F3 Innovations, Inc.

University of Tennessee, 2001 - $16,700

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) patented an innovative lighting system for encapsulated luminous material, based on the concept of fluorescent lighting. The lighting system is capable of functioning even if a section is broken, which fluorescent bulbs cannot do. In addition, the system is more energy efficient than other designs, by up to fifty percent. The concept required further development, including analysis of materials and methods for commercialization, and the F3 Innovations E-Team signed a licensing agreement with ORNL to continue work on the technology. The team targeted a number of specific areas within the lighting market for this technology, specifically automobile signals, interior/exterior architectural lighting, and commercial signage. The E-Team consisted of several engineering graduate students working with engineering and business faculty and the Senior Development Staff Member at ORN.