The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced a solid-state lighting (SSL) R&D funding opportunity on December 6, 2013. Under this funding opportunity (DE-FOA-0000973, olid-State Lighting Advanced Technology R&D 2014, a total of up to $10 million in funding is directed toward all three existing DOE SSL R&D program areas: Core Technology Research the application of fundamental scientific concepts to SSL technology. Product Development ?using the knowledge gained from basic or applied research to develop or improve commercially viable SSL materials, devices, or systems. U.S. Manufacturing accelerating SSL technology adoption through manufacturing innovations and improvements that reduce costs and enhance quality and consistency.
DOE will select up to 10 projects. Potential applicants should note that there are a number of changes in the application procedures. One change is the requirement that applicants submit a concept paper prior to submitting a full application. Concept papers are due by January 8, 2014, and applications are due by February 24, 2014.