OHIO Governor to present funds at KSU as a boost to high-tech research

Gov. Bob Taft was to visit northeast Ohio today to present $28.6 million to promote high-tech research that is expected to create more than 1,100 new jobs.
Taft was to announce a $1.6 million state grant to Kent State University's Liquid Crystal Institute today. Expected to create more than 400 jobs, the money will fund the Flexible Optical and Electronic Device Manufacturing Facility's research of optical and electronic devices, such as liquid crystal in laptop computers or computer semiconductor chips, to create products that are lighter, stronger and less expensive.
To announce awards
The governor also was to announce two biomedical research awards in Cleveland: one for $19.4 million for the Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine; the other, a $7.8 million state grant to the Ohio Neurostimulation and Neuromodulation Partnership.
The Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine is a collaboration among Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals of Cleveland, The Cleveland Clinic, Athersys, Ohio State University, Tulane University and Florida State University. The center is expected to create 500 jobs and lead to the formation of five new companies in the state.
The Ohio Neurostimulation and Neuromodulation Partnership, a collaboration of Case Western, Metro Health Medical Center, The Cleveland Clinic, NDI Medical, Louis Stokes VA Medical Center and the University Hospitals of Cleveland, is expected to bring 226 jobs to Ohio.