MVSystems LLC Awarded Competitive Grant from the National Science Foundation

Arvada’s own MVSystems and its partner the University of Colorado Boulder have been awarded a National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant for $223,823.00 to conduct R&D work on the development of a novel type of solar cell based on perovskite technology. MVSystems is a global provider of state-of-the-art thin film deposition systems and technology for the semiconductor and solar sectors. Besides carrying out in-house R&D, MVSystems designs, builds and delivers ultra-high vacuum (UHV) single and multi-chamber deposition systems for R&D, prototype production and small production lines.

The University of Colorado Boulder will collaborate on the project in studying the impact of new thin film deposition strategies on the physics of the perovskite photovoltaics, in order to understand how the devices can best be designed and fabricated to extract the most electrical power while maintaining operational stability.The broader impact of this project will be seen in the strengthening of the renewable energy landscape, in the diversification of our energy sources, and ultimately in the reduction of fossil fuel’s impact on human health and the environment as our society moves toward clean electrification of our energy supply and distribution systems.

The National Science Foundation supports small businesses with the most innovative, cutting-edge ideas that have the potential to become great commercial successes and make huge societal impacts,” said Barry Johnson, Director of the NSF’s Division of Industrial Innovation and Partnerships. “We hope that this seed funding will spark solutions to some of the most important challenges of our time across all areas of science and technology.

SBIRs and STTRs

Once a small business is awarded a Phase I SBIR/STTR grant (up to $225,000), it becomes eligible to apply for a Phase II grant (up to $750,000). Small businesses with Phase II grants are eligible to receive up to $500,000 in additional matching funds with qualifying third-party investment or sales.

NSF accepts Phase I proposals from small businesses twice annually in June and December. Small businesses with innovative science and technology solutions and commercial potential are encouraged to apply. All proposals submitted to the NSF SBIR/STTR program undergo a rigorous merit-based review process.

To learn more about the NSF SBIR/STTR program, visit: www.nsf.gov/SBIR.

About the National Science Foundation’s Small Business Programs: The National Science Foundation (NSF) awards nearly $190 million annually to startups and small businesses through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program, transforming scientific discovery into products and services with commercial and societal impact. The non-dilutive grants support research and development (R&D) across almost all areas of science and technology helping companies de-risk technology for commercial success. The NSF is an independent federal agency with a budget of about $7 billion that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering.