POTSDAM – Clarkson University will receive $75,000 in funding from FuzeHub, a statewide organization that works to support manufacturing companies, as part of a $5 million dollar fund to support manufacturing.

A total of $469,000 has been awarded to seven projects that will add 46 jobs across the state, according to FuzeHub.

Clarkson University will use the funds to help create a new shared-laboratory for both academic and industry collaboration in which both will have access to laboratory tools and equipment.

The new space, named the Clarkson Biomaterials Characterization Laboratory, will use the Manufacturing Innovation Grant award to purchase a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer/ infrared (IR) microscope for the purpose of developing and manufacturing next-generation metamaterials-enhanced infrared imaging systems for commercial, security and defense markets.

Industry demand for the FTIR/IR microscope at Clarkson is driven by Phoebus Optoelectronics LLC, which has been performing metamaterials research, development and commercialization over the last ten years.

The project with Clarkson will generate significant economic impact for Phoebus Optoelectronics, Clarkson University, Potsdam and the surrounding communities, including the creation of 10 high quality jobs over the next two years.

FuzeHub, a not-for-profit organization responsible for assisting small to medium-sized manufacturing companies (SMEs) in New York State by matching them with technical and business resources, recently launched the Jeff Lawrence Manufacturing Innovation Fund.

Lawrence, who passed away in 2015, was a top executive at the Center for Economic Growth, the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) center for the Capital Region, and a champion for New York manufacturing and entrepreneurial communities.

The Manufacturing Innovation Fund, consisting of $1 million annually for five years, supports a set of activities designed to spur technology development and commercialization across New York State. FuzeHub is administering this fund as part of its role as the Empire State Development (ESD)-designated statewide MEP center.

As part of the fund, FuzeHub offers Manufacturing Innovation Grants. The grants are available to not-for-profit organizations, including higher education institutions, in New York State proposing innovative projects to be undertaken with small and mid-sized manufacturers or early stage companies.

The second round of grant awardees are projected to incrementally add 46 new jobs to both existing and startup companies across New York State in the next two years.