By: Frank Zang
Published 12:13 pm / June 13, 2012
The Higher Education Research Council of the State Board of Education has awarded funds through the Idaho Global Entrepreneurial Mission (IGEM) initiative to three projects at the state’s research universities.
The three winning proposals were selected by a review committee comprised of business and industry and higher education representatives.
Boise State University will receive $700,000 to enhance its Computer Science program to help meet compelling state economic development, research, and workforce needs.
“Boise State is investing the IGEM funding into its computer science program to address the needs of Idaho industries by increasing its number of graduates in software development,” said Mark Rudin, Boise State vice president for research and economic development. “The university recognizes its essential role in supporting our high-tech industry. New faculty members will result in more computer science research, stronger business ties and more students in the pipeline for technology careers.”
Idaho State University was awarded $670,700 for the development of commercially-viable, accelerator-produced materials for medical and semiconductor industry applications. The University of Idaho will use its award of $640,200 for a multidisciplinary cyber-security faculty cluster hire. The grant will fund new faculty to support cyber-security research and education in computer science, electrical and computer engineering, civil engineering and sociology.
The vision of IGEM is to leverage private-industry guidance and the talent and expertise of Idaho’s research universities to commercialize innovative and viable technologies that will strengthen Idaho’s economy. The 2012 Idaho Legislature appropriated $2 million through the IGEM initiative for research funding for Idaho’s universities.