A. The Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology may develop and implement a nanotechnology pilot project to assist qualified Oklahoma companies in the process of applying nanotechnology through research, development, and manufacturing to improve current products or create new, cutting-edge products. The project shall be known as the “Oklahoma Nanotechnology Applications Project” (ONAP). The Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology may employ established program processes to award nanotechnology funds or may contract with other qualified entities to operate this pilot project.

B. The Oklahoma Nanotechnology Applications Project is designed to provide Oklahoma with the ability to respond quickly to opportunities in the following technology focuses:

1. Advanced materials/nanotechnology;

2. Agricultural sciences;

3. Aviation/aerospace;

4. Biotechnology and life sciences;

5. Energy and energy-related;

6. Information technology and telecommunications;

7. Sensors and sensor-related; and

8. Meteorological science.

C. The Board shall award nanotechnology funding or professional service contracts only after finding that:

1. The project is technically sound and will produce measurable results;

2. The project leads to innovation, new knowledge, new devices, new products, or processes with preferences given to applications of nanotechnology leading to commercialization;

3. The project has a reasonable probability to enhance employment opportunities within Oklahoma; and

4. The project will enhance services to Oklahoma manufacturers or Oklahoma companies that are in the process of applying nanotechnology.

D. ONAP awards are designed to enable new and existing applications in nanotechnology and to encourage nanotechnology collaboration between industry, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit research institutions.

Added by Laws 2006, c. 76, § 2, eff. July 1, 2006.