US Nanotech Developer UbiQD Awarded SBIR Contracts By US Air Force

UbiQD, a US-based nanotechnology development firm, has said that the US Air Force (AFWERX Program) had alloted it Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contracts. The current phase II contract funds two installations totaling more than 20 windows in addition to continuing to scale up and develop WENDOWTM, a quantum dot-tinted photovoltaic window technology from UbiQD.

In July 2022, Western Washington University received the largest electricity-generating windows ever manufactured thanks to a recent sequence of successful demonstration projects done by the company. Orange and yellow were used in this project along with UbiQD’s color neutral (near-IR) tint to emphasise the color tunability of quantum dots.

Vice Provost for Research and Dean of the Graduate School David Patrick stated, “This technology helps Western Washington University move closer to reaching our sustainability goals on campus. The ease with which the windows were installed and how gorgeous they appear both amazed me. Shortly, I want to see more initiatives like this on campus.”

The size and frequency of window projects are growing at a time when solar incentives are gaining momentum in the US as a result of the Inflation Reduction Act’s enactment. The recently passed legislation now offers a minimum 30% tax credit for solar projects over the next ten years.

According to Hunter McDaniel, founder, and CEO of UbiQD, “We are seeing strong financial backing for sustainable activities in the built environment right now.” The timing of our enlarged contract with the U.S. Air Force, which comes just as we are expanding and before the improved solar investment tax incentives, couldn’t be better.

Earlier, UbiQD and Heliene began a joint development agreement to integrate UbiGro sunlight optimising technology into Heliene’s photovoltaic modules.