Columbus, OH -- The Ohio Department of Development has released an RFP for funding awards from the Ohio Fuel Cell Initiative. The Ohio Department of Development’s Technology Division administers all grant awards.

The Ohio Fuel Cell Initiative was established in 2003 to encourage Ohio companies and researchers in making advancements in the alternative energy field. As part of the Third Frontier Project, the initiative reserves approximately $100 million toward the development of Ohio’s fuel cell industry. Specifically, it:

    * supports development of technologies that will result in the opportunity for significant employment in Ohio within 5 years of completing the project;
    * helps Ohio companies secure additional financial resources needed to commercialize their fuel cell related products, processes, components, and systems; and
    * moves fuel cell related products, manufacturing processes, components, and systems to a point in the commercialization process where the applicant is ready to demonstrate a commercial prototype or actually enter the market with a product.

“Ohio is gaining a reputation as a worldwide leader in fuel cell development,” said Lt. Governor Bruce Johnson, who also serves as director of the Ohio Department of Development. “The Ohio Fuel Cell Initiative is sending a clear message to the world that when it comes to fuel cells, ‘Ohio Means Business’.”

The RFP opened August 25, 2005, with letters of intent due by 5:00 P.M. on September 15, 2005, and proposals due by 2:00 P.M. on October 24, 2005. For more information, visit http://www.thirdfrontier.com/open_rfps.asp, or call 1-800-848-1300.