Student-led solar project receives Venture Fund award
Chemical engineering professor Chih-hung Chang has developed a process to manufacture thin-film solar cells efficiently and affordably—using the same ink jet printing technology used in desktop printers.
This innovation has the potential to greatly expand the use of solar power by making it more cost-competitive with conventional energy sources.
While the discovery happened in Chang's lab, the business idea was hatched in a classroom in Weatherford Hall.
As part of a technology transfer class, business student Nate Edwards helped create a plan to commercialize Chang's patented process. Thanks to OSU's Venture Fund, that business plan is now in motion, and two graduate students are working on demonstrating the technology's viability.
"My original plan called for this stage in the process. It's exciting to see it happening," Edwards said.
Launched in October 2007, the University Venture Development Fund offers Oregon residents a 60 percent state tax credit for gifts to the fund, with the goal of helping move more university research to the marketplace. OSU recently made its first round of awards under the program providing approximately $435,000 for six projects.
For the thin-film solar cell project, the Venture Fund award will support chemical engineering doctoral student Wei Wang as he works on fabricating the cells, while Edwards refines the business plan and marketing strategy.
"Our goal is to reduce cost of producing high efficiency solar cells," said Wang. "Right now our advantage is the processing technology. It's a very simple and inexpensive process."
Professor Chang, who serves as faculty advisor on the project, has also brought in Debra Gilbuena, a dual master's student in business and chemical engineering. The team hopes to spin off a company within a year.
Find out more about OSU's Venture Fund:
University Venture Development Fund
Calculate potential tax savinngs from your Venture Fund gift
News: First Venture Fund grants announced
