IsoTruss Inc., based in Provo, UT, has received funding from the Environmental Protection Agency as part of a $3 million program to help 30 companies that develop “novel technologies” to address pressing “environmental and public health” problems. IsoTruss received $100,000 for the development of a reinforced concrete foundation for telecommunication towers that increases resilience to natural disasters.
“EPA is providing these research and technology funds to companies addressing our most pressing environmental and human health priorities,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “We are pleased to support these Colorado and Utah businesses as they apply their expertise to develop innovative products and systems that will make our communities safer and healthier.”
EPA’s Small Business Innovation Research Program runs an annual, two-phase competition for funding. The small businesses receive Phase I funding for six months for “proof of concept” of their proposed technology. Companies that complete Phase I can then apply to receive Phase II funding of up to $400,000 to further develop and commercialize their technology.
IsoTruss fabricates its lattice tower structure with fiber-reinforced polymer composites (e.g., carbon, fiberglass, aramid, or basalt fibers with an epoxy, vinyl ester, or polyester resins, etc.). It says its manufacturing process emits up to 70 percent less CO2 than steel, which accounts for 6.7 percent of the world’s total CO2 emissions.
Reader Interactions