NASHVILLE, TN – International FemtoScience, Inc. (FemtoSci), a Nashville-based pioneer in diamond-based technologies, has been awarded a Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II grant from the Missile Defense Agency and received matching funds from Launch Tennessee's SBIR/STTR Matching Fund program. The combined funding will enable FemtoSci to establish a state-of-the-art diamond processing facility at the University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI) in Tullahoma, Tennessee.

"This funding marks a pivotal moment in Tennessee's advanced materials and defense technology sectors," said Dr. Jim Davidson, President of FemtoSci. "By establishing our diamond deposition system at UTSI, we're bringing critical semiconductor manufacturing capabilities to Tennessee while advancing our mission to develop radiation-immune electronics for extreme environments."

The Launch Tennessee matching funds will support the procurement and installation of a diamond deposition system, enabling FemtoSci to produce specialized diamond films for next-generation electronic devices. This capability is essential for the company's work with the Missile Defense Agency and other defense and commercial applications where traditional silicon-based electronics cannot operate.

"Our diamond-based technologies offer unique advantages over silicon, particularly in high-temperature, high-radiation environments encountered in missile defense systems and hypersonic flight," explained Dr. Davidson. "This new facility will accelerate our ability to develop and commercialize these innovations right here in Tennessee."

FemtoSci's technologies have demonstrated success in various applications, including radiation-immune electronics, high-temperature sensors, and enhanced cooling systems for power transformers. The company maintains strong ties with Tennessee's research community through its six-year collaborative relationship with UTSI.

The STTR Phase II program and matching funds will support FemtoSci's commercialization efforts through 2024, with the facility expected to be operational by Q3 2023. The project aligns with Launch Tennessee's mission to support strategic industries and promote technological innovation across the state.

To learn more about Launch Tennessee's SBIR/STTR Matching Fund program, visit: https://launchtn.org/sbir-matching-fund-applications-open/