A group of seven universities and 18 companies won a federal contest for the right to start a manufacturing institute designed to promote innovation and job creation, and build on the recent progress of the industry, according to a White House press release. Since North Carolina State led the pitch, the Next Generation Power Electronics Innovation Institute will be administered largely by the university and built on its Centennial Campus, aided by $70 million in federal money and another $70 million combined from the state of North Carolina, NC State University, and the other universities and companies belonging to the consortium, according to NC State's website (front page news today).

One of the specific focuses of the institute is to promote the development and widespread use of wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductors, more efficient (but not yet as cost-effective) than silicon-based conductors in the operation of electrical components in motors, consumer products, and more. Ultimately, WBGs provide more power while using less electricity, a result that would strengthen the industry and lessen the burden on the environment.

Many of the companies in the winning group already manufacture WBGs; the center aims to quicken the innovation process by providing cutting edge facilities to develop new methods. Additionally, it will operate as a place for companies, academics, and others to collaborate on projects.

"The mission of the Next Generation Power Electronic Institute is to develop advanced manufacturing processes that will enable large-scale production of wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductors, which allow electronic components to be smaller, faster and more efficient than semiconductors made from silicon," North Carolina State said in a statement on its website.

The institute will also attempt to develop individuals interested in the field and/or those already in the field by supporting education programs (including higher education opportunities) and workforce development/training initiatives (such as internships), according to the press release.

Thursday's announcement marks the first of three contest winners scheduled to be proclaimed since President Obama first issued the challenge during last year's State of the Union Address. The remaining two winners haven't yet been selected.

Other universities involved in the institute: North Carolina State [Lead], Arizona State University, Florida State University, University of California at Santa Barbara, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory.