innovation in biofuels that does not interfere with our food supply.”

The partnership between Photon8 and UTB/TSC is leading research in algae-based biodiesel fuel and important contributions in the renewable energy field. Photon 8 is housed at the ITEC Center.

“Photon8 and UTB/TSC are charting new pathways and together making unanticipated breakthroughs,” said Brad Bartilson, President and CEO of Photon8, Inc. “We are committed to making Texas the leader in sustainable energy.”

Since August, Photon8 Inc. moved its headquarters from New Jersey to the UTB/TSC campus and has begun working with professors and students in the chemistry, environmental science, molecular biology, MEMS and electro-magnetics departments.

“This presents an interesting opportunity for our students to do internships, research and jobs for graduates,” said Dr. Tamara K. Pease, assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences at UTB/TSC. “Right now we have a few students working in the lab and getting great hands-on research experience.”

Photon8 Inc.’s technology will eventually use regional sea water and non-arable land, and will recycle wastes from other sources as feedstock for the algae.

“While the university has experienced dramatic growth in research capabilities in recent years,  Photon8 represents the next stage in our efforts to promote regional economic development through research collaborations with private companies, particularly in the renewable energy area,” said Irv Downing, the  vice president for Economic Development and Community Services. 

The TETF is a $200 million initiative created by the Texas Legislature in 2005 at the governor’s request, and was reauthorized in 2007 and again in 2009 with $203.5 million for the 2010-2011 biennium. A 17-member advisory committee of high-tech leaders, entrepreneurs and research experts reviews potential projects and recommends funding allocations to the governor, lieutenant governor and speaker of the House. To date, the TETF has allocated more than $126 million in funding to 98 early stage companies, and $153 million in grant matching and research superiority funds to Texas universities.

Also receiving an TETF grant were The University of Texas Pan American, $3.4 million for the creation of its Rapid Response Manufacturing Center, and ScanTech Sciences Inc., $2 million for the development and commercialization of food sterilization technology.