Idaho is sending $2 million to three universities, part of a program approved by the 2012 Legislature that Gov. Butch Otter hopes boosts the state economy by fostering public-private partnerships.
The grants announced Wednesday are among the first outlays of the Idaho Global Entrepreneurial Mission, or IGEM.
The University of Idaho plans to use its $640,000 grant to support cyber-security research and education. Idaho State University says its $670,000 grant will help develop commercially viable semiconductor and medical materials. And Boise State University plans to use its $700,000 share for its computer science.
In addition to this research money, IGEM included another $3 million – $2 million for the Center for Advanced Energy Studies in Idaho Falls, and $1 million in state Department of Commerce grants to private industry. (AP)
